The Virginia Folklife Program announces the 2010-2011 class of master artists and apprentices. Folklife Apprenticeships pair an experienced master artist with an eager apprentice for a one-on-one, nine month learning experience, in order to help ensure that a particular art form is passed on in ways that are conscious of history and faithful to tradition. This eighth class of apprenticeship teams includes:
- Master Menhaden Chantey Singers Elton Smith Jr., Edward Taylor, William Muse, Lloyd Hill, and James Carter and apprentice Lewis R. Blackwell Jr. of King and Queen County
- Master Clawhammer Banjo player Emily Spencer and apprentice Amanda Spencer of Grayson County
- Master of Galax-Style Dulcimer Phyllis Gaskins and apprentice Blue O’Connell of Rockingham County
- Master Grist Miller Bill Savage and apprentice Bob Savage of Accomack County
- Master of Persian Classical Music Nader Majd and apprentice Ali Analouei of Fairfax County
- Master Flatpick Guitarist Steve Kilby and apprentice Leah Hall of Grayson County
- Master Instrument Maker Randall Eller and apprentice Jonathan Plowman of Smyth County
- Master of Traditional Forestry Jason Rutledge and apprentices Melanie Carrier and Adam B. Greene of Floyd County
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