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.—
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Shawn SellExamples of folk art in a Sentence
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Art in America, founded in 1913, was modeled after German academic journals and early issues covered the old masters in American collections and American folk art.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Apr. 2026
On Friday, the 85-year-old sculptor, who created controversy as well as hundreds of pieces of visionary African American folk art during his many years in Aurora, was honored by the city that at one time seemed to turn its back on this man now often described as an icon.
—Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
Potter and artistic polymath Kawai Kanjiro was a key figure in the 20th-century Mingei folk art movement.
—Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 3 Apr. 2026
The museum’s director, Pierre-Olivier Costa, met me in the entry hall and led me through the galleries housing Mucem’s permanent exhibition of items from its collection of folk arts and popular traditions.
—Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2026
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Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Apr. 2026
On Friday, the 85-year-old sculptor, who created controversy as well as hundreds of pieces of visionary African American folk art during his many years in Aurora, was honored by the city that at one time seemed to turn its back on this man now often described as an icon.
—Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
Potter and artistic polymath Kawai Kanjiro was a key figure in the 20th-century Mingei folk art movement.
—Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 3 Apr. 2026
The museum’s director, Pierre-Olivier Costa, met me in the entry hall and led me through the galleries housing Mucem’s permanent exhibition of items from its collection of folk arts and popular traditions.
—Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for folk art
Cite this Entry
“Folk art.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/folk%20art. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
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