Berea Student Crafts Program, Berea, KY

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Berea College has an over century-long tradition of preserving and creating Appalachian folk arts and crafts. The College Student Crafts Program is one of many labor departments and learning environments in which Berea College students work as part of their liberal arts education.

Fireside Weaving began in 1893 and was the cornerstone program for the student industries. Currently housed in Sunshine Ballard Cottage, Fireside weaving still uses the traditional hand loom and fly-shuttle looms created long ago.

Woodcraft was established in the early 1900’s and has grown from a simple carpentry shop to a high quality woodworking industry. Although most of the work is now done with power tools, attention to detail still requires careful handwork and individual consideration.

Broomcraft has been a part of the Berea College Student Craft Program since 1920 when equipment from a broom factory was given to the college. Each broom is made from broom corn and is individually made. The braided broom corn endings are a trademark of this fine Berea College Craft Industry.

Berea College Student Crafts can be found at the Log House Gallery, the Boone Tavern Gift Shop, and the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea, Berea, KY.