Nearly 30 years ago, the Nevada Arts Council and its partners created a radio series that would showcase Nevada’s folk heritage, including bit and spur making, the language of gaming, neon glass blowing and more. The 13-episode series, “Home Means Nevada 1986: Folklife in the Silver State,” has been digitized, and several are available on the NAC website, nac.nevadaculture.org. The site will be updated regularly through Nevada Day, Oct. 31, when all 13 segments will be available.
“To hear an artist speak about his or her work is always enlightening and delightful,” Susan Boskoff, NAC executive director, said.
The radio shows were recorded on location in 1986 by folklorist Blanton Owen, according to Boskoff. The series was originally produced by the NAC Folk Arts Program in partnership with KUNR, KNPR and KOLO-TV with funding from the state of Nevada and the National Endowment for the Arts, which also funded the digitization project. Images are included from the Nevada Folklife Archives, the Nevada Historical Society and the Western Folklife Center.
Episodes currently on the website:
- Bernardo Yanci, Basque music
- Martha Dick, Shoshone cradleboards
- Tom Martinet, the language of gaming
- Randy Stowell, rawhide braiding
- Larry Schutte, cowboy songs
- Jack Darland, old-time fiddling
- Ernie Fanning, cowboy poetry
- Mark Dahl, bit and spur making
- Stan Forrest, neon sign glass blower
- Katie Frazier, Paiute songs
- John Weinkauf, boot making
- Jack Darland, prospecting
- Waddie Mitchell, cowboy poetry
The Nevada Arts Council, a division of the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, is the agency charged with ensuring that state and national funds support cultural activity and encourage participation in the arts throughout Nevada. In addition to providing grants to arts- and community-based organizations, schools, artists and local municipalities throughout the state, the NAC coordinates statewide programs and activities such as the annual Poetry Out Loud recitation competition for high school-aged students; traveling exhibits; artist residencies; workshops; and cultural assessments. For more, visit the NAC website, nac.nevadaculture.org.
