Fund-A-Need Program
Folk School Stories: Jo Haas
“Magical.” That’s how Jo Haas describes the first time she visited our beloved Folk School. Five years ago, Jo was looking for an immersive experience that would really help her unplug from her busy life as CEO of the non-profit Kentucky Science Center.
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COVID-19 Update
The Folk School has suspended all activities including classes, concerts, dances, and events until further notice. Folk School facilities are currently closed to all visitors, but the main office can be reached at 828-837-2775 or 800-365-5724 or info@folkschool.org. A limited number of essential staff are working remotely or independently on campus. Be safe, stay well, and be kind to one another. Together we’ll get through this.
RECENT STORIES
With Spring, Comes Lambs! What to Name Them?
I was sort of joking when I decided at the end of last year that a sheep should be in every conversation. This joke coupled itself with the sad thought that there are so many things that I can’t fix, so why not talk about sheep?
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Folk School Stories: Jo Haas
“Magical.” That’s how Jo Haas describes the first time she visited our beloved Folk School. Five years ago, Jo was looking for an immersive experience that would really help her unplug from her busy life as CEO of the non-profit Kentucky Science Center.
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John C. Campbell Folk School Announces K-12 Teacher Standby Program
K-12 teachers can now receive half-off tuition for 2020 classes at John C. Campbell Folk School.
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Fantastic Recycled Plastic Art: An Interview with David Edgar
Imagine transforming your trash into treasure by creating fantastic plastic creatures and whimsical designs with recycled plastic. David Edgar, an artist who sculpted in steel for 30 years, now creates stunning pieces in plastic and he can teach you to do it too in his upcoming class: Fantastic Recycled Plastic. Lets get to know David a little more and discover the world of plastic art. Enjoy our interview!
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THE FOLK SCHOOL COOKBOOK
Writing Memories into Family Histories: An Interview with Robin Edgar
When you take a Folk School class, you never know who you will meet. Last fall, I had the pleasure of sitting next to Robin Edgar in the herbalism class during Shaker Week. I learned that she and her husband, David Edgar, have been teaching classes at the Folk School since 1996! Robin teaches writing and David teaches the unique craft of turning recycled plastic into fantastic creations. This year, they are both teaching during Earth Week, April 19–24, 2020. In her upcoming class, Turning Fond Memories into Family Histories, students will discover how to use sights, sounds, and even smells to recall and record meaningful memories.
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Help Foster a Child’s Learning and Creativity
For only $173, you can help foster a child’s learning and creativity. By providing a scholarship for our week-long Little/Middle Folk School, you can help kids learn about Appalachian culture and explore fun and educational art and craft classes.
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John C. Campbell Folk School Announces Local Standby Program
Local residents are now eligible for half-off tuition for all 2020 classes at John C. Campbell Folk School.
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John C. Campbell Folk School Welcomes Marlow Gates in Appalachian Master Artist Series
John C. Campbell Folk School will be welcoming Appalachian Master Artist Marlow Gates at select locations in and around the Murphy area. Marlow is a second-generation broom maker known for his traditional and artful hand-made brooms.
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Fire and Light
The Sunday sun was sinking behind the Blue Ridge Mountains when my husband Randy and I arrived at the world-renowned John C. Campbell Folk School. It was the beginning of a week of classes set against the backdrop of purple mountain peaks and green valleys dotted with hay bales.
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Looking Back to 2010
Much has been accomplished at the Folk School in the last ten years. Instead of noting the many changes that have taken place we thought it would be interesting to look back to the year that started us on this decade long journey.
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Lemon Bars
A tangy, decadent bar that makes use of a traditional wintertime fruit. You cannot make too many of these. They will keep for several days packed in a single layer in an airtight container.
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Jam Thumbprint Cookies
These cookies were made for many years by various children of the Folk School staff for the Kids’ Christmas Party, an annual event going back to the beginning of the Folk School time. Held for local kids in the Community Room, it features music, dance, storytelling, crafts, and the arrival of Santa in the Brasstown Volunteer Fire Truck.
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Enameling Days Are by Far My Favorite Days: An Interview with Ashley Gilreath
Don’t miss this special opportunity to study with an incredibly talented new instructor in our Enameling Studio. Ashley Gilreath describes herself as a metalsmith, enamelist, and time traveler. Ashley hand fabricates all of her work using high quality precious metals and vitreous glass; sometimes utilizing heirlooms or found objects that she scavenges from the dark and secret corners of antique stores. Enjoy our interview!
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Fruit Focaccia
Featured in The Folk School Cookbook this lovely Fruit Focaccia is a bright and delightful surpise during the cold days of winter.
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Learning about the Shakers with Becky Soules
Every year in the fall at the Folk School, we have a special week celebrating the Shakers contributions to American crafts and culture. This year, Shaker Week took place during November 3–9. In the studios, students took inspiration from the Shakers to craft brooms, baskets, pots, boxes, bowls, culinary delicacies, herbal beverages and more. We had a special visitor, Becky Soules, Interpretation Manager from Canterbury Shaker Village in New Hampshire, who spent the week with us to provide a better context about the Shakers, answering questions and sharing knowledge.
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