ARKANSAS CRAFT SCHOOL ANNOUNCES SUMMER PROGRAMS
Wright Pillow, Executive Director of the Arkansas Craft School, has announced plans to begin immediately to develop wood, fiber, and pottery teaching studios and outfit them with basic equipment in the downtown area of Mountain View. A warehouse on Main Street will be renovated and is projected to be in use by mid-July. He also announced that major funding has been received for a scholarship fund that will provide financial support to all participants in the Craft School programs and courses based on need and/or future contribution to the craft economy. “Both these moves will position the Arkansas Craft School to become a major provider of training and education for practicing artisans as well as youth and craft enthusiasts,” says Joe Doster, president of the Board of Directors.
Gin Brown, Chair of Program and Curriculum for the School and Campus Manager at Ozarka College – Mountian View points out that both the development of the teaching studios and the funding for scholarships makes possible two very significant Summer, 2009 programs: First, “Using Craft to Teach Elementary and Middle School Students”, scheduled for July 6 – 10, 2009 will provide continuing education certification through The Craft School and Ozarka College that may be used to meet license certification requirements. The course will provide a variety of experiences for teachers and community leaders of children and teens including guidance in the use of arts and crafts in teaching strategies and hands on skill training in the basic craft media. Second, The school’s summer youth program is designed to provide foundational training in a craft medium of the young person’s choice. Youth who are between thirteen and eighteen years should register immediately for the “Beginning Point” program scheduled for July 16 – 18 ,2009. Scholarship support is available for both these programs.
The Craft School is able to develop the teaching facilities and offer these significant programs through major funding from foundations and other donors. The continued generosity of these donors is dependent on the continued generous support of the people of Mountain View, Stone County and the Ozark Mountain region. The School is now engaged locally in its Annual Fund Development campaign. A “Night of Entertainment and Beautiful Things” is scheduled for May 21, 2009 at the Cash’s White River Hoedown theater in Mountain View. A Show featuring performers from the Mountain View area is scheduled for 7:00 PM and a Silent Auction of more than 50 items from the best of Mountain View and North Arkansas artisans is scheduled to begin that day at 5:00 PM. A weekend for four in Mountain View, including lodging at Grandma Elsie’s House, meals at Country Time Restuarant and Jo Jo’s Catfish Wharf, and tickets to Ozark Folk Center and Blachard Springs Caverns will be raffled at the event. Tickets are $10.00 at the door.
Support for the Arkansas Craft School is provided in part by the Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage, and the National Endowment for the Arts. The school is a 501.c.3 charitable corporation. Course descriptions, leader bios, and on-line registration are available at school’s website, www.arkansascraftschool.org .
