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About Traditional Arts Today

Our Vision and Mission

Our Vision

Southern Indiana residents appreciate, practice and connect with the versatile, artistic creations of the varied cultures within the area.

 

Our Mission

Connect people through artists and craftsmen to promote, teach and preserve traditional art practices while embracing new art forms of the people and cultures that call Southern Indiana home.

 

We operate our nonprofit out of a historic home in the rural community of Ferdinand where we offer classes in the traditional arts and provide a venue for regional artists to sell their quality hand-crafted creations. We provide opportunities for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to learn and practice traditional arts. 

Weaving Loom

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA) are central to the mission of Traditional Arts Today. The increasing diversity of the community affords Traditional Arts Today the opportunity to engage with people from different cultures and ethnicities. Our IDEA efforts have strengthened our organization.

 

Each piece of handcrafted art is unique, making the piece interesting and beautiful. Traditional Arts Today believes this is true for people too. Regardless of age, ethnicity, religion, disability, or sexual orientation people are unique and bring diverse perspectives that enrich our work. People who come to our shop and attend our programs often comment about what a warm and welcoming environment we provide. This is intentional as the Board and staff engage, listen, and learn from the people we serve, and we encourage their involvement in promoting and preserving the traditional arts.

 

It is only by actively seeking the diverse perspectives of the community that we can tailor our work to their needs. We believe that great minds think differently, and we leverage these differences to make our work relevant to all in the community.

Kids Art Kreations Class

Our History

Traditional Arts Today was born out of a shared vision and a passion to create connections and share our love of traditional arts. We are located in a beautiful historic home in Ferdinand, Indiana. We offer local artists the opportunity to sell their creations on consignment, and the community to learn traditional arts techniques and skills in our classes.


Around 40 artists work with us, and their handmade goods and classes include a wide range of traditional arts skills including painting, ceramics, fiber arts, woodworking and more.

Traditional Arts Today Shop

Meet the Team

Meet the Board

Kristin Ems, President

Ed Kornegay, Vice President

Joan Melton, Secretary

Gregg Kemper, Treasurer

Patricia Schroeder, Board Member

Robert McCarty, Board Member

Sally Schmett, Board Member

Julie Patton, Board Member

Megan Schipp, Board Member

Emi Steczyk, Board Member

Amy Weyer, Board Member

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