08/20/2026
Students in the pilot course “Folk Art of Appalachia” spent the past few days completing a TASK Party. Groups of students were given a random assortment of art materials and taken on a nature walk to collect supplies. Each group had a different task to complete: 1) Make a vessel that will hold 2 cups of water, 2) Make a container that will hold 5 pounds of rice, and 3) Make a comfortable bed to support a 10 pound baby. The goal was not only to create a successful piece to accomplish their task using unconventional materials, but to also attempt to balance that utility with aesthetics. The assignment was also meant to simulate what people have done for years—making things they need with the materials they have access to. That’s folk art!
