About this episode

Allie Kochinsky interviews Cynthia Mai about the philosophy of craft and the future of American craftsmanship.

In this episode of Grandma's Silver , Allie Kochinsky sits down with Cynthia Mai n, founder of Sunhouse Craft , for a conversation about tradition, material knowledge, and what it means to carry craft foward today. This episode is part of a special series exploring American craftsmanship inspired by Colonial Williamsburg , created in partnership with the Craft & Forge brand of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Craft & Forge collaborates with contemporary makers whose work reflects the Foundation's mission to preserve historic trades and pass on artisanal knowledge through living practice. Based in Berea, Kentucky, Sunhouse Craft operates as both a working studio and a training environment, dedicated to reviving regional materials and traditional making practices through well-made goods for daily use. Through this collaboration, Cynthia's work draws inspiration from the Historic Area, archival collections, and the legacy of early American craft, while remaining rooted in place and process. Together, Allie and Cynthia explore the philosophy behind making objects meant to last, the role of nature and seasonal materials in shaping craft, and the balance between historic…

People in this episode

Host: Allie Kochinsky

Guest: Cynthia Mai

Topics covered

• American craftsmanship
• traditional making practices
• material knowledge
• apprenticeship
• historic trades

Keywords

• craftsmanship
• basketry
• apprenticeship
• traditional crafts
• American craft

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Sunhouse Craft, Craft & Forge, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, South Arts

Places: Berea, Kentucky

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