Master Artists Selected for the 2021-22 Apprenticeship Year

Virginia Siegel

Three master artists have been selected to participate in the Arkansas Folk and Traditional Arts' statewide apprenticeship program, which is currently in its second year. The program funds teams of master artists and apprentices who are committed to sustaining their artistic traditions and cultural heritage. Teams are required to develop a work plan for the upcoming project year, meet with each other regularly over the course of the year and finally, share their experience with their communities at the culmination of the project. 

Patricia Bergman of Yellville is a master metalsmith and jewelry maker. She returns to the program this year to work with apprentice Amy Fitzpatrick. 

"When the pandemic hit, I decided to apply for the apprenticeship grant," Bergman said. "This has allowed me to pass on my skills and knowledge, giving my student the opportunity to keep this skill alive. It's been a wonderful life for me as a metalsmith and self-employed artisan." 

Sage Holland of Fox is a master glass bead maker who will be working with apprentice River Lovenstein.  

Allison Williams of Fayetteville is a master musician passing on the tradition of oldtime music, including clawhammer banjo and ballad singing, to apprentice Allison Langston. 

"AFTA is dedicated to creating opportunities that put resources and funding back into the hands of artists and tradition-bearers," said Virginia Siegel, program coordinator. "We are really proud to work with such amazing master artists and apprentices this year. It's inspiring to see masters pass their knowledge on to new generations. They're truly Arkansas treasures." 

Artists will continue their apprenticeships through May. The next round of applications will be made available in June with a submission deadline of Aug. 31.  

The Arkansas Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program is supported by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov.