by Riki Saltzman

I had the privilege of representing OFN at the American Folklore Society annual meeting this year. My primary task was to speak about how OFN is involved with teaching at the University of Oregon. My colleagues also spoke about their teaching roles and responsibilities.

The main takeaway from this very lively session (lots of audience members, including our own John Fenn) was that public folklore programs based at universities are engaged in a wide range of teaching—from outright classes (Indiana Folklore at IU) to interns (Kentucky Folklife Program, OFN, Traditional Arts Indiana, Missouri Folklife Program) and graduate assistants (KFP, MFP, OFN). We at OFN also have the opportunity to participate as practicum hosts for AAD students (Karen Agocs, MA ‘13/Arts in the Parks), while students at IU create one-panel exhibits that go on to be part of TAI’s touring exhibit program.

Teaching also means involving students in the nuts and bolts of what we at public folklore programs do—from learning about advocacy by writing letters to legislators (MFP), to planning and implementing the Indiana Governor’s Arts Awards (TAI), and working with local festivals to learn about stage management, running sound, and facilitating narrative stage discussions (KFP). Other venues that provide opportunities for students include working with park rangers, local libraries, and state fairs for such diverse projects as fiddle contests, century farm and ranch awards, or documenting and exhibiting local baskets and basket makers.

As always, AFS provides a smorgasbord of new ideas—more on those as they find their way into OFN’s future projects!