Hearts that preserve heritage,

hands that create communities.

Ozark Folkways Founding

President Betty Cooley, Vice President June Roberts, Secretary-Treasurer Elaine Cochran, and about a dozen members founded Ozark Native Crafts Association in 1969 in Brentwood, Arkansas.

The organization moved to the Muxen Building in 1973. In 1994, the name changed to Ozark Folkways.

Bernice and Bryan Hembree founded the Folk School of Fayetteville 501c3 in 2011 and began hosting jams and workshops in the Walker-Stone House in 2023. In 2025, the Hembrees moved on to their next adventure and Ozark Folkways carried the Folk School torch onward with the support of the strong Folk School community.

Together, We Keep the Dream Alive.

Piper Hart singing, sharing the indoor stage with musicians.

Chava Schacter crafting at the Ozark Womens Celebration, commemorating the Winslow Petticoat Government Centennial.

Kathy Sparks, Alice McKee, and Amy Leisure, the Ozark Folkways yarn bombing gang

Staff

Sarah Jones, Winslow, Executive Director, 2025–present

Alice Steinkraus, West Fork, Gallery Assistant

Nancy Wilson, Winslow, Gallery Assistant

Board

Kathy Sparks, Springdale; President, Fundraising
Abby Hollis, Prairie Grove; President-Elect
Amy Leisure, Winslow; Past President, Properties
Damon Akin, Fayetteville; Co-Treasurer, Financial
Caitlin Oxford, Elkins; Co-Treasurer
Leah Markum, Fayetteville; Secretary, Communications
Chava Schacter, Winslow; Events Chair
Alice McKee, West Fork
Sangeet Gupta, Fayetteville
Emily Miller, Fayetteville
Piper Hart, Fayetteville