Interview with Adrian Swain, August 1, 2011

Interview Summary

Swain offers a brief description of his background. He talks about coming from England to live in the United States. He describes his move to Kentucky and his growing interest in Kentucky art. Swain talks about his involvement at Morehead University, which led to his current position as curator for the folk art collection. Swain discusses the mission and role of the Kentucky Folk Art Center. He lists various artists he has worked with and their endeavors. Swain discusses how artists that worked for the Center obtained income. He notes the mixed nature of how artists obtained money. He discusses the artwork presented at the museum and how they are acquired. He discusses the issue of pricing, and attempts of artists to raise their prices. Fickey and Swain discuss the role of globalization and mass consumer culture in the decline of art and crafts.

Interview Keyword

Art museums and community. Art, American--Exhibitions. Art, Primitive--Exhibitions. Artist-run galleries Artists and their art Arts and crafts movement--United States. College art museums Kentucky Folk Art Center (Morehead State University) Swain, Adrian, 1947-

Interview LC Subject

Appalachian Region Appalachian Region--Economic conditions Art museums--Acquisitions Artists and museums Artists Handicraft--Appalachian Region Handicraft--Kentucky Regionalism and the arts Swain, Adrian, 1947- --Interviews Swain, Adrian, 1947- Arts and crafts

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 be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.