INTRO: Why Quilts Matter - Episode 4 - What is Art

You think you know art when you see it, but this episode of "Why Quilts Matter: History, Art & Politics" may make you think again. Turns out the quilt is the perfect test case for a dozen theories about what makes art, well...art. Take the art vs. craft debate: As a domestic object made by women for a practical purpose, the quilt falls squarely into the 'craft' category, and a humble one, at that. But do some quilts become 'art' when exhibited, like paintings, on a museum wall? Which ones? The plot thickens when we consider the claims of 'art quilts' made solely for exhibition. Are they art--not craft--just because their makers say they are, and how do we know, anyway? Who knew that it takes a soft cover to define a tough concept?" Find out more, including image galleries and resource guides here: http://www.whyquiltsmatter.org/welcome/portfolio/episode-4-what-is-art/ Featuring appearances by Shelly Zegart, William R. Ferris, Vadis Turner, Marcie Cohen Ferris, Hollis Chatelain, Karen Musgrave, Douglas Dawson, Carlos Tortolero, James Grubola, Kathleen Loomis, Valerie White, Matt Arnett, Maxwell L. Anderson, Gerald Roy, Caryl Bryer Fallert, Mariya Waters, Bernie Herman, John M. Walsh III, Susan Kramer Hunkins, Niloo Paydar, Judy Schwender, Rod Lich, Carolyn L. Mazloomi, Christa C. Mayer Thurman, Ricky Tims and Judy Marie Laval Morton. Please visit www.WhyQuiltsMatter.org for more information about the series. -- "Why Quilts Matter: History, Art & Politics" is a nine-part documentary series that takes a fresh look at quilts and spreads the word about their unique position at the center of a startlingly broad grid of topics, ranging from women's studies to the contemporary art market. It is independently funded and produced by The Kentucky Quilt Project, Inc.