Greetings . . . from Berea College, the home of a century-long tradition of preserving and creating Appalachian folk arts and crafts! Here you will find both the familiar products for which Berea College has long been renowned and new products that we hope will become heirlooms in your own family. All are made with skill, care, creativity, and the commitment to excellence that is characteristic of Bereans.

Though we treasure the skills and culture of the past, Berea College does not live in the past—it embodies concepts and principles that engage both the high-tech and the time-honored.  This is evident in our preservation and continuation of regional handcraft knowledge while integrating the creativity and productivity of current technologies.

The Berea College Crafts Program provides a unique opportunity for students to learn both traditional and contemporary forms of craftsmanship through the Labor Program.  Our students work in a tangible and timeless method, learning to use their body rather than simply relying only on their virtual skills.  Thus, the Crafts Program applies the core Berea College principles of educating the whole student—head, heart, and hands.

The Berea College Labor Program is also a fundamental feature of our mission to provide a high-quality, tuition-free education for 1,600 academically talented and economically deserving young men and women, primarily from the Appalachian region.  The labor contributions of our students support the essential operations of the institution and embody the importance of collaboration, which is a hallmark of the inclusive community that is Berea College

These web pages provide a glimpse of the unique and enduring legacy of Berea College and its Student Crafts Program.  But I encourage you to visit us and witness first-hand the talents of our students as well as the vibrant College and community of Berea.

Sincerely,

Larry D. Shinn, President