Five well-known scholars in the field of folklore were asked to explore the exhibition's thematic areas. Five of the authors brought their own research and programming experience to one of the five themes. Using these five essays, our sixth author brought all these perspectives together to create one coherent exploration of the role of folk arts as a catalyst in communities today.

Practicing Spirituality
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"Reflecting [on] Spiritual Truths"
Amy E. Skillman
Institute for Cultural Partnerships
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Living Creatively in Your World
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"Three Perspectives on Art and Environment"
Dr. Betty J. Belanus
Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage
Smithsonian Institution
Washington, D.C.

Shaping Community
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"What does tradition have to do with it? Constructing cultural identity and community today"
Dr. Lisa Rathje
Arts and Heritage Programs
Institute for Cultural Partnerships
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Creating Social Change and Awareness
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"Experimenting at Disaster's Edge: Thoughts on Folk Arts of Social Change"
Dr. Debora Kodish
Philadelphia Folklore Project
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Nurturing Well-Being and Health
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"For Safe Keeping: The Power of Artistic Traditions"
Amy E. Skillman
Arts and Heritage Programs
Institute for Cultural Partnerships
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania