Lesson 2: North Carolina Art Traditions Brainstorm different forms of art.

Arts and Crafts North Carolina is famous for handmade arts and crafts. American Indians and early settlers in NC were mostly self-sufficient, they learned to make things they needed. This knowledge was passed down from generation to generation. (tradition) Some of NC’s most famous artists are potters. Seagrove, NC

Other Arts and Crafts Basketmaking-American Indians wove baskets out of reeds, grasses or wood. They used the baskets to carry and store items. Quilting: Early pioneers used quilts for warmth. Glassmaking: heat sand and other materials to make glass Penland School of Arts

Music and Dance English, Irish, Scottish and African music traditions can be found in Appalachian folk music. Banjos, guitars, fiddles, dulcimers and other instruments are used to make this music. These instruments are also used in Bluegrass. Clogging is a kind of traditional folk dancing that is done to Appalachian folk music.

Music and Dance The shag is a style of dance that grew out of dances that were popular in the early 1900s. Shag dancing is usually done to beach music. Beach music has its roots in blues, big band and rock and roll from the 1960s and earlier. Folkmoot USA is an international festival held in western NC that celebrates cultures of the world through music and dance. American Dance Festival, held in Durham, is dedicated to modern dance.

Supporting the Arts NC has long been involved in preserving arts. In 1947, it became the first state to support a public art collection, leading to the NC Museum of Art (the oldest state-funded art museum in the country). In 1949, Winston-Salem formed an art council (oldest in country) and Charlotte, Greensboro, High Point and Raleigh did too afterwards. The goal of an arts council is to support arts in a community. The NC School of the Arts was founded in 1965 (oldest in the country). It teaches classes from middle school to college.

More Art Traditions Mint Museum of Charlotte (1936) is one of the oldest art museums in the state. NC Symphony Orchestra was formed in 1932. It even has a Children’s Concert Division. Outdoor dramas can been seen on Roanoke Island (The Lost Colony). Other outdoor dramas include Unto These Hills about the removal of Cherokees from their land.

Why are art traditions an important part of North Carolina’s culture? Quiz Why are art traditions an important part of North Carolina’s culture?