Scholarship Opportunity for Beginning Female smiths

The deadline for this has passed but it would be worth pursuing next year.

Vance Baker, a retired line foreman for the utility board in Athens, TN, began blacksmithing in the 1970's.
Over the years, Vance taught blacksmithing at the John C. Campbell Folk School, as well as at the Appalachian Center for Crafts. Some of his skilled reproduction work can be seen at Fort Loudoun in Vonore, TN.

As Vance honed the craft that he loved over several decades, he especially loved introducing beginners to the world of blacksmithing.

This scholarship, founded by two self-described "Vance Baker groupies" is intended to carry on that tradition. This scholarship specifically reaches out to women, as an underrepresented group in the blacksmithing community, to begin to share in this time honored craft.

APPLICATION CRITERIA and GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Any female beginner student age 18 and older who has a strong interest in pursuing blacksmithing may apply.

2. The scholarship has been established to allow such a student the opportunity to take a beginning level blacksmithing class at John C. Campbell Folk School. Visit http://www.folkschool.org/ for a list of classes.

3. The scholarship is intended to cover class fees, material fees, and housing expenses. The scholarship does not cover any travel expenses. Scholarship amount will not exceed $1,000 and will be paid directly to the Folk School. One scholarship will be awarded per year.

4. Applications must be postmarked no later than March 15, 2008 and the recipient will be notified by April 15th, 2008. Applicants should take this into consideration when selecting a class.

5. To apply, please send an email inquiry to:
VBakerMemorialScholarship@earthlink.net
with the subject line APPLICATION. Include your name and address and preference for mail or email correspondence. Application materials and instructions will be mailed or emailed to you.