We are pleased to release New York Folklore's annual report for 2025. Our organization continues to be strong through our excellent staff and through our continuous engagement with artists and communities. Founded on a cultural equity mission, New York Folklore...
Ellen McHale
New York Folklore’s Annual Membership Meeting in its 81st Year
On Sunday, March 1, 2026, New York Folklore's Board of Directors conducted the Society's Annual Meeting via Zoom. The meeting began with a round-robin of introductions from those attending, with attendees participating from the farthest western-most edges of the state...
New York Folklore secures over $600,000.00 for Folk and Traditional Arts in New York State
Artists and organizations in New York State will receive a combined total of over $600,000 in grants, thanks to their partnerships with New York Folklore. These funds from the the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) support artists, specific cultural...
The Schenectady/West African Youth Orchestra Will Debut New Music by Scott Hopkins
On Friday, November 7, 2025, the Schenectady/West African Youth Orchestra (a youth ensemble created by celebrated Ghanaian musician, Zorkie Nelson) will debut a new piece by banjo musician and music educator, Scott Hopkins. The collaboration is the...
Welcome to Tazmira!
This week, we are excited to welcome Tazmira Sultana to the New York Folklore Staff. In her role as New York Folklore's Gallery and Membership Manager, Tazmira will be working to identify new artists and new items to include in the consignment gallery and she will be...
New York Folklore Welcomes New Board Members
On March 19, 2025, the membership of New York Folklore held its Annual Meeting to elect officers and directors for the non-profit organization. The New York Folklore Society was formed in 1944; therefore, it celebrates its 81st year in 2025. As stipulated in the New...
Robert Rawluk aka “Bob the Beekeeper”
My name is Robert Rawluk, or, as I’m known to many young and elder people, Bob the Beekeeper.I have worn many hats in my life. A laborer, a plumber, an artist, an art teacher, a florist, a furniture store owner, a cabinetmaker, an engineering teacher, and finally, a...
Apoorva Sonavani
My name is Apoorva Sonavani. I was born in central India. I am a watercolor artist, a percussion enthusiast, and a Kathak dancer. Kathak is a classical dance form from India. In my childhood, my parents enrolled me in a dance and music class for creating a treasure to...
Shelyan Madera
I was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico. At a young age, my parents were my inspiration. My father is an artist and a musician. He loves to sing, play the piano, and paint things that remind him of Puerto Rico. My mother is also a talented musician who likes to sing music...
Gayane Dadian
Born in Armenia, I spent my childhood in the historical Armenian highlands of Artsakh where my grandparents indulged me in various traditional arts and crafts. A master of needlework, my grandma fashioned ornate and beautiful linens embroidered with traditional...
Jianling Yue
Jianling (Ling) Yue teaches Chinese language and culture at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, NY. Her teaching and academic pursuits have earned her numerous awards and commendations. Jianling is also an expert in Chinese paper-cutting (or paper-cut)...
New York Folklore’s Year in Review 2024
As we close out our 80th Anniversary year, we at New York Folklore give thanks for all of our supporters who have made our programming initiatives possible with your donations and partnerships. Working collaboratively with communities, New York Folklore strives to...
New York Folklore helps secure over $500,000 for Folk Arts
Artists and organizations in New York State will receive a combined total of over $500,000 in grants thanks to direct assistance from New York Folklore. These funds that directly support artists, specific cultural traditions, and organizations come from twenty-five...
Dr. Ellen McHale named a “Fellow” of the American Folklore Society
Ellen McHale, Ph.D., Executive Director of New York Folklore was named a "Fellow" of the American Folklore Society on November 7th during the American Folklore Society's annual meeting for 2024 that was held in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Established in 1960, the...
New York Folklore Honored by the NYS Broadcasters Association
On September 27, 2024, New York Folklore and the Linda (WAMC's performance venue) were honored at the annual awards ceremony by the New York State Broadcaster's Association (NYSBA). New York Folklore was nominated for the award in recognition of our ongoing...