Arthur Sterling, Executive Director

Arthur Sterling brings over three decades of experience in both non-profit management and timber frame construction to his role as Executive Director, where he blends administrative skill with a builder’s heart. His journey began in the Appalachian mountains, where he learned the art of log cabin restoration from local masters who taught him that every piece of wood has a story to tell. Arthur’s leadership is defined by his deep commitment to community-building and his belief that folk schools are essential for the mental and emotional health of society in an age of digital isolation. He works tirelessly to ensure that the school remains a welcoming space for all, often spending his lunch breaks chatting with students in the woodshop or sharing a cup of coffee in the lounge. His caring approach and strategic vision have been instrumental in the school’s growth and its reputation for excellence, always putting the needs of the students and the integrity of the craft first.

Elena Rodriguez, Lead Textile Artist

Elena Rodriguez is a world-renowned weaver and natural dyer who has spent years studying traditional textile techniques across three continents, from the Andes to the fjords of Norway. At Craft Well Peoples School, she oversees our textile department, teaching students how to transform raw fibers into beautiful, functional works of art using floor looms, spinning wheels, and ancient knitting patterns. Elena is known for her patient and encouraging teaching style, helping students navigate the complexities of intricate patterns with ease and grace. She believes that weaving is a form of storytelling and encourages her students to find their own narratives within the threads they manipulate. Her dedication to using locally sourced plants for dyeing reflects her commitment to environmental stewardship and her desire to connect her art back to the Maryland soil.

Thomas “Cully” McCullough, Master Blacksmith

Thomas McCullough, known affectionately as Cully by the community, has been a professional blacksmith for twenty-five years, specializing in architectural ironwork and tool making for other artisans. His workshops are legendary for their intensity and the profound sense of transformation that occurs when students learn to bend steel to their will using fire and force. Cully’s approach to teaching is rooted in the physics of the forge and the history of the anvil, providing a rigorous technical foundation for his students that emphasizes safety and precision. Despite the heat and noise of the shop, Cully creates an atmosphere of safety and mutual respect, ensuring that every student feels capable of mastering the fire. He often says that the smithy is a place where you don’t just shape the iron, but the iron shapes you into a more patient and focused individual.

Sarah Jenkins, Director of Youth Programs

Sarah Jenkins is a certified educator with a passion for integrating outdoor learning and manual arts into early childhood and adolescent development in a way that sparks lifelong curiosity. She joined Craft Well Peoples School to develop our “Little Makers” and apprentice programs, ensuring that the next generation has the opportunity to get their hands dirty and build real-world skills that build confidence. Sarah’s background in child psychology allows her to tailor our curriculum to the social and emotional needs of younger students, focusing on confidence-building and collaborative problem-solving through play. She is a firm believer that children are much more capable than modern society often gives them credit for, and her students regularly surprise their parents with their craftsmanship. Her goal is to create a space where every child feels empowered to build their own world.