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May 15–17, 2026 | Broom Making Workshop with Curt Cable

from $400.00

Dates: Friday, May 15 – Sunday, May 17, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily (studio access after hours available)
Location: Rochester Folk Art Guild, 1445 Upper Hill Road, Middlesex, NY

Learn the traditional Appalachian art of broom making with Curt Cable, a skilled craftsman from the foothills of Ohio who has spent more than twenty years keeping this heritage alive. In this three day hands-on workshop, students will explore the complete process of crafting both functional and decorative brooms.

Participants will begin with smaller forms such as whisk and cobweb brooms before moving on to create a full-size sweeper broom. Along the way, Curt will share stories and history from the Appalachian broom making tradition and demonstrate various binding and stitching techniques. Students will also have the opportunity to forage natural broom handles and decorative materials from the Guild’s surrounding woods and fields, adding a personal touch to each finished piece.

This class is open to all levels. All tools and materials are provided.

Course Outline

Over the course of three days, participants will:

  • Learn the structure and materials of traditional Appalachian brooms

  • Craft several styles such as whisk, cobweb, and full-size sweeper brooms

  • Practice wrapping and stitching techniques for strength and design

  • Explore broom lore and the cultural history of the craft

  • Forage natural handles and decorative elements from the Guild’s land

Course Tuition

The tuition for this course is $400, which includes all materials and lunch each day.

Overnight packages are available and include lodging and breakfast each morning. The prices below reflect the total cost of tuition plus accommodations:

  • 2 night stay: $600
    Arrive Friday, May 15 and depart Sunday, May 17

  • 3 night stay: $700
    Arrive Friday, May 15 and depart Monday, May 18

Please email programs@folkartguild.org for more information about overnight accommodations, scholarships, or workshop details.

Package Types:

Dates: Friday, May 15 – Sunday, May 17, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily (studio access after hours available)
Location: Rochester Folk Art Guild, 1445 Upper Hill Road, Middlesex, NY

Learn the traditional Appalachian art of broom making with Curt Cable, a skilled craftsman from the foothills of Ohio who has spent more than twenty years keeping this heritage alive. In this three day hands-on workshop, students will explore the complete process of crafting both functional and decorative brooms.

Participants will begin with smaller forms such as whisk and cobweb brooms before moving on to create a full-size sweeper broom. Along the way, Curt will share stories and history from the Appalachian broom making tradition and demonstrate various binding and stitching techniques. Students will also have the opportunity to forage natural broom handles and decorative materials from the Guild’s surrounding woods and fields, adding a personal touch to each finished piece.

This class is open to all levels. All tools and materials are provided.

Course Outline

Over the course of three days, participants will:

  • Learn the structure and materials of traditional Appalachian brooms

  • Craft several styles such as whisk, cobweb, and full-size sweeper brooms

  • Practice wrapping and stitching techniques for strength and design

  • Explore broom lore and the cultural history of the craft

  • Forage natural handles and decorative elements from the Guild’s land

Course Tuition

The tuition for this course is $400, which includes all materials and lunch each day.

Overnight packages are available and include lodging and breakfast each morning. The prices below reflect the total cost of tuition plus accommodations:

  • 2 night stay: $600
    Arrive Friday, May 15 and depart Sunday, May 17

  • 3 night stay: $700
    Arrive Friday, May 15 and depart Monday, May 18

Please email programs@folkartguild.org for more information about overnight accommodations, scholarships, or workshop details.

Meet the Instructor

Curt Cable is a traditional Appalachian broom maker from Glouster, Ohio, with more than twenty years of experience in the craft. Introduced to broom making through his family’s connection to a local broom maker, Curt has spent decades studying regional styles and perfecting his technique. His work draws from the rich traditions of Appalachian craftsmanship, blending Shaker-inspired wire wrapping, hand-dyed broom corn, and natural materials foraged from the landscape.

Curt regularly teaches and demonstrates at art shows and festivals across the region, where he shares both the stories and skills that keep this heritage alive. His teaching emphasizes patience, craftsmanship, and the beauty of handmade work as a reflection of place and community.

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