Participation Type
Panel
Session Title
Hindman, KY: Growing an Artisan Community in Troublesome Times
Session Abstract or Summary
The historic town of Hindman, KY (pop. 777) is the county seat of Knott County, a county that boasts a rich heritage of mountain music, crafts, folkdance, foodways, literature, and progressive education. However, over the past several decades we have seen abject poverty and geographic isolation give rise to many of the critical issues facing our people today.
The Hindman/Knott County Community Development Initiative (CDI) began in 1997 when a volunteer group of Hindman and Knott County leaders and citizens began meeting at the Hindman Settlement School to develop a strategic plan to diversify Knott County’s economy by building on the cultural strengths of the area. Over $20 million in projects received funding as part of this national initiative. These projects include: construction of a new city hall and welcome center; renovation of a downtown building into the Kentucky Appalachian Artisan Center; building of the Knott County Opportunity Center which houses a branch of Hazard Community and Technical College, the Knott County Public Library, the Knott County Adult Learning Center, a day care center and distance learning classrooms; creation of the Kentucky School of Craft (part of Hazard Community and Technical College) and implementation of over $10 million in infrastructure improvements.
Progress on establishing Hindman, KY as an artisan community has been slow, but we believe that Hindman will serve as a model for other small towns as we work together to create a new economy in the Appalachian coalfields, one that is based on just and sustainable economics.
Presentation #1 Title
Every Little Soul is Gonna Shine: Folk Arts Programming at Hindman Settlement School
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Keeping people mindful of their heritage has always been a strong component of Hindman Settlement School’s progressive educational philosophy. The Settlement’s Folk Arts Education Program does this by providing opportunities for lifelong learning and preservation of cultural heritage through the arts. The program is divided into two main components: providing a culturally relevant arts and humanities curriculum for Knott County schools and providing cultural outreach to the wider community. We teach students using a variety of hands-on arts activities. Working with teachers to ensure the arts programming is relevant to their curriculum, we engage students through theatrical performances, story-telling, music and dance. Students then reflect on the work they create, writing critiques or creating dance and theatrical pieces of their own. During the course of a week, our Folk Arts Education Program directly impacts 891 Knott County students. The community outreach work engages another 56 kids and 40 community members. When you consider the radio program, teachers, parents, CDs and performances, the Folk Arts Education Program easily impacts 1,200 people in Knott County each week. We also offer a variety of workshops that are open to the public throughout the year in traditional mountain crafts, traditional music and dance, foodways, writing, photography, wildcrafting, and more.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Brett Ratliff is Program Director for Hindman Settlement School in Hindman, KY. Brett grew up the son of a coal miner and a schoolteacher in Van Lear, KY, and also studies and performs traditional Appalachian old-time music.
Presentation #2 Title
Growing a New Fine Arts Program
Presentation #2 Abstract or Summary
Michael Flynn is the Program Coordinator of Associate in Fine Arts at Hazard Community and Technical College. The Fine Arts Program is based at The Kentucky School of Craft in Knott County, Kentucky and is dedicated to keeping traditions alive while expanding student’s access to contemporary art and design practices. Through a regional approach Flynn has expanded the programs service area, developed signature products to be sold by the school, and created professional development workshops for educational and professional partners. In the classroom, Mr. Flynn has exposed his students to experiential learning opportunities through team-teaching with local master craftsmen, covering topics such as knife making, traditional green woodworking, and musical instrument construction within his fine arts courses. Through distance learning strategies and on-line, IVT and hybrid classes, The Kentucky School of Craft has expanded Hazard Community and Technical College's ability to expose students to the professional field of fine arts.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Michael Flynn is originally from Chester Springs, PA, a town one hour west of Philadelphia, and is a professional studio artist and educator. His research in sculpture and digital imagery often focuses on the necessities of life, self-awareness and community engagement.
Presentation #3 Title
Re-envisioning Hindman: Building an Arts Community in Appalachia
Presentation #3 Abstract or Summary
The Appalachian Artisan Center exists to develop the economy of eastern Kentucky through our arts, culture, and heritage. We are dedicated to supporting artists by helping them create and grow successful businesses. In addition to artist support services for marketing and business plan development, we are growing the economy through incubator studios, luthiery and blacksmithing apprenticeships, educational programming in ceramics, jewelry design, textiles, and painting, and a retail gallery featuring the works of more than 300 juried regional artists.
The Center’s Shop is home to an extensive selection of handcrafted items. From pottery to jewelry and furniture to quilts, the rich heritage of the region is reflected in the unique pieces available for purchase. At the Appalachian Artisan Center’s Cody Studios, artists participate in a unique program that allows them to grow their businesses with low-cost studio space and easy access to a network of artists and support services available through the Center’s staff. The Bolen Studios are home to the AAC’s Luthiery program. Under the direction of a Master Artist-In-Residence, the program offers affordable instrument building workshops and apprenticeship programs for both youth and adults.
Through our educational and outreach efforts we are re-envisioning Hindman as a community for artists and a cultural tourism destination built upon the heritage and arts of the region. Come discover the exciting work taking place in Hindman through creative partnerships and collaborations with sister agencies.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #3
Josh Mullins, a Hazard, KY-native, earned his BA in Communications (Advertising/Public Relations) and MA in Education from Morehead State University in 2009 and 2014 respectively. As the Executive Director of the Appalachian Artisan Center, Josh provides administrative leadership for the Center including fundraising, marketing, program development, and strengthening relationships with artists.
Every Little Soul is Gonna Shine: Folk Arts Programming at Hindman Settlement School
Keeping people mindful of their heritage has always been a strong component of Hindman Settlement School’s progressive educational philosophy. The Settlement’s Folk Arts Education Program does this by providing opportunities for lifelong learning and preservation of cultural heritage through the arts. The program is divided into two main components: providing a culturally relevant arts and humanities curriculum for Knott County schools and providing cultural outreach to the wider community. We teach students using a variety of hands-on arts activities. Working with teachers to ensure the arts programming is relevant to their curriculum, we engage students through theatrical performances, story-telling, music and dance. Students then reflect on the work they create, writing critiques or creating dance and theatrical pieces of their own. During the course of a week, our Folk Arts Education Program directly impacts 891 Knott County students. The community outreach work engages another 56 kids and 40 community members. When you consider the radio program, teachers, parents, CDs and performances, the Folk Arts Education Program easily impacts 1,200 people in Knott County each week. We also offer a variety of workshops that are open to the public throughout the year in traditional mountain crafts, traditional music and dance, foodways, writing, photography, wildcrafting, and more.
