practical art

American  

noun

1. an art or craft, as woodworking or needlework, that serves a utilitarian purpose.

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Etymology

Origin of practical art

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Ms. Chippendale listed herself on the Register, but left in 2009 to form the rival Association, which aims to “encourage excellence in the profession and practical art of mole catching.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 13, 2016

The process by which Mr Gehry works is almost entirely intuitive, which plays into the hands of sceptics, because it subverts the idea of architecture as mainly a practical art.

From Economist • Oct. 29, 2015

"I wanted to look at work from the Whitbread Gallery and the Louvre and I'd heard about a man on YouTube who did practical art demonstrations," he said.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2010

In the 19308, half the new houses constructed were custom-built, and the new owner consequently had a 50-50 chance to express his own ideas about the practical art of housing himself and his family.

From Time Magazine Archive

“The practical art of conducting men,” he answered.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover