Named after Folk School Founder Olive Dame Campbell, Olive’s Porch was created in response to community listening sessions. Caroline Teal is the Ventures Manager, regularly initiating partnerships with organizations.  

 “We have community partners we do programming with, and we also provide the space for their events or gatherings occasionally. The biggest partners we have are Texana and REACH,” Teal said. “We also partner with HIGHTS, which is Helping Inspire Gifts of Hope, Trust and Service. They work with kids who are struggling with truancy.” 

Upon entering the shop, patrons are greeted by a multitude of crafting materials and beautiful Appalachian works of art. Each table is adorned with personality and potential. Planted in the vibrant downtown area, Teal and her team extend the opportunity for anyone to step into the world of folk art.  

You’ll always find them at the Muphy Art Walk, offering demos and informing folks on upcoming workshops. Emphasizing community and access, they host free Community Carving nights every third Friday of the month. For folks unsure of what class to take, lack availability for on-campus sessions, or would simply like to try a new craft— Olive’s Porch opens its doors to everyone ready to embark on a creative journey.  

On-campus, Programming Director Darcy Holdorf conducts outreach for programs like Bridging and Bonding Through Craft, initiating connections and strengthening bonds through stewardship and kindness. Dawn Murphy from the Folk Education Association of America and African American Craft Alliance Founder, Dr. Diana Baird N’Diaye, established the program, encouraging intercultural discussion and unity with a week of music and storytelling,  

“You have cultural responsibility for carrying forth certain traditions, so we think about that and really try to align it with the strategic plan.” Holdorf said. 

Valuing cross-culture understanding, Holdorf also collaborates with the Texana Community Development Center, nurturing meaningful relationships through staff supported get-togethers endorsed by years of interpersonal collaboration and networking. 

“Culminated with this gospel singing, staff, teachers, local folks— really multicultural, all had a meal together. To me, that felt like something you can’t just do. You have to have years of existing relationships that were built to have that kind of outcome,” Holdorf said. 

After nearly a decade of dedicated, strategic outreach, Holdorf and her team reap the fruitful reward of fulfillment after a job well done. With strong connections locally, a potentially everlasting collaboration extends into the future. 

James “Bud” Smith is a woodcarver and scholar renowned for his expertise and talent. A carver for over 50 years, Smith teaches at many institutions including the Folk School, instructing Cherokee Mask Carving. As an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Smith finds cultural significance working with natural material and he’s partial to carving birds. 

“The Folk School is unique. It celebrates crafts and most of the other institutions I teach at, or have taught, are more focused on the art. I have a whole lot more beginners at the Folk School than I do at other places, but it’s unique in that aspect,” Smith said. 

Smith has experimented with a variety of different mediums, always finding himself circling back to wood. He finds cultural significance working with natural material, partial to carving birds as his favorite muse. 

Although he describes himself as “a hermit and curmudgeon,” Smith admittedly is very welcoming to students who have found passion in his teachings, with an affinity for instructing and sharing his vast, rich knowledge—feeding minds hungry for information.  

“I am not that culturally rigid person. I’m an artist before I’m before I’m Cherokee, before I’m Bud Smith, before whatever it is. I’m an artist,” Smith said. “I want to do what I’m going to do, and it doesn’t matter what it is—if I do it, it’s Cherokee art.” 

Masks are the only cultural object he chooses to carve, formerly dabbling in making war clubs.  When it comes to native art, Amanda Crowe planted the seed of craft and creativity in his heart. From there, he’s found inspiration in the expert carving of Willard Stone. 

“Places like the Folk School, Olive’s Porch, the co-op and our museum that have classes, bring the community in and give them a space to escape the rest of the world and explore creativity, that’s a good thing,” Smith said. 

Photos from Workshops & Residence Artist Talks

Art connects people, in the case of Smith, he finds a medium, such as a block of wood, can be a launching pad for dialogue and bonding. Having a goal or creative outlet dampens the intimidation of initial interaction, providing a space for communication and relatability. 

Craft is a powerful tool for bringing people together, sparking creativity, and building lasting relationships. Including other communities and fostering personal growth contributes towards a vibrant society, bursting at the seams with joy and kindness. The Folk School is not just about enriching lives—it’s building a stronger, more connected community for everyone to share and enjoy.