'Somewhere to Roost' explores the meaning of home

American Folk Art Museum exhibit delves into home's essence through art and history.

Kapo (Mallica Reynolds, 1911–1989). © American Folk Art Museum

By Hayu Andini and Novanka Laras

What defines a home? For some, it’s a sanctuary filled with love and memories, while for others, it’s simply a starting point. This complex and deeply personal question is at the heart of Somewhere to Roost, a captivating exhibit at the American Folk Art Museum. Curated by assistant curator Brooke Wyatt, the show examines the essence of home through more than 60 objects, each offering a unique perspective on themes of care, protection, and belonging.

Drawing its title from Thornton Dial’s mixed-media piece Birds Got to Have Somewhere to Roost (2012), the exhibit combines practicality and symbolism, inviting visitors to consider the many ways people throughout history have created and preserved their homes. From intricate birdcages to cherished quilts, the items on display tell intimate stories of life, love, and survival.

Dial’s Birds Got to Have Somewhere to Roost serves as a poetic centerpiece for the exhibit. Created using rough materials like carpet scraps, burlap, and corrugated tin, the piece depicts a scene of trees and brush, evoking a sense of both shelter and resilience. Despite its rugged composition, the artwork exudes a welcoming warmth, suggesting that even the most unassuming materials can form a safe haven.

The title also underscores the connection between homes and nests—a theme that recurs throughout the exhibit. A striking example is a handmade owl decoy from Wisconsin, crafted around 1920. While its purpose was to scare birds away from crops, the owl’s whimsical design, complete with metal medicine-bottle-cap eyes, captures the viewer’s imagination. Its duality—as both protector and artistic creation—highlights the complex relationships humans have with the natural world and their surroundings.

Among the exhibit’s most compelling pieces is a birdcage crafted by Joseph W. Clapp, a first mate aboard the Napoleon. Dating back to the mid-19th century, this meticulously designed object reflects the duality of freedom and captivity. Constructed from whalebone, whale ivory, and Peruvian mahogany, the cage is a testament to Clapp’s craftsmanship and the long voyages that defined his life. Its domed roof and intricate spires speak to the care and creativity sailors poured into their work, even as they navigated the isolating vastness of the ocean.

Joseph W. Clapp (1825–?), Birdcage, Eastern Massachusetts, c. 1858–1875. © American Folk Art Museum

This tension between utility and sentimentality is echoed in other artifacts, such as a blanket chest adorned with mermaid carvings. Created in 1790, the chest bears the name Ann Beer and the date of what is believed to be her marriage or engagement. Its weathered surface, marked by years of use, offers a tangible connection to the past. The chest invites viewers to imagine Ann’s life—her joys, struggles, and the family she may have built.

Similarly, Clementine Hunter’s paintings capture the rhythms of domestic life in 19th- and 20th-century Louisiana. A self-taught artist who spent much of her life at Melrose Plantation, Hunter depicted scenes of labor and leisure with vivid detail. One painting shows washerwomen collaborating to scrub clothes, their synchronized efforts reflecting the communal spirit of their work. Another portrays a group dressed in their Sunday best, assembled in front of a church—a celebration of faith and community amidst the challenges of plantation life.

'Anne Beer Low Blanket Chest' (1790), by an unidentified artist. © American Folk Art Museum

While the exhibit’s focus is on home and belonging, many of the objects also reveal the stories of their creators. Ada Kingsley’s quilt, made between 1880 and 1900, is a stunning example of craftsmanship and preservation. Comprising approximately 13,000 pieces of silk, the quilt features a variation of the traditional “Log Cabin” pattern known as “Pineapple” or “Windmill.” Its pristine condition suggests it was never used, likely due to the fragility of its materials.

For many visitors, the quilt may evoke memories of untouchable heirlooms—those “forbidden” items displayed in homes but kept out of reach of children. Kingsley’s quilt, with its dazzling complexity, represents both a labor of love and a reminder of the care required to maintain beauty over time.

Other items, such as portraits of 19th-century figures, offer glimpses into historical identities and aspirations. One striking painting depicts a physician holding a surgical saw, symbolizing his professional pride and the advancements of his era. Another shows a young boy with a book, a nod to the value of literacy and education in shaping futures. While these portraits may feel less personal than other artifacts, they underscore the universal human desire to document and preserve one’s place in history.

A reflection on home and memory

Somewhere to Roost is more than an art exhibit; it’s an exploration of how humans create, protect, and remember their homes. The collection’s diversity—from practical tools to deeply personal creations—highlights the many ways people have sought to define and preserve their sense of belonging.

The exhibit also prompts broader reflections on the nature of home. For some, home is a physical space filled with tangible reminders of love and care. For others, it’s an abstract concept tied to community, memory, or even survival. Thornton Dial’s Birds Got to Have Somewhere to Roost encapsulates this complexity, reminding us that home can be as simple as a place to rest or as profound as a symbol of resilience.

As visitors move through the exhibit, they are invited to consider their own definitions of home. The artifacts, with their rich histories and intricate details, serve as a bridge between past and present, connecting modern audiences to the lives and experiences of those who came before.

Clementine Hunter's 'Wash Day' (1980). © American Folk Art Museum

Somewhere to Roost offers a deeply moving exploration of home and its many dimensions. Through a thoughtfully curated selection of objects, the exhibit celebrates the creativity, resilience, and humanity that define our shared history. Whether through the delicate craftsmanship of a quilt, the practical ingenuity of a birdcage, or the evocative imagery of a painting, the collection reveals the profound significance of everyday items in shaping our understanding of home.

Running at the American Folk Art Museum through May 25, this exhibit is a must-see for anyone seeking to explore the intersection of art, history, and personal connection. In a world that often feels transient and disconnected, Somewhere to Roost reminds us of the enduring power of care and creativity in making a house a home.

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