Ep 1. Memory

Craft In America is an award-winning PBS series that explores the diverse world of American craft. Each episode showcases artists and artisans from across the country who share their unique perspectives on this timeless tradition. Season 1, episode 1, titled "Memory," invites viewers to take a journey through the history and heritage of American craft and explore how it intersects with our memories and personal stories.

The episode begins with a visit to the Community Arts Association in Lynchburg, Virginia, where we meet master quilter Fay Walker. Fay has been practicing the art of quilting for over sixty years, and she shares with viewers her philosophy of using quilting as a way to connect with her family and preserve her memories. Fay's intricate quilts, made from scraps and leftovers, demonstrate the importance of resourcefulness and creativity in the world of craft. We also meet Fay's daughter, who talks about the impact her mother's work has had on their family over the years.

Next, we visit the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where we meet artist Ofelia Esparza. Ofelia is a master of the traditional Mexican craft of papel picado, or paper cutting. She shares with viewers the history and tradition behind this art form and demonstrates how she uses it as a way to honor her ancestors and celebrate their memories. Ofelia also talks about the challenges she has faced as a Mexican-American artist and the importance of cultural representation in the world of craft.

The episode then takes us to the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in Maine, where we meet artist Sherrie Wolf. Sherrie creates intricate, detailed still lifes in oil paint, which she describes as "painting memory." Her work explores the beauty and decay of everyday objects and invites viewers to reflect on the fleeting nature of life.

We also meet glassblower Dante Marioni, who practices his craft in Seattle, Washington. Dante comes from a family of glassblowers and has been working with the medium since he was a child. In his interview, he talks about the legacy of his family's craft and how he uses it as a way to connect with his own memories and experiences. Dante's stunning glass vessels demonstrate the beauty and fragility of the material and the importance of technique and skill in the world of craft.

The episode closes with a visit to the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, North Carolina, where we meet a group of craft enthusiasts who come together to learn and share their skills. The school offers classes in a variety of traditional crafts, including weaving, pottery, and blacksmithing, and the students talk about the importance of passing these skills on to future generations. Their passion for craft exemplifies the way in which this tradition continues to be a vital part of American culture and heritage.

Overall, Craft In America season 1 episode 1, "Memory," is a captivating tribute to the power of craft to connect us to our past and enrich our present. Through the diverse stories and perspectives of the artists featured in this episode, viewers are invited to reflect on the role that craft plays in their own lives and the ways in which it can help us to preserve and honor our memories.