Blacksmith Jeff Farmer gained attention as the first instructor in a series of artisan workshops for educators at the Kentucky Educational Development Corporation. A local artisan mentors teachers in his 55 school districts across the commonwealth, helping them learn about arts, crafts, and Kentucky history.
Educators from across the commonwealth are coming to Berea after the city finalized an agreement with the Kentucky Educational Development Corporation (KEDC).
Bellaire Tourism Project Coordinator Liz Todd said the city facilitates artisan workshops for educators in Kentucky’s 55 school districts. The arrangement began last month when blacksmith Jeff Farmer taught a group of 38 educators in Kentucky about blacksmithing and its history.
“What we’re doing in these classes is providing a connection not just to the craft itself, but to the history and heritage of Kentucky as a state, and bringing that back to the classroom and making it compelling. “That’s what students want to learn,” Todd said.
Todd noted that Kentucky history is not typically taught in commonwealth classrooms beyond fourth grade, opening the door for educators to learn about its history through a variety of artistic mediums and pass it on to students. did.
For example, in Jeff Farmer’s course, Farmer was able to teach about the history of blacksmithing in Kentucky from the 1700s to the present day. Other instructors employ the same strategy, from the history of Appalachian music to the use of gourds as art. The lineup of journeyman instructors includes Chip Bailey, Pat Banks, Jonathan Dazo, Paul Burmeister, and more.
“To me, that’s a really exciting thing to offer from the best talent,” Todd said of the craftsmen. “We have been teaching artists here in Bellaire for over 10 years. We have skilled craftsmen and instructors who are able to pass on that knowledge to our educators. We are also excited about our teachers, but the artists We are looking forward to seeing you as well.”
The agreement, which runs through at least spring 2024, will see about 200 educators from 55 school districts around Kentucky travel to Berea each month to participate in artisan classes similar to LearnShops.
The resulting economic benefits not only help participating artists, but also promote local business. Todd said teachers will stay at the Boone Tavern Inn and have the opportunity to visit other local facilities.
“I think it’s going to have a very positive impact on the local economy. Some people may stay in a hotel, eat at a restaurant, refuel at a gas station, explore the stores, but while they’re in Berea, We intend to bring this opportunity to artists as well. We support these artists and share their work so that their businesses can continue.”
So far, courses are scheduled to be held at the Russell Acton Folk Center, the Berea Intergenerational Center, Berea City Hall, and eventually the Toll Building, which is being renovated. Meanwhile, the first artisan workshop featuring Jeff Farmer was held at the Chestnut Street Pavilion in September.
While the project will likely have a positive impact on Berea’s economy, Todd said the new visitors will be another opportunity to expand on Berea’s growing reputation as a tourist destination. With that in mind, Todd said he hopes KEDC will send out more leaders like Bellaire in the future.
“We hope that 55 people grows to 70 people. That’s the goal. Every month we bring these people here and show them what a gem and special place Bellaire, Kentucky is. Let’s go,” Todd said.