Folklife
Apprenticeship Guidelines
The Montana Arts Council is committed to the preservation and encouragement of the folk and traditional arts of our state. We recognize that a master/apprenticeship relationship in a community setting is one of the most effective ways of supporting the vitality of traditional artists and the gifts they have to offer.
Many folk artists work full time and do not have time to teach their art to another. The Montana Arts Council Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program encourages the passing on of folk arts by offering awards to qualifying MCAM master artists for the purpose of teaching their art and skills to a dedicated apprentice.
The apprenticeship arrangement includes an endorsed MCAM artist and an apprentice. Funds, as available, are awarded to the master artist as recognition of his or her artistic expertise, the quality of the work, and the time invested in the teaching.
The Montana Arts Council's Folklife Program has made a total of 60 apprenticeship awards to Montana folk and traditional artists since 1994. Following is a list of the apprenticeships since 2000.
Masters and Apprentices
2010-2011
Master George Holt and Apprentice Charlotte Quist – custom saddlemaking
Master Elaine Snyder and Apprentice Karen Pratt – buckskin tailoring
2009-2010
Master Jackie Bread and Apprentice Virgelene Raya – Blackfeet two-needle beadwork
Master Edward Caffrey and Apprentice B.G. Strumberg III – custom knifemaking
Master Rich Charlson and Apprentices Tom and Linda Wolgamot – segmented woodturning
Master Jessie Clemans and Apprentice Caroline Clemans – fingerweaving
Master Judy Ericksen and Apprentices Alisa Hale and Mark Cook – pottery firing and glazing
Master Al Chandler Goodstrike and Apprentice Wozek Chandler – traditional parfleche making
2005-2006
Master Jackie Bread and Apprentice Robyn Pepion – Blackfeet two-needle beadwork
Master Kevin Burke and Apprentice Chip Jasmin – Irish fiddle playing
Master Christine First and Apprentice Ninette Hamilton – star quilting
Master Richard Horn and Apprentice Jacob Tailfeathers Stalnaker – traditional games equipment making
Master Cary Youpee and Apprentices the Magpie Singers – hand drum making
2003-2004
Master Iris Elk Runner and Apprentice Ingrid Firemoon – porcupine quillwork
Master Annette Archdale Linder and Apprentice Christy Birdsbill – star quilting
Master George White and Apprentice Andrew "AJ" Butler – Red River cart making
Master John Arcand and Apprentices Jamie and Vince Fox – Metis fiddle playing
Master Debbie Herrington and Apprentice Perle McGillis – Chippewa beadwork
2001-2002
Master Pat Kennedy and Apprentice Kenny Old Person – old time social songs
Master Jay Old Mouse and Apprentice Shontae Old Mouse – flute making
Master Diane Scalese and Apprentice Julie Lybeck – western silver engraving
Master Emma Don't Mix and Apprentices Angela Russell, Janine Pease, Regina Stewart, Gustine Old Bear, Minne Fritzler and the women of Lodge Grass – high top moccasins
2000-2001
Master Elva Stands in Timber and Apprentice Luella Rusette – moccasin making
Master Alma Hogan Snell and Apprentices Karen Snell and Faith Chosa – traditional herbalism
Master Birdie Real Bird and Apprentices LeeAnn Bruised Head, Rhea Real Bird, Angela Russell, Faye Rides at the Door – Crow belt making
Master Michael Williams and Apprentice Tegan Hahn – dance fiddling
