National Endowment for the Arts chair Jane Chu has approved more than $82 million to fund local arts projects and partnerships in the NEA’s second major funding announcement for fiscal year 2016. Included is an Art Works award of $60,000 to Craft in America to be used for an upcoming episode airing next spring on PBS.

The Art Works category supports the creation and presentation of new and existing work, arts, education and public engagement.

“The arts are all around us, enhancing our lives in ways both subtle and obvious, expected and unexpected,” Chu said. “Supporting projects like the one from Craft in America offers more opportunities to engage in the arts every day.”

Craft in America is a nonprofit dedicated to advancing original handcrafted work through the documentary series “Craft in America” on PBS nationwide and the free Craft in America Center at 8415 W. Third St.

The newly funded episode “Craft in America: Nature” features artists Patrick Dougherty (stick sculpture), Mary Merkel-Hess (fiber), Michelle Holzapfel (wood), Catherine Michaelis (artist books) and Preston Singletary (glass).

An additional new episode of “Craft in American” titled “Teachers” will premiere this fall.

“With the invaluable help of the National Endowment for the Arts, Craft in America is able to continue its exploration of America’s creative spirit through the language and traditions of the handmade,” said Carol Sauvion, executive producer and director of Craft in America.

For information, visit www.craftinamerica.org.