The Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach welcomes Jason T. Busch, Director and CEO of the American Folk Art Museum in New York, for an illuminating presentation exploring the institution’s history, collections, and evolving vision.
Since its founding in 1961, the American Folk Art Museum (AFAM) has been the leading forum for self-taught artists, championing creativity that transcends formal training and traditional boundaries. Busch will trace the Museum’s remarkable journey from its beginnings in a small townhouse to its internationally recognized collection of nearly 10,000 works spanning continents and centuries.
Illustrated with vivid examples including weathervanes, quilts, trade signs, furniture, and portraits by artists such as Ammi Phillips, Asa Ames, and William Edmondson, Busch’s lecture will highlight how AFAM has shaped the perception and scholarship of folk art in America and abroad. As the Museum prepares to celebrate its 65th anniversary and the nation’s 250th in 2026, Busch will share insights into its ongoing commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and the celebration of artistic individuality
