PBS Arts: Off Book - Episode 7: Etsy Art & Culture

PBS Arts: Off Book is a web-based series that explores cutting edge art and the people that make it. The 13 episode series focuses on the process, motivation and meaning of a new generation of artists.

America has a long tradition of handmade arts and crafts. In the manufacturing age, however, much of this work was overshadowed by the homogenizing force of retail culture. But the passion for handmade arts didn't disappear, and persisted through the years in local craft fairs. Now in the age of the internet, these local craft cultures and artists have found a unifying online community, Etsy, that provides a platform for communication and sales to appreciative fans and customers, as well as a medium to connect with each other and share ideas across the globe.

Featuring:

Vanessa Bertozzi, Director of Community & Education, Etsy
Alyssa Zygmunt
Allison Patrick 
Katherine Rasmussen 

 

Previous installments: 
Episode 1: Light Painting
Episode 2: Typography
Episode 3: Visual Culture Online
Episode 4: Steampunk
Episode 5: Hacking Art & Culture with F.A.T. Lab
Episode 6: Street Art

Antonio Ortiz

Antonio Ortiz has always been an autodidact with an eclectic array of interests. Fascinated with technology, advertising and culture he has forged a career that combines them all. In 1991 Antonio developed one of the very first websites to market the arts. It was text based, only available to computer scientists, and increased attendance to the Rutgers Arts Center where he had truly begun his professional career. Since then Antonio has been an early adopter and innovator merging technology and marketing with his passion for art, culture and entertainment. For a more in-depth look at those passions, visit SmarterCreativity.com.