Since 2011, Folk School of Fayetteville (FSF) was organized and led by Bernice & Bryan Hembree. In the years that followed, FSF was the parent organization of Fayetteville Roots Festival, the Roots HQ, and most recently the Folk School. The Folk School opened as a community music space in the civically owned, Walker Stone House, spring of 2023. Many musicians and students, folklorists and crafters, music lovers and dancers found a home at the Folk School. In 2025, when Bernice Hembree, the FSF Co-Founder and Director, decided to pursue a degree in England, arrangements were made with Ozark Folkways to become the new parent organisation. After months of planning and dreaming, it has finally been approved.

Ozark Folkways will continue on with the mission & work of the Folk School while also bringing their own mission & work to the Walker Stone House. Not only will this space serve the music community, but it will expand to offer the arts & crafts Ozark Folkways is known for. They are keeping the dream alive!
Learn more about them here.

The latest Fayetteville Flyer article regarding the approved lease can be found here.

Message from Bernice, September 30, 2025:

“I am thrilled that Ozark Folkways is able to carry the Folk School mission and dream forward. Establishing this community music space was a dream realised. Now it brings me joy to see this move forward into the next phase. Over the past several months, I have been overwhelmed by the care and interest of many in our music community. To those of you who have stepped up to find a way to keep the Folk School alive, THANK YOU. Thank you for being a part of the Folk School. Thank you for continuing the work while I step aside and pursue another dream.
Don’t be afraid to folk things up ;)"

THE BACKSTORY