Weaving New Stories: Berea Student Craft

Abstract: Founded in 1855 in Berea, Kentucky, Berea College was the first integrated and coeducational school in the South. Since 1893, the college has managed a Student Craft program (formerly Fireside Industries) as part of the college’s Labor Program and designation as a federally recognized work college. Students who work in Student Craft produce woven and quilted textiles, brooms, wooden objects, and ceramics, which the college sells to support its tuition-free promise. In turn, the students earn a scholarship direct payment. In this article, Berea College folklorist Emily Hilliard interviews Director of Weaving and Assistant Creative Director of Berea Student Craft Erin Miller and Weaving Manager and Berea alum Emerson Croft about the history of the Student Craft and Weaving program at Berea, new projects and initiatives, and the impact of the program’s recent shift to incorporate more student-led design.