People apprentice at the Ozark Folk Center for a variety of reasons. Some young people are searching for what they want to do when they get out on their own. Some retirees are looking for a fulfilling hobby. Some mothers are looking for a way to relax and do something for themselves. Some college students are looking for a unique elective to add to their portfolio.
This summer’s craft apprentices cover all these reasons. From each of these different perspectives, the apprentices agree that they have learned a lot and worked hard all summer.
Melody Conatser is a nurse from Jonesboro who has wanted to work at the Ozark Folk Center since it opened. Now that she is getting near to retirement, she has some time to learn the skills that she hopes will allow her to expand her fiber arts abilities and work more as a crafter at the Center. Already an experienced spinner, Melody apprenticed this summer with master weaver Dana Shaeffer. Dana’s tapestries have been commissioned to hang in the John Deere corporate headquarters and many other nationally known buildings.
“Dana is an excellent instructor,” said Melody. “I was self-taught with some weaving experience, but Dana has helped me go way beyond what I could have on my own.”
This summer Melody wove two scarves out of her own hand-spun wool and a dresser scarf out of hand-spun Pomeranian.
“I would recommend the apprentice program to anyone that wants to learn something new, have fun and train seriously in a craft,” said Melody.
Allison Jarek came to the Folk Center from Douglasville, Georgia. She is a photography major with a printmaking minor at the Savannah College of Art and Design. She chose to study with well known photographer Phillip Walrod. Phillip has made an extensive study of old-fashioned developing processes and combines photography and printing in several unique ways.
“I wanted to learn as much as I could about my craft,” said Allison, when asked why she chose to apprentice at the Folk Center. “I was looking for adventure. I’ve had fun and learned a lot.”
Allison has worked on several different printing processes and even substituted in the shop for Phillip on occasion, learning not only the artistic but also the business side of being an artisan. She warns interested apprentices that it’s not all fun and games.
"Learn as much as you can beforehand,” she said. “Do a lot of research and be prepared to work hard.”
A serious college student who is headed to Yale medical school, Catherine Shultz, echoed that advice. Catherine is taking the summer to apprentice with potters John Perry and Judi Munn.
“Make certain that you’re doing this because you want to learn the art,” Catherine said. “Make certain that you’re willing to make the commitment. It’s not fair to you or the Craft master if you’re not.”
Catherine grew up around the Folk Center and had one year of college pottery before applying to apprentice. She loves the feel of the clay and thinks that pottery will always be her way to relax.
“It would be difficult to start in a craft with no background,” Catherine explained. “There is a huge learning curve.”
Warnings aside, she’s still having lots of fun. “This is a dream come true,” she said, “and my mom loves it, too.”
The Ozark Folk Center will be hosting a showing of this year’s apprentice work on August 8 in the Dogwood Room of the Administration Building. More than 9 apprentices plan to complete this year’s program and exhibit in the show. Admission is free to the show.
Craft Village tickets are $10.00 for adults and $6.00 for children under 12. If you are interested in apprenticing in a craft at the Folk Center, call 870-269-3851.