Inside New York’s American Folk Art Museum

New York’s West 53rd Street is home to the American Folk Art Museum. As its name implies, this museum houses collections of local art of America.

The inspiration for folk art is usually tied to turning points in the history of America, such as times of war or celebrations. The art produced is reflective of the artist’s personal response to such events. For example, during the establishment as an independent nation, many art pieces featured symbols of liberty such as the Great Seal, American flags, and figures of liberty. In taking these symbols into their homes, ordinary citizens confirmed their participation in the nation’s history.