Interview with Herb E. Smith, January 29, 2016

Interview Summary

Herby begins this interview by discussing the complexity of Appalshop's history as an arts organization willing to critique the common practices of the region in an effort to correct economic and social failings in the immediate area. This leads to an extended reflection on being an artist and documentarian, and he explains the importance of style and audience in the context of Appalshop's work. Herby recalls the making of "Hand Carved" and spending time with Chester Cornett. Next, Herby explains the working of the Appalachian Human History Project and the way this led to collaborations with academics and, eventually, the film "Strangers and Kin." He discusses the film's many features and elements, as well as its reception. Next he talks about the making of "Harriette Simpson Arnow." The interview concludes with a reflection on Appalshop's maturity during the 1980s, when it became an economic power in Whitesburg and a regional hub for arts and grant agencies.

Interview Keyword

Role in community James Still Audience "Beyond Measure" "Hand Carved" Chester Cornett Elizabeth Barret Helen Lewis Cratis Williams "Strangers and Kin" Wilma Dykeman Ron Eller Don Baker Roadside Theater Tom Gish Paul Patton Harry Caudill Ned Beatty Activism Maturation Permanency Politics Appalachian Region--Economic conditions Appalachians (people) in motion pictures Appalachians (People)--Public opinion

Interview LC Subject

Appalshop, Inc. Letcher County (Ky.) Art Appalachian Region--Social conditions Caudill, Harry M., 1922-1990 Cornett, Chester Still, James, 1906-2001 Hand Carved (Motion picture) Motion pictures--Production and direction Strangers and Kin (Motion picture) Arnow, Harriette Louisa Simpson, 1908-1986 Harriette Simpson Arnow: 1908-1986 (Motion picture)

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.