Appalshop is a non-profit arts organization in Eastern Kentucky that uses new media tools such as portable video cameras to assist Appalachian communities in documenting their culture.

Since 1969, Appalshop's program has worked directly with Appalachian youth to address issues important to their local history and ways of life. The center provides the tools for production, and the training and education to empower community-based filmmaking.

The founding of Appalshop coincided with the broader development of Video Art, and the introduction of the Portapack video recorder. The Portapak, introduced in 1967, was the first portable video recording device. The introduction of the Portapak had a great influence on the development of Video Art by making the tools of production more flexible and affordable to artists.

Rather than the clean focus of studio based work, this kind of early video art took on a documentary style that actively involved itself in relationships with people, places, and ideas. This kind of artwork has much to do with the extension of “video art” beyond the studio and into everyday life.

This exhibition features film and video work that focus on traditions of Appalachian art created by Appalshop in the 1970s and 80s. In addition, the exhibit features work that explores the notion of traditional belief, Appalachian history, and local culture.

Running in conjunction with the exhibition “Tradition / Innovation” (on view 3rd floor), these films provide a unique perspective into Appalachian culture and identity. The films direct our attention in a personal way to the people and relationships that are central to southern arts, and the particular styles and ideas that inform our shared history.