Mentorships & Internships

Our Traditional Craft Mentorship Program is an opportunity for emerging artists to spend time at the Folk School learning from accomplished craft makers, instructors, and mentors. Small groups of participants join in focused sessions that enhance their interests, knowledge, and skills in traditional Appalachian craft, music, or dance.

Alongside craft instruction, mentors will delve into the historic and cultural context of their subject area. Participants can expect to learn new techniques and come to understand the relevancy of their craft in the Appalachian region.

Mentorships are tuition-free learning opportunities. Selected applications are given room and board at no cost and are awarded a stipend to help with travel and materials. 

Applications for our 2024 Mentorship program are now closed.

Applications are now closed for our Garden Internship program!

For those looking to gain practical and hands-on cultivation experience, the Folk School offers a Garden Internship program.

From March-October each year, one intern will assist our Gardener Jason Ebinger in developing and implementing season-long plans for the Folk School’s garden, leading participants in the Work Study program, and performing overall maintenance.

The Folk School’s garden produces a diverse array of crops and supports the programming of many classes and studios with dye plants, broom corn, basket willow, and more.

This is a learning position with the opportunity for the right candidate to shape their experience based on their personal areas of interest. Compensation includes a monthly stipend, room and board, and a class resource. This position will ideally be filled by someone available for the entire garden season, but applicants only available for a portion of that time will be considered.