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...
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...
Jing Shuia
Tai Chi philosophy, one of the pillars of Chinese culture, is intricately connected to the theories of the five elements and Yin and Yang. These principles permeate various aspects of Chinese culture, including medicine, martial arts, and traditional painting. With...
Tonia Loran-Galban
Tonia Loran-Galban (Mohawk, Bear Clan) resides in Farmington, New York and is a Haudenosaunee Culture Bearer. She is a native traditional basket maker who has worked at Ganondagan State Historic Site (site of a 17thcentury Seneca Town) in Victor, NY as a Senior...
Sara Milonovich
Sara Milonovich is an award-winning songwriter and fiddler from the Mohawk Valley who performs nationally and internationally with her alt-country band, Sara Milonovich & Daisycutter. A 2023 winner of the Bluebird Golden Pick Contest (Bluebird Cafe/Taylor...