Let me share with you a bit of another wonderful week spent in Brasstown, N.C., teaching at the John Campbell Folk School....gardens of beautiful autumn flowers right outside the painting studio, wonderful "eats" from the organic garden, unexpected delights from Mother Nature around every bend, sounds of the dulcimer being expertly played, a group of eager new students and, of course, the magic of just being at this special secluded mountain destination.
How do you know you have arrived in Brasstown?? Well, there is a "small" white sign on the hillside, but the real indicator is when you see the large wooden possum hanging in front of the convenience store at Clay's Corner - Possum Capital of the World. This subject would definitely require another post!
The Folk School, founded in 1925, began as a collaboration between two progressive educators and an Appalachian community. Olive Dame Campbell and Marguerite Butler, along with the people of Brasstown, birthed a unique and enduring institution that seeks to bring out the best in people. It still does that in an environmentally sustainable manner.
Let's look around. The museum offers a glimpse of the community, agriculture, history and art through photos and artifacts.
This photo pictures Olive Campbell playing the recorder. Music plays a big part at the school.
As the years have passed, facilities at the school have been updated - but just the right amount - so the flavor of the original school is never lost. Below is Keith House, the school's flagship building, as it was then and now.
On this visit to the school I was lucky enough to stay in a room in the old farm house. An aura of years ago clearly remains but additions including air-conditioning and modern baths make it very comfortable. Being housed there with four other instructors was a neat opportunity. It broadened my understanding of the high level and variety of instruction being offered along with providing lots of fun together in the evenings sitting and rocking on the old front porch.
Here's the "Farm House Gang."
The routine here goes at a clip. Prior to breakfast each morning, coffee and entertainment provide a great way to get the day underway. For some, guided morning walks and bird-watching is a great option before downing biscuits and sausage gravy.
On this particular day I feasted on strawberries, plums and stewed apples - hoping to offset calories in the wonderful gravy. On some mornings raspberries just picked from the organic garden were a treat.
After breakfast I took off walking to the painting studio - a pretty stroll through the garden - more offsetting of calories!
The painting studio is a new state-of-the-art facility. The greatest space ever for both instructor and students.
Well, we are now down to the business of creating. My mixed water-media class incorporates paper, canvas, watercolors, acrylics, pencil,ink, glazes and so forth. We tried it all!
Although we put in a full day in the painting studio, I like to go with my class to spend a little time poking around in other studios. Having developed a love of "rush" style seats recently, I suggested we head for the chair-caning and weaving studio. Instruction for 30 techniques and patterns is available.
This instructor was having a lot of fun herself, creating a unique seat woven using leather belts she had been collecting. The buckles could be seen on the underside of the seat.
The week flies by so quickly. The last evening is "show and tell" where each class displays their creations - the fellowship hall becomes a magnificent art gallery.
The Copper Clay jewelry class had a fabulous display.
And here I am back home again. Looks like I have been off-roading for a week. A few times it was close!!
Hugs, Marcy
P.S. See my post of August 30, 2009 for more about my classes at the Folk School.
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