Every year during the week of the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, the Western Folklife Center organizes more than a dozen workshops on a variety of topics including: traditional arts, cooking, gear making, contemporary ranch issues, writing, poetry, music, and more.  We offer these hands-on sessions to provide a richer and deeper experience for those that make the trip to Elko. The workshops offer an excellent opportunity to be taught new skills, meet artists and performers, explore and gain knowledge of meaningful and interesting topics. By participating in workshops you will also have a chance to meet and get to know others who share similar interests, as you take part in the larger community found at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.

Following is a list of workshops that were available for the 26th Gathering, January 23-30, 2010. Click here to see the Youth Workshops. (All workshops are in date order.) Click here to see the full daily schedule of events.

Rawhide Braiding with Doug Groves - SOLD OUT
Sunday, January 24 - Wednesday, January 27
A 4-day workshop from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Doug Groves is known and respected around the Great Basin region as a cowboy and rawhide braider. In 2009 he received the Nevada Governor’s Arts award. Doug enjoys braiding, teaching his art form and creating a supportive atmosphere for learning. Doug Groves will be joined by Grant Groves and Charlie Lieson to help during the workshop. Beginner to intermediate level participants in this workshop will be guided through the braiding of either a quirt or a bosal. The workshop fee includes the cost of materials.

A Day at the Ranch - $155.00 (includes lunch)
Monday, January 25 or Tuesday, January 26, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Transportation departs from the Western Folklife Center
Join native Nevadan John Collett for a day-long tour of Elko County ranches. This tour has become one of our most popular, as John creates a fresh and unique ranch experience by working with local ranchers and engaging tour participants in the issues of the day. You will get a glimpse of the daily routine of the rancher's way of life, including but not limited to the wintertime care of livestock, the art of breeding and training horses, and the issues and challenges that face modern-day ranch operations. The day will include a home-cooked Dutch-oven meal where you can visit with ranch families and fellow tour participants. Transportation is provided by Coach America for a comfortable ride. 

Pine-Needle Baskets with Leah Brady - $65
Monday, January 25, 9:00 am - $4:00 pm
Master artist Leah Brady (Shoshone) will combine traditional basket-weaving techniques with contemporary aesthetics and methods to teach workshop participants the basics of making pine-needle baskets. During this workshop you will learn how to find and prepare pine needles and begin your own basket. Leah will guide you through the shaping of your basket while talking about the tradition of basketmaking in the Soshone/Paiute tribes of Northeastern Nevada. Materials will be provided. Leah will have baskets for sale at the Native American Market in the Girl Scout House.

Stories from Life - Writing Short non-fiction with Teresa Jordan - SOLD OUT
Monday, January 25-Wednesday, January 27
A 3-day workshop (Monday 9:00 am-5:00 pm;
Tuesday and Wednesday, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm)
In the hands of such writers as Baxter Black, Linda Hussa and Wallace McRae—as well as other literary greats from John Updike to Larry McMurtry—the nonfiction story has evolved into one of the most popular literary forms by using compelling aspects of fiction such as vivid prose, character development and riveting narrative. Whether your writing is private or you intend to publish, the nonfiction story can help you sharpen your tools. We will read great examples and target various aspects of craft through writing exercises and critique. By the end, each participant should have a compelling story well underway. Teresa Jordan is the author or editor of seven books, including the memoir Riding the White Horse Home.

Hands-On Guitar Workshop with Mike Beck - $150
Tuesday, January 26 - Wednesday, January 27
A 2 day workshop from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Mike Beck brings 35 years as a professional guitarist, accompanying himself and backing up singers, to this hands-on workshop. The focus will be on bringing the best out of the singer and the song, and getting a clear picture of what your goals are in presenting yourself musically.

