The UA&M Folk Arts Program is excited to announce the 13 recipients of the FY25 Folk Arts Apprenticeship Program. Since its founding in 1989, the Folk Arts Apprenticeship Program has supported the continuation of traditional artistic expression in the Beehive State through numerous apprenticeships in traditional dance, craft, music, and other art forms.
Our FY25 Folk Arts Apprenticeship recipients are:
- Afro-Brazilian Capoeira
Mentor: Mestre Jamaika (Mauro Romulado), Salt Lake City
Apprentice: Taina Romulado Nogueira, Salt Lake City - Blacksmithing, Horseshoeing a Specialty
Mentors: Dennis C. Manning, Ioka & Jacob K. Manning CJF, Ioka
Apprentice: Christopher Manning, Neola - Chiefly Adornments of Sāmoa
Mentor: Mālama `O Mataitoa Kimo Watanabe
Apprentice: Mataitoa Nu’uausala Tilo III, Salt Lake City - Traditional Hawaiian Hula
Mentor: Kumu Hula C. Pōmaika`i Gaui, Magna. Kēhaulani Hula Studio
Apprentice: BriAnne Keonaona Mie Geurts, Millcreek - Oljato District of Azee Be Nahahaa Diné Nation (ABNDN) – Ceremonial Arts Trainings
Mentor: Jonah Yellowman, Monument Valley
Apprentices: Alex Daniels, Oljato & Daija Keith, Monument Valley - Acoma Pueblo Pottery
Mentor: Katherine Poleviyaoma, Kearns
Apprentice: Katelyn Poleviyaoma, Kearns - Rawhide Braiding
Mentor: Dan Ames, Woodruff
Apprentice: Chris Hopkin, Woodruff - North Indian Hindustani Classical Music on Sitar
Mentor: Abhishek Mukherjee, South Jordan
Apprentice: James Roh, Salt Lake City - Mundillo – Puerto Rican Bobbin Lace Tradition
Mentor: Elizabeth Peterson, South Jordan
Apprentice: Allison Martínez Arocho, Salt Lake City - Sāmoan Lalaga Weaving
Mentor: Sileiloga Freda Sauni, Salt Lake City
Apprentices: Laneta Fitisemanu, Midvale & Aimee Endicott, Lehi - Scottish Highland Dance
Mentor: Kelsey Deklerk, Taylorsville
Apprentice: Madison Greenwood, Saratoga Springs - Cambodian (Khmer) Classical Dance Costuming
Mentor: Chanda Chuon, Taylorsville
Apprentices: Jeanine Chhim, Riverton & Sinoeun Poeut, Salt Lake City
Over a period of several months, a mentor recognized for their mastery of a traditional art form will pass on their knowledge to an apprentice or apprentices through intensive, in-person education. The apprentice(s) will not only learn more about the art form itself, but they will receive a wealth of skills that can grow their businesses, teach them how to present their tradition to others, and train them to become the next generation of mentors themselves.
The apprenticeship program also provides a means of staying connected to one’s culture and traditions. As folk and traditional arts are often taught informally in the homes and workshops of artists across the state, folk arts provide a means of bridging the past while building toward the future. While traditions continue to change, they continue to play a vital role in one’s cultural heritage and background, and contribute to a greater understanding of where we come from.
Keep up to date with the progress of apprenticeship participants on our Chase Home Facebook and Instagram pages. Learn more about the Folk Arts Apprenticeship Program, as well as other programs and activities of our agency, at our Folk Arts and Chase Home Museum of Utah Folk Arts webpages.
Photo caption: A selection of art forms in the Folk Arts Apprenticeship Program. Clockwise: Pandanus fans by Mentor Sileiloga Sauni; Hula apprentice Keonaona Geurts; Cambodian (Khmer) Classical Dance Costuming by Mentor Chanda Chuon; Bobbin Lace by Mentor Elizabeth Peterson; Hand Forged Ivy Leaf Handrail by Mentor Dennis Manning; Mentor in Acoma Pueblo Pottery Katherine Poleviyaoma (L) with husband Darrell Poleviyaoma. Center: Hackamore by Mentor Dan Ames.
