In LIDIA CELEBRATES AMERICA, award-winning chef, author and entrepreneur Lidia Bastianich travels from big cities to small pockets of rural America, both in person and virtually, to share the inspiring stories of a diverse group of resilient Americans who have overcome extraordinary odds in their own lives, found purpose in serving their communities, and turned their loss into inspiring accomplishments.
Return of the Artisans | Fri, Aug. 5 at 9pm
Lidia journeys across the country to explore how food artisans and artisanal crafts are gaining momentum in the U.S. She visits Tennessee, California, Colorado, Michigan, Wisconsin and New Jersey to meet with American makers who are mastering the art of meat curing, coopering, coppersmithing, jam-making, and more.
With a renewed focus on vocational training and working apprentices, artisans and the trades are making a comeback here in the United States. Return of the Artisans looks at how this new generation of craftspeople is training today. From vocational high schools to apprenticeships to incubator programs, Lidia observes firsthand how young people are looking to artisanal crafts and small business as a fulfilling way to earn their livelihoods, and how many young craftsmen are bringing their skills back to their own communities.*
“We share stories of how young people are finding paths to skilled careers by reviving traditional trades. The beauty of these apprenticeships is not just the quality goods from using time-honored, hand-crafted methods, but the viable employment opportunities and a sense of community and belonging for the craftspeople who master the skills,” says Bastianich.*
Tune in on the WSIU stations: WSIU 8.1, WUSI 16.1, WSEC 14.1, WQEC 27.1 and WMEC 22.2 or access the WSIU local broadcast livestream online at pbs.org or via the PBS Video app. Stream the full episode with WSIU Passport.
*Text information provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and PBS Food.
