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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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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Many of us feel a deep connection and love for animals. Mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and even invertebrates provide an abundant source of inspiration and material for our creative projects. This week, we have curated our own Folk School craft menagerie. Enjoy this diverse collection of 2020 classes that draw their inspiration from the animal kingdom.
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We invite you to energize your spirit, and explore new ways of expressing yourself, in a craft or writing class. Our non-competitive learning environment encourages you to play and experiment, and our beautiful campus may offer creative inspiration. Enjoy these upcoming classes that invite you to awaken your creativity.
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As the New Year unfolds, the Folk School invites you to discover a new craft. Choose a beginner-level class in one of over 50 subjects, and bring your natural sense of curiosity out to play. Our non-competitive learning environment is an ideal place to explore, experiment, and grow. Enjoy these upcoming classes that celebrate the sheer joy of learning something new.
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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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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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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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The Shakers continue to be celebrated for their contributions to American crafts. The Shakers’ diverse pieces combined beautifully simple design and exceptional function, culminating in remarkable works that remain relevant today. During our upcoming Shaker Week, set for November 3-9, 2019, we invite you to gain inspiration from these dedicated craftsmen, and create works that honor this distinctive style.
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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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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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Here at the Folk School, our quirky “Unique Offerings” category includes classes that each have their own distinctive flavor. In fact, they’re so unique that they don’t quite belong anywhere else. If you’re ready to explore a delightfully different course, browse these one-of-a-kind classes, and prepare to get your creative juices flowing.
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Here at the Folk School, we’ve been playing beautiful melodies on handcrafted instruments for almost a century. When you build that instrument with your own two hands, creating that music takes on a special significance. Come craft your very own instrument in our Woodworking Studio. Or, try your hand at writing your own songs and tunes. …
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Travel the world via a Folk School learning vacation. Explore the crafts, food, and music of diverse cultures during a weeklong or weekend class. Enjoy these upcoming class picks that provide a window to the world – and you won’t even need a passport. …
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Our Fund-A-Need list represents a wide variety of necessities, from painting easels to woodcarving workbenches and from cooking studio shelving to weaving studio looms. As you know, our studios are where much of the magic happens: learning from your instructor, connecting with your classmates, and tapping into your own creative mindset.
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Embrace your creative potential, and join us for a life-changing Folk School experience. Our 2020 Folk School Catalog is now available, and all classes are open for registration. Choose a class and come join us in Brasstown this year.
Request a Catalog, or view the current eCatalog now. You can also search and register for all classes here.
We are so excited about The Folk School Cookbook. Nanette Davidson, cookbook author, meticulously collected, curated, and adapted over 200 delicious recipes. These include some of the most memorable recipes served family-style in the school’s Dining Hall and at seasonal celebrations over the decades. Bring the Folk School’s culinary traditions into your own kitchen and order your copy today!
