Events

There’s always something exciting happening at the Museum of International Folk Art! Join us for our many programs listed below.

NM Seniors Free
Family Featured Event

NM Seniors Free

December 7, 2016 through December 27, 2017
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

New Mexico residents age 60 and over are admitted free every Wednesday

New Mexico residents age 60 and over are admitted free every Wednesday

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Opening of No Idle Hands
Featured Event Family Exhibition Opening

Opening of No Idle Hands

March 12, 2017
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Tramp art is the product of industry, a style of woodworking from the late 19th and early 20th centuries that made use of discarded cigar boxes and fruit crates that were notched and layered to make a variety of domestic objects.

This is the first large-scale museum exhibition dedicated to tramp art since 1975. For many years, “tramp art” was believed to have been made by itinerants and hobos, thus its name. It has been demonstrated that this notion is largely erroneous, however the name “tramp art” has remained the only terminology used for this practice, and the paucity of scholarly studies to dispel the mistaken notions about tramp art have allowed the myths to persist. No Idle Hands will examine the assumptions related to class, quality, and the anonymity of the makers of tramp art and consider this practice instead through the lens of home and family while tracing its relationship to industry—whether as individual ethos or big industry. No Idle Hands will also include works by contemporary makers, thus establishing tramp art as an ongoing folk art form rather than a vestige of the past.

Opening events include a lecture by Clifford Wallach from 1 to 2 pm.  From 2 to 4pm Enjoy making notched paper frames, an art project for ages 3 to 103, live music by the Holmsteaders, and a reception hosted by the Women’s Board of the Museum of New Mexico Foundation. FREE admission for all generously funded by the Carol & Marilynn Thoma Art Foundation.

The exhibition and accompanying publication supported by the International Folk Art Foundation; the Museum of New Mexico Foundation and donors to the Exhibitions Development Fund; the Folk Art Committee/Friends of Folk Art; the Greenberg Foundation; and the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs.

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Tramp Art: The Art of Layered Inspirations
Lectures and Talks Exhibition Opening

Tramp Art: The Art of Layered Inspirations

March 12, 2017
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Clifford Wallach discusses his research on tramp art

Longtime tramp art dealer and aficionado Clifford Wallach discusses his three decades of research on tramp art and reflects upon his personal journey in this field. Drawing on his findings and interviews with artists or their descendants and acquaintances, Wallach, the author of three books on tramp art, will shed new light on various questions related to tramp art, including who the makers of tramp art were—and are today.

This lecture is in conjunction with the public opening of the exhibition No Idle Hands: The Myths & Meanings of Tramp Art. Free admission and all opening events generously funded by the Carl & Marilynn Thoma Art Foundation.

Caption:Keepsake box with hand and hearts (United States, late 19th-early 20th century), wood, 8 ½ x 10 x 7 in. Courtesy of Robin Small. Photo: Clare Britt.

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