Essay contributions by Minnesota authors Willard Moore, Marion J. Nelson, Colleen J. Sheehy, and Johannes Riedel. What do an Amish quilt, flamingo lawn ornaments, a brilliantly painted whirligig, and a Norwegian log chair have in common? They all represent the great diversity to be found in Minnesota's folk art, and they - along with more than one hundrend other examples - are illustrated in Circles of Tradition, the first major survey of the state's traditional arts. In addition, twenty-four full-color photographs help convey the vibrancy and beauty of objects made of everything from gold leaf and egg yolks to old woolen garments and tree stumps. Six essays by folk scholars explore this diversity, answering some thorny questions about the roots, the shapes, and the meaning of folk art in Minnesota. Along the way, they challenge us to rethink old notions about folk art, and they offer provocative suggestions for broadening our understanding of this fascinating subject. - Back cover.