The Whitley County Fine Arts program often works with ‘teaching artists,’ which are artists that teach the public as well as other artists that teach. This is part of their efforts to build leaders in the community and empower artists by giving them teaching opportunities they might not otherwise have the chance to get. Oftentimes, when they teach at the Extension Community Arts Center, it is their first time ever teaching their craft.

On October 26, 2022 the Whitley County Fine Arts program held a professional development training with a local leather crafter named “Ron.” This program came about after the Fine Arts agent approached him at the local farmers market where he was selling his leather goods with his wife/partner. “Ron” taught 3 styles of leather journals: travelers journal, bound Journal, and notebook cover. The Fine Arts program staff learned about raw leather and the many options of leather for purchase. During the journal making process they measured and cut, pierced and punched, and sewed the leather using a saddle stich. Also, throughout the class, “Ron” and the staff discussed different teaching options and logistics, including class size, times, ages and details about materials and class levels (in working with a teaching artist there are many nuances that need to be worked out). This was a great chance to brainstorm possibilities for future classes.

From this class, the Fine Arts agent worked with the local leather crafter to source leather that he was able to prestamp for 50 travelers’ journals. With his approval, she then took the instructions from the professional development class and created a ‘Travelers Journal Take Home Art Packet’ that was distributed to people throughout the county. Because of “Ron’s” passion for community outreach, the Fine Arts program now has a resource for providing leather craft and can continue to nurture leadership among teaching artists. And while “Ron” has taught classes on leather craft in the past, this was his first teaching opportunity for a train-the-trainer event. This type of teaching helps to nurture confidence and builds relationships.