Interested in continuing the traditional art of crochet in Texas? Texas Folklife funds an Apprentice/Mentor program, where the goal is to foster “the continuity of traditional arts in Texas.” I am seeking a Texas crocheter to join me as an apprentice in applying for Texas Folklife’s Apprenticeship Program.
The application deadline is in the fall of 2023, for a 2024 apprenticeship. It seems a long way away, but Texas Folklife values a good relationship between apprentice and mentor, and it takes a while to build a relationship like that.
Click here to read about Texas Folklife’s Apprenticeship Program.
A prospective apprentice should already know how to crochet, and be interested in the tradition of crochet. If you would like to explore crochet in your own community, we can build an apprenticeship program plan around that. If you’re not sure what crochet tradition you would like to concentrate on, my suggestion is that we study Texas Thread Crochet. A small stipend for apprentice and mentor covers reasonable expenses.
As a prospective mentor, I have long experience as a crochet designer, author, and community researcher. I’m a Board member at the Center for Knit and Crochet (centerforknitandcrochet.org). You can find more about me at www.textilefusion.com/about, where you will find links to my artist’s resume and complete CV.
Apprenticeship applicants must
- know how to crochet,
- have an interest in the tradition and culture of crochet in Texas,
- live in Texas, and
- be at least 18 years old.
If funded, the project runs for six to eight months, beginning early in 2024. Texas Folklife recommends 8 to 12 hours of instruction per month. Outside of actual instruction, expect to spend time crocheting and preparing for lessons, and working on our final report. Some travel will be necessary.
Commitment
- Apply to be an apprentice at www.textilefusion.com/apprenticeapp2023.pdf, and return it to the address or email address listed on the application, by May 1, 2023. The application is about your personal crochet history and why you want to be part of the Apprentice/Mentor program.
I don’t know how many crocheters will apply to work with me, but if I have to choose among two or more applicants, I will do so by June 1, 2023. Then, the Apprentice and I will:
- Get to know each other via Zoom or in person, if possible. Texas Folklife wants mentors and apprentices to know each other and have a good relationship.
- Work together on a proposal for our six- to eight-month program of instruction, making, exploring the course of study we agree on. The deadline for sending funding application to Texas Folklife is early December 2023.
If our Apprentice/Mentor proposal is funded:
- The project runs for six to eight months, beginning early in 2024.
- We will work together virtually or in person, 8 to 12 hours per month.
- Apprentice and mentor will spend time outside of instruction in preparation for lessons, crocheting, doing homework, preparing the final report.
- Some travel will be necessary.
Please contact me with any questions at knitandcrochetwithsuzann@outlook.com . I would be glad to schedule a call or an online meeting to visit with you about the program.
