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This article discusses exhibitions, events and new initiatives in the field of folk arts in New York for 2008. Several exhibitions have been held recently, such as the "Gilded Lions and Jeweled Horses: The Synagogue to the Carousel," which features papercuts, wood carvings and carousel animals. The annual event "Fall Benefit" has raised more than $1 million, making it the most successful fundraiser to date. New initiatives in the field of folk art include the Families and Folk Art programs which are designed for children and their adult companions.

An interview with Maria Ann Conelli, executive director of the American Folk Art Museum in the U.S., is presented. When asked about the definitions of folk, outsider, raw or self-taught art, she refers to how people perceive the work and the museum. She explains their obligation to exhibit late twentieth-century work and contemporary artist as well as her interest in graffiti and architecture. She discusses their commitment to reach young people and her vision for the future of the museum.

The author discusses the activities at the American Folk Art Museum. She claims that the highlight of summer 2007 was the museum's first comprehensive rug show since 1974 organized by Lee Kogan, curator of public programs and special exhibitions, "The Great Cover-up: American Rugs on Beds, Tables and Floors." Aside from the rug show, the museum also features "Gilded Lions and Jeweled Horses: The Synagogue to the Carousel," which opened on October 2, 2007. The author also announces that the museum has launched its new certificate program in Folk Art Studies to be led by Jenifer P. Borum. He also mentions several activities for the year 2008.

The article presents a message from the director of the board of trustees at the American Folk Art Museum in New York City. She welcomes the newly-elected board of trustees: Vicki Fuller, R. Weber Hudson and Terry Rakolta. She then notes that she is grateful that the board continues to grow in strength and diversity where the board and the professional staff work together as a remarkable team. She is then grateful to these new trustees for their commitment to the museum and its mission. Information of the American Antiques Show (TAAS) and Outsider Art Week that made the month of January 2006 an exhilarating month is also provided in the article.

The author discusses developments related to the American Folk Art Museum, New York City under her directorship. Among those are the planned Web-based curriculum for the city's educators, the Teen Docent Program that provides leadership training for students, and the two stellar exhibitions that opened at the museum in the fall of 2005. Meanwhile, The American Antiques show (TAAS) will open on January 18, 2006 and the museum will participate in the Outsider Art Fair by hosting Outsider Art Week and offering three art programs that includes a panel discussion on media art and a performance of "Sins & Needles: A Dramatic Monologue," by Ray Materson.