Images of saddle maker Michael Wilder with his apprentice Gregory Gaughan

General Note/Comment

• 35 color slides. Gaughan was funded to learn from Wilder how to make two saddles and design his own patterns. For more information, see S 1644, box 12, folder 6. 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.