Charles Judd’s recent timber framing class (May 22-28) contributed a wonderful addition to our campus: a pergola in front of the Willard Baxter Woodturning Studio. Students worked as a team to create a traditional timber frame using mortise and tenon joinery and wood pegs.
Read an entertaining account of the week, written by student, David Evans. His article appeared in the Timber Framers Guild newsletter.

The timber framing class relies on teamwork, precision, and a big machine to erect the pergola outside the Willard Baxter Woodturning Studio.

This was the second Tin Can Art class this summer and it was a really creative group. Students learned how to cut, punch, rivet, solder, design, and build objects made from old tin cans. After starting slowly, the class began to see creative recycling uses for old painted tin cans and went to work. Items made ranged from animals to toys to wall sconce candle holders. We had many visitors, and they were all amazed at the varied objects being made by the students. We finished on Friday with a full table at the student exhibit. We received lots of “oohs” and “ahhs” as well as “When is the next time this class is going to be offered?” The pictures below will give you a small glimpse of the work accomplished this week. Look for this class when the next catalog comes out.  The classes will be held in July 2011 and October 2011.  Please join us and be sure to sign up early.

A dachshund made from tin

A giraffe!

A truck and driver

]]> http://blog.folkschool.org/2010/08/26/tin-can-art-class-august-22-27-2010/feed/ 0 http://blog.folkschool.org/2010/07/01/the-reminiscence-of-a-teenager/ http://blog.folkschool.org/2010/07/01/the-reminiscence-of-a-teenager/#comments Thu, 01 Jul 2010 19:05:16 +0000 Taylor, Summer Intern http://blog.folkschool.org/?p=1939

Wednesday Hose Down at Little Middle Folk School

It was a strange feeling, going back to Little/Middle again after almost three years. Strange, watching those innocent adventurers gallavanting about the Festival Barn, remembering what it was like to dance in their shoes. And stranger still, walking around campus, pen and camera close at hand, now that I was the experienced veteran walking around freely taking pictures and notes like a wanna-be Seymour Hersh. Strange, but oddly comforting, I’d even venture to say sentimental, but in the warm and fuzzy way that makes you want to coo as if to a newborn.

The second I stepped into the Festival Barn that first morning, I was overcome with long lost memories that were nothing if not pleasant. I remembered feeling so grown up as I walked on my own to my classes that were unique to my interests alone. I remembered feeling invincible as I annihilated my barriers of timidity and made friends that came from places too far for my young mind to even begin to comprehend the distance. I remembered feeling limitless as I opened my mind to new things that until that moment had never flitted across my mind commanding no more attention than a simple grain of pollen drifting across the sky. All these things that I recalled of myself, I then saw in the eyes of each child darting around the makeshift flashback zone where I stood. It gave me solace to see that even though I had grown out of the delicate age of enchantment and wonder, the tradition would be carried on in the hearts of others.

Outside the sweet aromas of mint and other herbs waft in the air. The harmonious melodies of birds float in on the breeze, and the sun consumes everything in its warmth. As often as we locals take this place for granted, sometimes one has to stop and admit how truly serene it is here. Now I see why people from all over come here.

written by Taylor Bello, Summer Intern from Murphy High School

Another wonderful week at John C. Campbell Folk School has come and gone. Again, my daughter and I found ourselves not willing to leave. She took a jewelry class using blacksmithing techniques and enjoyed it immensely, while I took a very interesting basketry class with instructor Nancy Jones. The techniques Nancy taught me were new and different from others I had learned previously. After studying Peruvian ceremonial burial baskets, Nancy was able to reproduce the style in modern baskets. Nancy used her findings in these Peruvian baskets as a basis for the unique twill technique she taught us during the class.

"Friends Afoot" basket by Sandra Koch

There were only three students in our class. The three of us were each treated to Nancy’s undivided attention making the class very informative and enjoyable. Ramona and Wanda, my classmates, are sisters.  They were full of stories about the area and we all became fast friends. Upon the urging of my daughter, Nancy and I created a pattern all of our own in the style of Cherokee baskets native to North Carolina.

Instructor Nancy Jones with the "Friends Afoot" baskets and the "Cherokee Arrow" basket at center

Every time I visit John C. Campbell, I come away with new friends in addition to ideas and crafts.  Learning new techniques and making beautiful creations, that one can be proud of, is an important part of the Folk School experience but, the community one finds and the friendliness of the other students at John C. Campbell is what brings my daughter and myself back year after year.

Ramona, Sandra, Nancy, and Wanda with their "Friends Afoot" baskets.

During lunch on first day of classes at the John C. Campbell Folk School, I sat across from a young gentleman whose nametag indicated he was in the blacksmithing class.  I asked if he had any experience in the craft.  “I’d never picked up a hammer before today,” he replied with a smile.

That afternoon, while waiting for a tour of the campus to begin, I struck up a conversation with a student in the painting class who’d never touched a brush to paper before that day.

Neither of these events is surprising considering the two words included in many Folk School course descriptions: Beginners welcome.

Beginners welcome.  The two words every novice loves to see.  These are the two words that encouraged this student, who never thought herself a writer, to sign up for a writing class.  And I am not alone.  This week at the Folk School I have met mothers and their daughters, a son here with his wife and in-laws, sisters on their yearly girls trip – and in each group there was at least one person who had never before tried the art they are pursuing this week.

