Recordings of Sam Doyle, Lee Godie, Howard Finster, and others are available digitally for the first time
(New York, New York)—The American Folk Art Museum (AFAM) has digitized the audio recordings of Charles B. and Janice M. Rosenak, offering a rare window into some of the most iconic folk and self-taught artists of the 20th century. Information about the recordings and other material in the Charles B. and Janice M. Rosenak Collection is available through a finding aid on the Museum’s website. The Museum will be sharing selections from the recordings on its various platforms in the coming months.
Commented Jason T. Busch, CEO and Director. “These recordings will deepen our appreciation for artists long cherished by the Museum’s guests and staff. We are grateful to the National Recording Preservation Foundation for its support for this project.”
As early champions of folk art, the Rosenaks toured the United States from 1967–1988 to interview artists whose work was relatively unknown. The Rosenaks recorded interviews and photographed artists in their studios and environments throughout the Southeast, Appalachia, and New Mexico.
The trove of recordings includes the voices of Howard Finster, Sam Doyle, William Dawson, Lee Godie, Malcah Zeldis, and Leroy Felipe Archuleta. The entire series consists of sixty-one cassette tapes featuring artists and collectors speaking about their artwork, artistic practice, businesses, family history, and daily lives. The recordings of Ernest “Popeye” Reed, “Captain” Joseph Wilson, and Enrique Rendon are believed to be the only existing primary sources for these artists. These interviews shine a light on a generation based in the United States in the middle to late 20th century. Most of the artists represented in this collection are deceased today.
“These recordings give a human voice to visual art, illuminating how these artists saw themselves within the context of the American social and artistic landscape during their lifetimes,” said Regina Carra, AFAM’s Rappaport Archivist.
The recordings, as well as transcripts, are available for research upon request. Researchers interested in accessing this exciting collection should consult the finding aid and contact the AFAM Archives at research@folkartmuseum.org.
This project is funded through the generous support of the National Recording Preservation Foundation. The Museum would also like to thank the Northeast Document Conservation Center for its expertise and support.
About the National Recording Preservation Foundation
The National Recording Preservation Foundation’s mission is to help find, preserve, and make accessible the recorded history of the United States and help recuperate collections in libraries, universities, foundations, and public broadcasting stations.
About the American Folk Art Museum
The American Folk Art Museum engages people of all backgrounds through its collections, exhibitions, publications, and programs as the leading forum shaping the understanding and appreciation of folk and self-taught art across time and place.
Media Contact: Chris Gorman, cgorman@folkartmuseum.org