Cowboys Through The Lens: You Can't Fake It - SOLD OUT
Tuesday, January 26, 1:00 pm- 5:00 pm (ranch location)
Wednesday, January 27, 9:00 am -12:00 pm
Photographers Kurt Markus and Jay Dusard return to the Gathering to offer a field and indoor photography seminar. Both Kurt and Jay have photographed cowboys extensively and each brings a different approach to the subject. Both mainly shoot film and do their own darkroom printing but will be prepared to address questions and provide information related to digital photography. Tuesday afternoon’s workshop will take place at a ranch location where the teachers will demonstrate and participants can shoot. Tripods are recommended. Wednesday morning will be an informal gathering with Kurt and Jay showing some of their work and reviewing participant portfolios, with time for answering questions and general discussion. Critique of existing work is fundamental to this workshop, as much is to be learned from the review of the work of others. All participants should bring portfolios of no more than six images, either in print, slide or CD format. Kurt’s work can be viewed at www.kurtmarkus.com. Jay’s work can be viewed at www.tinysatellitepress.com.

Cooking: Put a Little South in Your Mouth - $65
Tuesday, January 26, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Learn to make Florida cracker cowboy favorites like swamp cabbage, rice and tomato gravy, fried Lake Okeechobee catfish and hush puppies. Florida rancher Iris Wall and swamp cabbage expert Buddy Mills will teach the workshop.

Cooking: Basque Paella - SOLD OUT
Wednesday, January 27, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Local Basque cooks Ramon Zugazaga and Anamadi Arbiallaga will prepare their version of paella, a rice-based dish served on special occasions in the Basque country. This dish has acquired many regional influences beyond its origins in Spain, often incorporating a wide variety of seafood, meat, chorizo, vegetables and many different seasonings. What is served with paella? Sign up to find out.

Cooking: Creole Cooking Southern Louisiana Style - SOLD OUT
Wednesday, January 27, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Louisiana prides itself on its cuisine, and JoAnne Delafose, zydeco musician Geno Delafose's mother, is known in her region of southwestern Louisiana for her Creole- and Cajun-style cooking. JoAnne and her neighbor Darryl Guillory will share some of their kitchen secrets while preparing traditional dishes such
as gumbo, fried chicken, jambalaya and rusty gravy.

Dance Workshop: Waltz - $20
Friday, January 29, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Just remember: 1-2-3, 1-2-3… Nancy Kern and Kraig Sundberg will teach Waltz to prepare you for both the Friday night and Saturday night dances. The waltz is a common dance in many musical styles and cultures, so you’re bound to use it again after the Gathering.The workshop will include fundamental dance steps guaranteed to get you moving on the dance floor with style. Beginners are welcome and you don’t need a partner to attend. Come learn, and then join us with your new moves at the Friday and Saturday night dances.

Songwriting and Copyrights: a Discussion with Ian Tyson - $10
Friday, January 29, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
As a musician and songwriter, Ian Tyson has to carefully consider copyright issues when publishing his songs, and is presented with these concerns when others perform his works. He will not be giving legal advice, but rather discussing his own experiences with copyright over his 50 years of performing. There will be ample time for questions and discussion of the topic.

Dance Workshop: Zydeco - SOLD OUT
Friday, January 29, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Learn to dance to the lively music of Zydeco, an energetic Creole musical style from Louisiana. Dick and Sandy Sturm have been dancing to zydeco for years and will teach you the two-step and waltz to prepare you to dance along to Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie at the Friday Night Dance. Learn the quickstepping techniques in this workshop before hitting the dance floor later Friday night. This class is for everyone. Beginners are welcome, and you don’t need a partner to attend.

Song Swap Featuring Paul Zarzyski & Wylie Gustafson - $30
Saturday, January 30, 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Back by popular demand, this workshop is about the poem, the song and busting through the fence between them. Rodeo poet Paul Zarzyski and western musician Wylie Gustafson have been co-writing songs together and recently released a new album that contains several of their collaborations. Paul and Wylie will explore where song and poetry meet, and how to successfully hitch verse and melody. There will be time for questions.

Dance Workshop: Western Swing - $20
Saturday, January 30, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Join Nancy Kern and Kraig Sundberg for a swingin’ time in the Western Swing workshop, which includes the basics for beginners and more advanced moves for quick learners and intermediate dancers. Many combinations can be improvised from the basic moves to dazzle your dance partner. Beginners are welcome, and you don’t need a partner to attend. Learn to swing for the Saturday Night Dance with Wylie & The Wild West.