The recently-launched AmericanaWeek.com website that bills itself as the "Gateway to Americana Week in New York" yesterday launched a 12-part series celebrating American art and the decorative arts, including folk art. It is part of the campaign to engage new audiences with the antiques shows and art shows that comprise Americana Week.

The series provides insights into the popular collecting categories that are the backbone of Americana. With themes ranging from Revolutionary era American flags to Native American art, Shaker furniture, Audubon prints and American silver, the series, from Guest Editor Andrea Valluzzo, counts down the 12 days until Christmas.

According to Regina Kolbe, co-founder of AmericanaWeek.com along with Eric Miller, the objective is to preview and provide insights into the many types of Americana that will be on display durning the week of antiques shows and art shows, January 17 - 29, 2012. 

"We're delighted to have Andrea Valluzzo providing short blogs on the types of properties that are usually accompanied by very academic and long articles. These are of a length that provides enough to inspire people to learn more."

The AmericanaWeek.com series kicked off on Monday, December 12 with a survey of carved and painted working birds, otherwise known as decoys.  The December 13 post centered on the Star Spangled Banner theme and the ways in which it has been incorporated into the folk art disciplines, from samplers to tavern signs.

Planned articles include Paint Decorated Furniture, Vintage Signs, Tribal Art,  line and berry inlaid furniture, American Clocks and Samplers.

The strategy coincides with the AmericanaWeek.com effort to raise awareness of both American folk art and the American Folk Art Museum. 

Inaugural sponsors of AmericanaWeek.com include Stella Show Mgmt Co.'s Antiques at the Armory Show (January 20, 21, 22)  and Americana and Antiques @ The Pier (January 21 and 22), The New York Ceramics Fair (January 17 - January 22), H L Chalfant of West Chester, PA and Dalton's American Decorative Arts of Syracuse, NY. 

AmericanaWeek.com actively supports the American Folk Art Museum's Pass the Hat campaign, and provides recognition for the Brooklyn Museum and the Hudson River Museum.

The AmericanaWeek.com website covers shows, auctions, attractions, places to stay and offers travel tips.  A supporting mobile app offers people immediate access to the events and participants in antiques shows New York.  For more information on AmericanaWeek.com, please visit AmericanaWeek.com