Seminole palmetto stem basket maker Marion Bowers

General Note/Comment

• Four proof sheets with 86 black and white images (plus negatives); and 20 color slides. Apprentice Jones had to learn from Bowers to select, gather, and prepare stems, make six baskets, and learn cultural background. For more information, see S 1644, box 11, folder 21. The Folk Arts Apprenticeship Program began in 1983 with a NEA grant of $22,000. The program provided an opportunity for master folk artists to share technical skills and cultural knowledge with apprentices in order to keep the tradition alive. Apprentices must have had some experience in the tradition and agreed to train for at least six months. The first project director was Blanton Owen, later replaced by folklorist Peter Roller, and then Robert Stone. The program was continued each year through 2004.