Top image via Colossal, featured below.
This week brings news of exhibitions from clay figures at Santa Fe to self-taught artists finding space in public libraries. There's also talk of a global folk art showcase in India and recognition for American folk artists at regional competitions.
'I Am Clay' exhibition brings Acoma Pueblo figures to the Museum of International Folk Art
The Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe is showing work from Acoma Pueblo, focusing on traditional clay figures. It's a chance to see ceramic work rooted in a particular place and practice, the kind of thing that doesn't always get museum attention. Read it at Santa Fe New Mexican.
Self-taught artist to exhibit 'Layers of Identity' at Monroeville Public Library
A self-taught artist is getting exhibition space at Monroeville Public Library in Pennsylvania. Public libraries remain one of the few places where artists without formal training can show work without needing gallery representation. Read it at TribLIVE.com.
Washington artist honored at national folk art exhibition
An artist from Washington, Iowa has received recognition at a national folk art exhibition. The details are sparse but it's good to see regional folk artists getting noticed beyond their immediate communities. Read it at The Kalona News.
CM calls for global folk art showcase at Bihar Museum
The Chief Minister of Bihar is proposing an international folk art showcase at the Bihar Museum in India. If it happens, it could bring attention to traditional practices that often get overlooked in favour of contemporary art. Read it at The Times of India.
Jennifer Latour Preserves Ephemeral Beauty in Her Otherworldly Botanical Assemblages
Jennifer Latour makes assemblages from botanical materials, working against the wind to preserve fleeting arrangements. Her practice sits in that interesting space between craft, folk tradition and contemporary art making. Read it at Colossal.
Suzanne Jongmans Recycles Everyday Materials for Elegant Renaissance-Style Portraits
Suzanne Jongmans creates Renaissance-style portraits using recycled everyday materials instead of traditional textiles. The work asks questions about value and beauty whilst nodding to historical portraiture, which feels relevant to how we think about self-taught practice. Read it at Colossal.
Studio BRUT is an outsider art studio and gallery in Swindon. We publish this round-up every week. For one email when something is worth knowing, join the newsletter at the bottom of this page, and our guide to 155 outsider artists is always open.