VAN BUREN -- Park rangers at the Ozark National Scenic Riverways are inviting the public to participate in a workshop Saturday that teaches a traditional Ozark craft.
Members of the Heritage Workshop will instruct residents and visitors on how to make a shallow wooden dough bowl during a class from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will be held at the park headquarters in Van Buren.
Workshop participants will learn layout and design, the care and use of hand tools and several carving techniques, as well as bowl care and finishing.
In years past, the wooden dough bowl was a household staple, organizers explained. Used for centuries by many different cultures, these bowls were in nearly every American home and used to prepare biscuits, yeast rolls and pie crusts. Dough bowls were so significant that husbands commonly carved them for their brides, who then handed them down to their daughters as heirlooms.
This workshop is considered an intermediate woodworking class and previous experience with hand tools is required. The event is free, but class size is limited on a first come, first serve basis. Call Park Ranger Cathy Runge at 573-323-4806 today to reserve a spot.
The Heritage Workshop is located next to park headquarters, at 404 Watercress Drive.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways preserves the free-flowing Current and Jacks Fork Rivers, the surrounding natural resources, and the unique cultural heritage of the Ozark people.