The Work of Art

Abstract

One of the most integral art forms central to musical expression is the visual and aural art of luthiery—a term which refers to the intricate craft, repair and restoration of stringed instruments. In May 2007, the Missouri Arts Council in partnership with the Missouri Folk Arts Program opens a traveling exhibition entitled Work is Art and Art is Work: The Art of Hand-crafted Instruments, an American Masterpieces project funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. American Masterpieces is the Endowment's coordinated effort to present “acknowledged masterpieces selected from a wide variety of art forms” in all fifty states. With assistance from ExhibitsUSA, seven venues in rural Missouri will host the exhibition and coordinate illuminating performances and school programs. The West Plains Council on the Arts will kick off the exhibit tour on May 11, 2007, as a central feature of its 13th Annual Old Time Music and Ozark Heritage Festival.