Fund-A-Need Program
Folk School Stories: Luz and John Frye
Luz and John think it’s important to financially support our non-profit school that provides such value to them, so they include the Folk School in both their annual giving and estate plans. “This is a significant place that’s different than most of the rest of the world, so we want to support it,” John said. “If we don’t support it as individuals, then we can’t encourage other people and grantors to support it.”
Upcoming Class Collection
Appalachian Mountains Are Calling
Many of us are familiar with John Muir's historic quote, paraphrased above. Muir's full quote, contained in an 1873 letter to his sister Sarah, offered a compelling insight into his passion for the mountains: "The mountains are calling and I must go, and I will work on while I can, studying incessantly." We invite you to come to the Appalachian Mountains to take a deeper exploration into our region's culture, landscape, and lore in a Folk School class.
RECENT STORIES
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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THE FOLK SCHOOL COOKBOOK
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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Bead Addict! The Magic of Bead Making with Terry Hale
I met Terry Hale in the Folk School Enameling Studio where she teaches bead making several times a year. We talked about the joys of craft addiction and how she got hooked on moving glass into beads, what she likes about teaching, what she loves about the Folk School, and more. Enjoy our interview!
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Studio Batik with Jessica Kaufman
Have you ever wanted to try batik and hand-dyeing? We have a very special surface design class coming up on April 7–13, 2019 with Jessica Kaufman: Studio Batik: Many Techniques, Amazing Results. Jessica has studied batik methods from Indonesia and India and is the owner of WAXON Batik & Dye Studio in Asheville, NC. With over 16 years of teaching experience and an MA in crafts education, Jessica has taught batik and tie-dye to summer campers, school children, high schoolers, and adults all over the country. We are lucky to have her for a week-long intensive focusing on this gorgeous and functional art form. Enjoy our interview!
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The Modern Asian Kitchen with Patrick O’Cain
I met with chef Patrick O’Cain at his popular Asheville restaurant, Gàn Shān Station, to interview him about his upcoming class at the Folk School, The Modern Asian Kitchen. We are excited to have him return to Brasstown, April 12–18, 2020, to share his knowledge of Asian cooking. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a renowned and celebrated Asheville chef and immerse yourself in the cooking cultures of China, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, and beyond.
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Winter Dance Week: Dance in the New Year at the Folk School
Ring in the New Year at the Folk School! This popular year-end traditional dance and music celebration will feature American contras & squares and English country dancing with glorious live music. This lively week also offers rapper and long-sword dance workshops, group singing, jam sessions, and more. Winter Dance Week offers a unique combination of top-notch callers, teachers, and musicians.
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Learn to Call Dances in Our Dance Callers’ Workshop
Have you always wanted to learn to call? Join Gaye Fifer for a week, (June 21–27) of all-day, hands-on, calling experience and mentorship. The Dance Callers’ Workshop emphasizes program planning, teaching techniques, working with beginners and effectively using live music. Individualized instruction can also include various styles of traditional square dance calling.
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Shaker Herbs, Roots, Barks, and Lore with Jamie Sparks
Have you always been drawn to the idea of using herbs to make your own products, teas, drinks, and food? Immerse yourself in weeklong class, Shaker Herbs, Roots, Barks, and Lore, taught by herbalist Jamie Sparks during Shaker Week, November 3–9. Explore how Shakers used plants to be self-reliant and to connect to the natural world. Jamie has a lot of wisdom to share, so let’s learn a little more about her experience and what’s in store for the class.
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Talking Old Time with Riley Baugus, Banjo Instructor
We are honored to announce that Riley Baugus, renowned old-time musician, will be our first featured artist in the new Appalachian Master Artist Series. Next week. October 14–18, Riley will celebrate old-time music at the Folk School and in our community. Riley’s visit marks the first of a four-part grant-funded series for Fall 2019. These collaborations are focused on perpetuating Appalachian craft and handing down mountain traditions.
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Folk School Stories: Karen and Paul Rusello
Karen and Paul have made a point of donating to the Folk School each year since they began coming (made even better by gift matches by each of their employers). “Early on, we realized how much it takes for the school to do what it does. We knew that, in the early days, it was the community coming together that made the school a reality, and we want to carry on that tradition,” Karen said.
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Rags to Riches with JoEl Levy LoGiudice
Rag rug weaving embraces the folk art tradition of using everyday, readily available materials to build aesthetically beautiful, yet functional art: textiles made from the things we have, can forage, or acquire. With the craze du jour surrounding KonMari, now is a good time to think about new options for all those clothes you may be putting into the “Thank you, goodbye” pile. Rag rug weaving might be your perfect option!
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Interview with Anna Fariello, Author of “Craft & Community: JCCFS 1925–1945”
If you love the Folk School and are interested in our history, I highly recommend curling up with Anna Fariello’s wonderful new book, Craft & Community, which explores the first 20 years of the Folk School, with a focus on Olive Dame Campbell. Earlier this summer, Fariello was given a Lifetime Achievement Award during the annual meeting of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. In addition to Craft & Community, Fariello has written numerous books about craft, curated many shows, and she developed the online Craft Revival archive. Let’s get to know more about an impressive WNC craft powerhouse!
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Photo Memories from Intergenerational Week 2019
Every year during Intergenerational Week in July, youths ages 12 and up have an opportunity to take classes side-by-side with a parent, grandparent, or other special relative or guardian. It is inspiring to see family members working together in the studios collaborating on projects, working together, and sharing ideas and laughs. This year, from July 14 through July 20, students made tables in the Woodworking Studio, baked cakes in the Cooking Studio, threw pots in the Clay Studio, and so much more. One young student named Christian crafted creations in leather working made from hides he trapped and tanned himself. To see more projects and to take a glimpse at what students did during Intergenerational Week 2019, view the photo album below or on Facebook. Registration for Intergenerational Week 2020 will open in January.
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