Texana – A communal meal is a proven bridge builder.
Lines of folding tables decorated with care, a bountiful buffet of menu favorites and a group of people eager for connection set the stage for an event at the Texana Community Center.
On April 15, a panel discussion associated with the Bridging Communities through Craft long weekend of classes, honored the most recent collaboration between John C. Campbell Folk School and the African-American Craft Alliance. The event was well attended where representatives from both organizations and community members gathered to break bread and learn more about shared ideals around creative pursuits.
A trio of artists spoke about their craft practices and how common intersections can inform, enrich and heal. Pam Meister, former director of Western Carolina University Mountain Heritage Center, moderated the conversation with Virginia-based bookmaker artist IBE’ Crawley, Washington, D.C.-based doll maker artist Francine Haskins and South Carolina-based basketry artist Lynette Youson.
The set of classes, held April 16-19, featured artist presentations from AACA artists, music and storytelling, curating an atmosphere for inter-cultural dialogue around American craft heritage and traditions.
The AACA and folk school are on the second round of Bridging & Bonding. The work is supported by AmeriCorps and Fielding Graduate University.
Darcy Holdorf, programs director at the folk school, is the lead. The next meeting at the Texana Community Center will be held Saturday, June 14, on the 2025 Juneteenth celebration..