CRAFT
The craft village at the Ozark Folk Center is home to over 20 skilled artisans. Some crafts have been there for almost 50 years and new artisans have emerged over the decades. Pottery, blacksmithing, weaving, printing, broom making, and the candle shop are some that have existed since 1973. Old Tyme photos disappeared with the advent of cellphone cameras but copper art and paper craft emerged!
The Committee of One Hundred has helped preserve Ozark craft traditions through the craft apprenticeship program which has provided funds for both the master artisan and apprentice for decades. The Committee has funded over 150 apprenticeships with some apprentices still at the Folk Center and some going on to start their own businesses. This investment preserved Ozark craft while also contributing to Arkansas' creative economy.
Classes, workshops, and Folk School give visitors an opportunity to work with master artisans. Click here for classes.
Ozark Folk Center Traditional Craft Apprenticeships
Funded by the Committee of One Hundred for the Ozark Folk Center
This program is for people who have a passion for a craft, have had some training or classes in that craft, and are hoping to make it a business. Application procedure and deadlines – There are two Craft Apprenticeships available in the park each year. All interested apprentices are required to volunteer with the craft master they are interested in studying with for a minimum of one full working day in their shop after completing the application. If this “job shadowing” is successful, the crafter will endorse the apprenticeship. Applications are due to the OFC Craft Director by March 1.
The decision will be made and letters of approval and/or regret will be sent out by April 15. Apprenticeships can start after May 1. Apprenticeships require a minimum of 96 contact hours to complete. The schedule of those hours can be decided between the craft master and apprentice and must be documented by the apprentice in their final project. The final Apprentice Project is due by September 1. OFC, or another host organization, will hold an OFC Apprentice Show on the second Saturday of September. Craft master and apprentice are required to exhibit and be at the show to share their craft and the apprentice experience with visitors.
The stipend for this apprenticeship is $1,000 each to the apprentice and the crafter. Apprentice understandings - Apprentices will understand they are learning the whole business of the craft – the craft; customer relations; packaging; demonstrations; sales; pricing; displays; and production methods. Apprentices will sign a specific non-compete agreement with the craft master. Apprentices will be at least 16 years old. Apprentices are responsible for paying for all materials used in their apprentice projects.
For an application and additional information contact: Jeanette Larson, Craft Director, Ozark Folk Center State Park, jeanette.larson@arkansas.gov, 1032 Park Avenue, Mountain View, AR 72560. Call 870-269-3854.