Through the years as we have made our north and south trips, we have often visited Berea, Ky. to enjoy its unique culture. This past Thursday evening we once again found ourselves looking at the work of potters, weavers, instrument makers, glassblowers, painters and sculptors in this interesting college town. The history of Berea College reveals a longstanding tradition of preserving the Appalachian arts and providing a commitment to educating those who might not otherwise been given the opportunity of a college degree. This visit we witnessed the weekly jam session of local folks who brought their guitars, banjos, fiddles, etc. to play gospel, bluegrass and country music. What a treat! Berea is named Kentucky’s Folk Arts and Crafts Capital and is certainly a must place to visit when traveling I-75. In fact, I think to truly experience this delightful community, one should name it a destination for a day or two.
I am afraid that too many travelers do not allow time to see, hear and absorb the by-ways and communities that would take them beyond our interstate highways. Robert Frost’s timeless observation - “the one (road) less traveled by, and that has made all the difference” – is an important directive as we seek to know and understand our rich heritage. This is a corner piece of the puzzle as we claim our responsibility of being an informed architect of what is before us.
