An update from New York Folklore regarding funding cuts from the NEA
On May 2nd, the email that I had feared arrived in my inbox. The evening before, I had read President Trump’s proposed budget for 2026 and seen his recommendation to defund the National Endowment for the Arts. I received the first email on May 3rd saying that one NEA...
NY NJ 2025 Folk Arts Roundtable Wrap Up
For the second year in a row the NY/NJ Folk Arts Roundtable convened in Schenectady, NY! From May 5th to 7th folklorists, artists, arts administrators and tradition bearers gathered for the 42nd time! We kicked things off on Monday afternoon with Asiyah Kurtz, who...
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...
Dr. Ellen McHale addresses New York State’s Joint Committee on the Arts
The New York State Senate and Assembly are held a joint hearing on the Arts in New York State, on Tuesday 2/11 at 11:00 a.m. New York Folklore Executive Director, Ellen McHale addressed the committee, You can read a full copy of her testimony below. My name is Ellen...
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...