In 2021, the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) launched the Artist Innovation Mentorship (AIM) program, connecting rural middle school students with local artists. Since 2023, we’ve partnered with NCMA and Murphy Middle School to offer six-week AIM sessions in crafts like basketry, fiber arts, metalwork, and most recently, painting.  

June teaching NCMA AIM students 

2024 JAM Program 

2024 Kids Christmas Party

The most recent AIM session was led by local artist June Rollins, familiar to the Folk School community from her work in the Craft Shop. She also served as the Inventory Coordinator. June led 10 students across these six weeks, learning watercolors, neurographic art, graphite drawing, and zentangles. They joined us recently for Closing Ceremony, where they had the opportunity to showcase their final work for students, staff, and their families. 

NCMA is also supporting 25 scholarships to Little Middle Folk School for rising sixth through ninth graders in Clay and Cherokee counties. Little Middle is an opportunity to take part in dozens of arts and crafts activities and make new friends here on campus. This year, we’re welcoming more than 300 students. 

These programs in partnership with NCMA are one of the few ways the Folk School works to connect craft across generations. The Folk School also hosts Intergenerational Week each July, offering more than 70 youth to take classes alongside a family member or guardian, the Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) program, which provides free after-school lessons in traditional Appalachian music and dance, and special events like the Kids Christmas party each December with a crowd of 150 kids. 

2024 Little Middle Group Photo

With the Folk School’s centennial approaching, we’ve been reflecting on how to better steward community partnerships. In the next 100 years, we want to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people in our community, giving them the tools to carry the Folk School and the region’s craft traditions into the future. 

We have a goal to raise $60,000 during our spring appeal. By donating to the Folk School, you support scholarships for local kids, provide funding for youth programs, and help us maintain the studios and facilities that make these experiences possible. 

To donate, visit the online giving form or contact the Development Office at giving@folkschool.org or 828-837-2775 ext. 139. 

Together, we make a great Folk School.