Artisans Demonstrate Pioneer Folk Art Crafts
The Ozark Folk Center Crafts Village has over 20 artisans demonstrating pioneer folk art crafts and the everyday skills used by Ozark Mountain people in the 19th and early 20th centuries. These skills have become treasured heritage crafts - Basket Weaving, Broom Making, Blacksmithing Wood Stove Cooking, Pottery, Knife Making, Weaving, Quilting, Wood Carving, Lye Soap Making, Dress Making, Herb Gardening, Coopering, Doll Making, Musical Instrument Construction, the Foot Lathe, Candles and more. Wonderful Living Histories based on real people who lived in these Southern Ozark Mountains are presented each day during the season; giving an up close and personal glimpse of life the way it was a hundred years ago.
The Village is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on days of operation. Please check our calendar of events for more information on special craft events and festivals throughout our season. The annual Ozark Folk School provides all interested individuals with the opportunity to learn one of the fine crafts demonstrated in the Crafts Village from a talented instructor, in a relaxed, non-competitive environment. There are also Pioneer Craft Workshops available.
Contact the Park for details: 870-269-3851. Come visit us, meet the friendly people, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and you'll know why we treasure our Ozark Mountains!
Looking for other ways to be involved in the Ozark Folk Center?
For serious crafters – check out our apprentice program. This program offers you a chance to learn from a master craftsperson in your field. This program is for crafters who are interested in taking that next step – moving from being a student and taking classes; to starting their own studio and business. We have masters offering to take apprentices in the fields of pottery, cooperage, blacksmithing, knifemaking, weaving, soap making, wood turning, spinning, leather work, costume design, wood carving, quilting, basket weaving, printing, gunsmithing, broom making and herbal gardening.
Apprentices are expected to work with their craftmaster in all areas of the business and learn everything from trade techniques to shop display. Each program is individually designed to work best for the craftmaster and apprentice, however, apprentices are expected to work at least eight hours a week with their craftmaster, study diligently on their own, help with production, demonstrations of the craft, and shop maintenance and purchase their own supplies.
There is no charge for this program, but applicants must be qualified. Interested apprentices must submit an application and examples of their work.
Apprenticeships are usually three months in duration, though they can be tailored to your specific needs. Continued ed and college credit may be available through your institution. Upon approval of the craftmaster, the gift shop manager and the Ozark Folk Center craft director, apprentices will be allowed to sell their pieces in the Homespun Gift Shop.
For more information or an application for the apprentice program, call Jeanette Larson, Ozark Folk Center craft director at 870-269-3851.
Want to be involved for the fun of it? – Volunteer!
The Ozark Folk Center has an active volunteer program.
Volunteers help in the gardens and greenhouse. They help guide school tours, give crafters breaks in their shops and assist visitors in the craft village. They help set up the stage for music programs, seat visitors and direct traffic at the music shows.
Volunteers become a part of the Ozark Folk Center family! If you would like to check out the volunteer opportunities at the Ozark Folk Center, call Kathy Hair at 870-269-9307 or 870-269-3851.