Although contemporary American crafts are widely exhibited and appreciated, very little information is available about the artists themselves, their training, careers, inspirations, and feelings about their work, and place in society. As part of a large oral history and survey project of the Research Center for Arts and Culture of Columbia University, ten personal narrative interviews with craftspeople were edited and collected for The Craftsperson Speaks. The selected artists represent a variety of disciplines and media, including ceramics, glass, jewelry, metalwork, and fiber, and also...

As part of a large oral history project of the Research Center for Arts and Culture of Columbia University aimed at compiling information on the training, career choices, and patterns of development of artists, twelve insightful narrative interviews were edited and collected for this volume. The painters were selected to provide demographic, ethnic, and gender balance and to represent three broad career stages: emerging, established, and mature. In vivid strokes, they discuss their family backgrounds, education, gatekeepers, experiences, and personal and artistic development. Each...

The book is based on a series of unique oral histories and interviews with actors who love the stage first and foremost. Editor Joan Jeffri focuses on the experience of actors in their training and career development, and on their relationships to society, culture, and institutions. Although names like Alan Alda are recognizable from other media, these actors all grew up being nourished by the stage. Their stories show that theatre is everywhere in this country--not only on Broadway, but also in churches, in schools, in regions, and in towns. These interviews and a thorough introduction...