Ozark Folkways will host the 19th annual Kids’ Art Camp: Fiber Camp July 15-19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Northwest Arkansas children ages seven to 14 will learn self-sufficient, traditional fiber art skills without a long drive from home at the Folk School of Fayetteville. Each participant will learn each stage of fiber creation from a sheep-shearing demonstration to making their own miniature weavings.

“This year I’m really excited to bring Fiber Camp to the Folk School of Fayetteville where it will be accessible to a new audience,” instructor and organizer of the camp, Abby Hollis said. 

This camp offers a safe environment for children from NWA to learn the complete process of wool. 

Hollis will demonstrate sheep shearing and then proceed with hands-on washing and dyeing of wool, spinning yarn on drop spindles, creating miniature weavings and needle felting so students can create designs they can bring home at the end of camp.

“It’s incredible to see the kids connect the dots from sheep to wool to yarn to their finished projects, “ Hollis said. “Some kids loved to mix colored wool on the drum carder, while others spun one-of-a-kind yarn, others felted whimsical creatures, and still others created woven wall hangings. They teach their new favorite crafts to their friends and family at pickup time.”

Returning camp students can specialize in their favorite fiber art process. When registering, parents can add a note saying their child has participated in a previous year and wants to focus on a specific art. 

The camps costs $125 and includes lunch each day. Ozark Folkways offers scholarships for families who receive SNAP Benefits with discounts also available for families enrolling multiple children.  To register, visit https://www.ozarkfolkway.org or contact info@ozarkfolkways.org.