folk art

noun

: the traditional decorative or utilitarian art of the people that is often an expression of community life and is distinguished from academic or self-conscious or cosmopolitan expression

Along with exhibits showcasing such folk art as quilts, jewelry and toys, visitors learn about the influence of folk art on contemporary art through tours, programs, symposia and art workshops.

—Shawn Sell

Examples of folk art in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This 1920s hooked rug serves as a piece of American folk art and its pastoral nursery rhyme scene lends the right amount of charm. — Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2026

Sicilian osteria Rentenchi or Kumo, a Japanese restaurant immersed in folk art, are great lunch options. — Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026

But the space also looked warm and woodsy; the home was partly built by his father, a contractor from Costa Rica, which explains the Latin American folk art. — Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 28 July 2026

The 125-acre park is known for Doll’s Head Trail, a hiking path dotted with folk art and found objects. — Caroline Silva, AJC.com, 24 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for folk art

• apart
• depart
• flowchart
• forepart
• impart
• pushcart
• rampart
• redstart
• restart
• subpart
• sweetheart
• upstart

Kids Definition

folk art

noun

: the traditional art of usually untrained people typically created by an unknown artist