Broom Making 101
Learn to make a variety of beautiful and functional brooms. Starting with the simple, yet startlingly versatile whisk broom. You'll move through the styles, learning to make a turkey wing, hawk tail and hearth broom. Finish up this 5-day class with cob web brooms and kitchen brooms. As you tie, you'll learn a little of the fascinating history of the American broom maker and be entertained by your instructor's knowledge and patter. The brooms you create in this class will not only be functional, but they'll also be works of art that utilize basket weaving (plaiting) techniques.
All broomcorn, wire, twine and handle material is provided and covered in your class fee. You may bring your own sticks for handles if you would like. You can email Ozark Folk Center Broomsquire Shawn Hoefer directly at shawnhoefer@gmail.com with any questions.
Total cost of class includes materials and use of tools during class. Up to one month before the start of class, full refunds will be given upon request by phone to 870-269-3854 or email to jeanette.larson@arkansas.gov. Students requesting a refund between a month and two weeks before the beginning of class will receive a 50% refund. No refunds within two weeks of class. This class is for students ages 16 and up. Call the park at 870-269-3854 for more information.
Looking for a
place to stay while you learn? The Cabins at Dry Creek offer
comfortable lodging just down the hill from your workshop with a discount for
Folk School students staying 3 or more days. Call 870-269-0861 for room
information or to make reservations.
Meet your instructors:
Shawn Hoefer and Rodha Larson have been making brooms for more than 20 years. They have developed many unique styles and techniques and have been recognized for the quality and craftsmanship of their broom by not only the 4,000 people who buy their brooms each year, but also by the Monahan Partners, who sponsor the National Craft Broom Competition in Arcola, Illinois each September. Both Shawn and Radha have won the championship several times, and even more impressive, their students often enter, place and win.