So know that when the Folk School says “Beginners welcome,” plan to take them up on the invitation.  Come, join us!

As I walked through the doorway into the office to register for this week’s class at the John C. Campbell Folk School, I thought I heard someone call my name.  I turned around to see my dear friend Lynne walking towards me, arms outstretched.

“Can you believe we’re here like this?” Lynne asked.  “It is a little surreal,” I replied.

You see, Lynne and I had met here just two years earlier.  We were classmates in Glenda Beall’s “Your Life, Your Stories” memoir writing class.  At the time, I was nervous that as a thirty one year old, I would be in a class of eighty year olds who looked at me saying, “What on earth do you have to write about?  You’ve hardly lived yet!”  Thankfully, that was not the case at all.  My classmates ranged from their twenties to their seventies, both male and female, and everyone had stories to tell – stories that we all enjoyed hearing, stories that were birthed onto the page thanks to the guidance and encouragement of our instructor.

In that class two years ago, Lynne and I also met Pat and Lois – neighbors from Ohio.  Upon our return to our respective homes, we all kept in touch.  A year later, we started an on-line writing group.  On the first of the month, each of us sends out one of our pieces to the others for their feedback and critique.  During one exchange, Lynne said she wanted to take another writing class at the Folk School and invited the rest of us to join her.  The response was almost immediate.  And a few months later, here we all are – our very own mini-reunion.  This week, we join a different instructor and four other students for the “Beyond Memoir” class.  We join a little more confident in our writing skills since first we met, and ever eager to learn more.

Robins built their nest outside the Keith House stage (as they do each year) and I decided to document some of her accomplishments.  I was careful to set up the remote camera on the porch while they were out foraging for food, then sat in the far corner and awaited their approach.  I have not read that the male and female tend the nest but there were definitely two working together.  One would sit in the tree, watching over the nestlings while the other foraged for food.  While one was feeding the nestlings the other would start foraging on the lawn below.  Did they both feed?  I don’t know because the male and female look alike.

Looking at and listening for birds along the Rivercane Trail.

After a week of watching birds with my Folk School class, I have this (“Old Sam, Peabody, Peabody”) and several other mnemonics to remember bird calls racing through my head. Well, more like stuffed in and tumbling out as I try not to forget it all. In just 4 and a half days, we saw and heard over 60 species of birds. For a beginner, that’s a lot.

Tree Swallow at the Folk School. Photo by Judy Grove.

This year, the class was held a little earlier than in past years, and quite frankly, I’m glad. The leaves on most trees hadn’t flushed out yet, and for me, it made finding the birds a lot easier with the binoculars. Many of the birds were extremely cooperative – big thanks to the Tree Swallow, the Prairie Warbler, the Black-and-White Warbler, the Hooded Warbler, the Common Yellowthroat, and so many others for staying still – for just a moment – long enough to get a really good look. And thanks to the others that perched and sang at the same time. What an amazing way to to associate a bird with its song!

A good look at a Prairie Warbler

What struck me the most over the week was the stunning beauty of each bird when you got to actually stop and look at it – and recognize its black throat, or see its white wingbars, or its red crest. Aside from “There it is! There it goes…,” the most common phrase I heard (and exclaimed myself) during the week was “It’s so beautiful!”

Our wonderfully knowledgeable and fun instructors already thanked the birds for participating in our class, but in honor of Earth Day, I’d like to say it again. Nature Studies classes are a little different than other classes at the Folk School in that the “classroom” is mainly outside, but what I’m taking away is no different than any craft class I’ve been in. I have been inspired; I have learned; I have interacted with wonderful people; and I have left with a skill that I will continue on my own.

Listening to and differentiating between bird songs - not as easy as it may seem!

By the way, “Old Sam, peabody, peabody” is what the White-throated Sparrow says. We saw this lovely brown and white bird on the Rivercane Walk at the Folk School, singing its little heart out, just for us.

I’ve caught the blacksmithing bug. I’m here writing but would rather have a hammer in my hand, an anvil to my right and a forge to my left. Today has  been the most productive day in the shop. Early on Paul, the resident blacksmith (a job smiths would die for), came in and helped me with my hammer grip. He and Susan, my instructor for the week, both trained with Uri Hoffi, an Israeli smith. Uri not only patented a way of striking, but makes his own hammers. Every now and then he travels to the US, teaches classes, and visits smiths.

Last night while talking to my parents they suggested I make a new coat rack for the basement, so I did. Rather, I should say I have been building it and hope to finish it tonight. My coat rack is based off of Francis Whittaker’s. From what I’ve gleaned, Francis Whittaker was the head smith while the Folk School was being put together. You can see his coat racks in the dining room down the hall where one drops off his plates.  I’ve just finished the hooks and need to brush the scale (the flaky stuff that forms when the steel oxidizes). If I want to finish tonight, I must get back to the shop..

Many of our students have mentioned on their comment forms that they’d like a way to carpool to their week at the Folk School. We’d like to do something about this that will work for both you and for us, and we need your input.

We’ve looked at some third-party websites that are specific to carpooling, like eRideshare.com and AlterNetRides.com, as well as general options like facebook and craigslist. They all have promise to fill this need, but we’d like to hear what you think, too, before we direct people to one specific site.

Thanks in advance for your input!

Take our carpooling survey – give us your thoughts.