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Kentucky by design: the decorative arts and American culture

Burks, Jean M.(Contributions by)Burnside, Madeleine(Contributions by)Chavance, Philippe(Contributions by)Churilla, Lauren(Contributions by)Curry, Larrie(Contributions by)Doss, Erika(Contributions by)Ganz, Michelle(Contributions by)Hankla, Mel(Contributions by)Hesseldenz, Kate(Contributions by)Hines, Tommy(Contributions by)Hirsch, Jerrold(Contributions by)Kogan, Lee(Contributions by)Pen, Ron(Contributions by)Rae, Janet(Contributions by)Weiss, Allan(Contributions by)Zegart, Shelly(Contributions by)Kelly, Andrew(Edited by)
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TheIndex of American Designwas one of the most significant undertakings of the Federal Art Project -- the visual arts arm of the Works Progress Administration. Part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal, this ambitious initiative set out to discover and document an authentic American style in everyday objects. The curators of the Index combed the country for art of the machine age -- from carved carousel horses to engraved powder horns to woven coverlets -- created by artisans for practical use. In their search for a true American artistic identity, they also sought furniture designed by regional craftsmen laboring in isolation from European traditions.

Kentucky by Designoffers the first comprehensive examination of the objects from the Bluegrass State featured in this historic venture. It showcases a wide array of offerings, including architecture, furniture, ceramics, musical instruments, textiles, clothing, and glass- and metalworks. The Federal Art Project played an important role in documenting and preserving the work of Shaker artists from the Pleasant Hill and South Union communities, and their creations are exhibited in this illuminating catalog. Beautifully illustrated with both the original watercolor depictions and contemporary, art-quality photographs of the works, this book is a lavish exploration of the Commonwealth's distinctive contribution to American culture and modern design.

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£112.50
Product Details
University Press of Kentucky
081315569X / 9780813155692
eBook (Adobe Pdf)
30/08/2015
English
313 pages
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