Are you looking for a career that will allow you to engage in work that you like
and allows you to express yourself artistically? The Arkansas Craft School (ACS)
might be the place to start.
The ACS offers programs where you can earn a Certificate of Competency in Craft
Arts in Artistic Blacksmithing or Fine Woodworking.
The ACS has six scholarships for students enrolling in either of the career training
programs starting on September 5, 2023. Both courses are 16 weeks long with
classes on Tuesdays through Friday. The scholarships cover tuition, all class
materials, required safety equipment (exception of footwear – closed toe, work
boot or shoe). Students are responsible for securing their lodging. Please contact
the ACS as we have negotiated some discounts with local lodging facilities.
Admission is based upon ability to benefit without regard for previous education.
More information on the Career Education program can be found on the ACS
website wwwe.arkansascraftschool.org Or by contacting Sherry Branscum at
sherry.branscum@arkansascraftschool.org or call 870-269-8397.
The Arkansas Craft School located in Mountain View, Arkansas is open
Wednesday – Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Cathy Drew is a lifelong resident of the region that she loves to promote. She was born in downtown Batesville in the late ’60s, located in one of the eight counties she now enjoys encouraging people to visit.
Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). The agency handled marketing for the regional association, where she and her co-workers produced an annual tabloid publication. She began working as the Ozark Gateway Region director in June 2000.
After Drew became director, she took the region to the next level by helping the tourism organization create a new website and moved it from the old newspaper paper tabloid publication to a color magazine format. She helped open a visitor center for the Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick up information from the entire state 24/7. Over the years, Drew has helped the organization meet new marketing goals, such as in- and out-of-state marketing, assuring that all 100,000 copies of their magazines are distributed each year.
In 2016, she assisted in creating the first Ozark Gateway Region Golf Classic. The tournament continues to grow each year, allowing the organization to expand its co-op program and helping each county have dedicated promotion. Drew stays busy at Ozark Gateway as the ad sales manager, magazine editor, day-to-day office operations, trade show representative, and magazine distribution representative, all while ensuring that the region is represented all over Arkansas and southern Missouri.
Drew was featured in several local and statewide publications over the years, as well as the 1997 cover of the Ozark Gateway Region tabloid, along with her then 4-year-old son, Jon. She has received several awards, such as the Batesville Rotarian of the Year in 2010 and a three-time Paul Harris Fellow.
She also has served as an Independence County election commissioner for several years. She now serves as their co-election coordinator, helping with behind-the-scenes management of voting equipment, day-to-day election deadlines, and poll worker training.
Drew is Batesville Rotary Club Past President, and is the Rotary Clubs’ current membership chair.
In March of 2018, Drew was honored with induction into the Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame for her many years of dedicated service to the tourism industry.