Keeping Clara’s Dream Alive
Becoming Ozark Folkways
Finding a Home in the Muxen Building and Walker-Stone House
By Rebecca Buchanan, Ozark Folkways executive director 2009-2017
1960s & 1970s: The Dream Returns
The Ozark Native Craft Association was formed in 1969 to market crafts and teach skills.
The Muxen Building stood idle for more than 20 years.
In 1969, the Ozark Native Craft Association formed to market crafts and teach skills. In 1972, they bought and renovated the Muxen building.
They went on to host semi-annual fairs to showcase Ozark craftspeople. The fairs featured more than 300 consignors and attracted thousands of visitors.
The building became home to the Ozarks Native Craft Outlet, staffed by Irene Donahue. She ran the store during the day and managed the bookkeeping at night. A steady stream of customers visited. Irene never tired of explaining how and why the outlet originally came together.
1980s & 1990s: Times Change
In 1994, the craft association reformed as the charitable organization we know as Ozark Folkways.
A jury system ensured that Ozark Folkways accepted only the highest-quality crafts to sell. Volunteers ran the shop, held weekly workshops, and served as instructors.
Employment opportunities in the greater northwest Arkansas area increased. As the region developed, crafting declined. Attendance at the fairs dropped off and was discontinued in 1997. By 1999, a new interstate bypassed Highway 71. The traffic that sustained local organizations plummeted.
2000s & 2010s: Keeping the Dream Alive
Connie Wright attended high school in Winslow, so she knew the area well.
In the early to late 2000s, she ran Ozark Folkways almost single-handedly. Connie's time and thousands of her own dollars went towards Keeping the Dream Alive. Erin Chapman and Tracie Slattery volunteered. Together, they established the Kids Art Camp, Ladies Painting Day, and the Quilting Group.
Rebecca Buchanan served as executive director from 2009 to 2017. She oversaw projects that breathed new life into Clara’s building. Her efforts included interior renovations, an outdoor stage, a demonstration kitchen, and a pottery kiln. During this time, the Muxen Building was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
In 2011, the Folk School of Fayetteville was founded by Bernice and Bryan Hembree. In the years that followed under that umbrella, they launched the popular Fayetteville Roots Festival, The Roots HQ, and the Folk School.
A Parallel Dream & the 2020s:
The Hembrees found a community music space for the Folk School. In the spring of 2023, they moved into the historic Walker-Stone House in downtown Fayetteville. The school regularly welcomed musicians, folklorists, dancers, and other crafts. Professionals, students, and appreciators alike came together. We even co-hosted kids’ art summer camps.
In 2025, when Bernice decided to pursue a degree in England. She and several Ozark Folkways board members spearheaded by Abby Hollis worked to transition Ozark Folkways as the parent organization for the Folk School.
A part of those efforts was to ensure that Experience Fayetteville, the owner of the Walker-Stone House, shifted the lease to Folkways. The space will soon be repopulated with a mixture of programs and artistic creations, continuing our shared mission and dream.
Message from Bernice, September 30, 2025:
“I am thrilled that Ozark Folkways is able to carry the Folk School mission and dream forward. Establishing this community music space was a dream realised. Now it brings me joy to see this move forward into the next phase. Over the past several months, I have been overwhelmed by the care and interest of many in our music community. To those of you who have stepped up to find a way to keep the Folk School alive, THANK YOU. Thank you for being a part of the Folk School. Thank you for continuing the work while I step aside and pursue another dream. Don’t be afraid to folk things up ;)"
Onto the Next Page of the Journey
Today, we continue to bring together the hands and hearts of our living heritage. We nurture a community that shares art, music, and food with love for education, history, and nature. With the help of tireless volunteers, generous donors, and our energetic board of directors, we are Keeping the Dream Alive!