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2025—2026 Classes CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF Singing Behind the Plow 1925–2025Sponsored in part by a grant from North Carolina Arts Council folkschoolalliance.org John C. Campbell Folk School is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Copyright © 2025 John C. Campbell Folk School. No portion of this catalog may be reproduced without permission of the Folk School. Executive Director: Bethany Chaney Art direction and design: 828:design, Cory Marie Podielski Copywriting, editing, and proofreading: Annie Fain Barralon, Darcy Holdorf, Rachel Lomauro, E. Lane Gresham, Morgan Slucher, Kitty Taylor, Verna Townson Photography (unless noted otherwise): Brian Gatti, Robert Grand, Rachel Lomauro, Galen McGee, Steve Newton, Cory Marie Podielski, Morgan Slucher. Additional class photography provided by instructors and former staff. Production manager: Rachel Lomauro John C. Campbell Folk School 1 Folk School Road Brasstown, NC 28902 1-800-365-5724 Keith House & Main Office 4590 Brasstown Road Brasstown, NC 28902 Our Vision A community that awakens, enlivens, and enlightens the world. Our Mission The Folk School transforms lives, bringing people together in a nurturing environment for experiences in learning and community life that spark self-discovery. Our Values Joy: We bring originality, creativity, and passion to all endeavors —we sing behind the plow. Kindness: We treat everyone with respect, humility, and warmth. Stewardship: We honor the traditions and spirit of the Folk School as we guide its evolution and preserve it for the future. Non-competitive: We support and affirm each other in lifelong growth. 2 FEATURES 2 Vision/Mission/Values 3 Welcome 4 The Craft Shop/Olive's Porch 5 Special Events / Getting Here 6 Our Studios 7 Folk School Housing 8 Your Week at the Folk School 9 Registration 10 Tuition, Housing & Meals 11 Important Topics / How to Use This Catalog 12 Two Women, One Dream: 100 years of Legacy Building 14 Fund-A-Need 15 Crafting Connections: Building Community at the Folk School 16 Student Host / Work Study / Traditional Craft Mentorship 17 Step in a New Direction: Ghermayn Baker Changes Course through Craft Experience 95 Calendar 96 Campus Map Table of Contents The cover design, created by Cory Marie Podielski, features John C. Campbell Folk School co-founders Olive Dame Campbell and Marguerite Butler among other vintage images. Note: This is the second cover in a set of four spanning the commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Folk School. About the Cover Weekend, Long Weekend & Long Sessions 43 August 29–September 1 (Long Weekend) 49 October 9-12 (Long Weekend) 52 October 24-26 58 November 21-23 59 December 4–7 (Long Weekend) 64 January 11-18 (Long Session) 65 January 22-25 (Long Weekend) 69 February 13-15 75 March 13-15 83 May 1–3 85 May 14–17 (Long Weekend) 88 May 29–31 CLASSES 18 Subject Listing 27 Class Descriptions Theme Weeks 34 Intergenerational Week (July 27–August 1) 40 Appalachian Heritage Week (August 17–23) 54 Spooky Week (November 2–8) 60 Holiday in the Mountains (December 7–13) 62 Winter Dance Week (December 27–January 1) 72 Roots of the Folk School (March 1–7) 92 Little/ Middle Folk School (June 14–20) 3 e offer week-long and weekend classes taught by world-renowned instructors in traditional and contemporary art and craft, cooking, nature studies, music, and many other subjects–but we’re not an art school. Our campus spans 270 picturesque acres in the mountains of Western North Carolina. We have outstanding studios, ample walking trails, comfortable lodging, and a dining hall that serves three nutritious meals family-style each day, with ingredients fresh from our garden–but we’re not a sleepaway camp. Historic buildings are prevalent, offering the chance to live and learn in the same places people sang ballads in, forged hooks in, sewed quilts in, or built ladderback chairs in, almost a century ago–but we’re not a living history museum. What brings people here, and keeps them coming back, is what the Folk School offers. We foster a non-competitive learning environment where adults of all ages, skills, and backgrounds learn from one another–everyone is welcome. Our rural location, emphasis on communal living, and variety of afternoon and evening activities pull you away from the distractions of daily life and help you truly live in the moment. We invite you to reignite your creative spark and embark on a new chapter as a dedicated hobbyist, professional craftsperson, or lifelong learner. Our school is also a great place for those looking to heal. We’re told that the Folk School experience helps many students find joy again after losing a family member, battling a life-threatening illness, or navigating another particularly rough patch of life. We never ask questions or push visitors to share; we’re simply glad to provide a caring and supportive setting for everyone, no matter the circumstances. Founded in 1925 and based on the folkehøjskoles of rural Denmark, the John C. Campbell Folk School started as an experiment in young adult education. Today, almost a century later, we’re still watching it all unfold. The school has changed throughout history to meet the challenges of the day and the needs of a new generation, but we remain driven by our founding core values of joy, kindness, non-competitiveness, and stewardship–of traditional craft, natural resources, and our community. Local residents, passionate students and instructors, knowledgeable staff, generous donors, and countless others helped build this school early on and continue to ensure it remains a place where folks can come and discover a new side of themselves year-round. For new students, use this catalog as a guide; we hope to see you soon in Brasstown for a getaway like no other. For returning students, we say, “welcome home.” Students stand in harmony with an instructor, center, after a weeklong autoharp class at the John C. Campbell Folk School, celebrating the joy of music and community. W Ask anyone who’s spent some time with us, and they’ll say that the Folk School changes you. There’s simply no better way to describe it–it’s good to be together at the Folk School.founding member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and a nationally recognized fine craft gallery, the Craft Shop at the Folk School offers carvings from renowned Brasstown Carvers and a diverse selection of fine handcrafted pieces from regional artisans. The impressive collection features traditional and contemporary Appalachian craft, including jewelry, pottery, wood, fiber, ironwork, and basketry. Instructional and craft-related books and selected art supplies are also available. A CRAFT Shop Appalachian Crafts Named after the school’s co- founder Olive Dame Campbell, Olive’s Porch features an educational studio for community workshops and a retail shop showcasing the work of local and regional Appalachian artists . COMMUNITY Events & Happenings Olive’s Porch provides year-round opportunities to explore and celebrate Appalachian heritage with community events, workshops, discussions, demonstrations, and seasonal programming for both youth and adults. CREATE Take a Workshop Hands-on community workshops are available throughout the week and on weekends. Designed for all skill levels. Visit Olive's Porch, a Folk School Experience in Downtown Murphy ART & CRAFT SUPPLY ROOM Our collection includes brands like Windsor Newton, Speedball, Posca, and Faber Castell. We can special order any supply we don't have in stock. Now available, a wide variety of professional art supplies! LOCATION: 27 Peachtree Street, Murphy, NC 28906 CALL FOR HOURS | PHONE: 1-828-837-1885 EMAIL: olivesporch@folkschool.org WEB: olivesporch.org Call for Hours Phone: 1-800-365-5724, ext. 125 or 828-837-2775, ext. 125 Location: Bottom floor of the Olive Dame Campbell Dining Hall Website: folkschool.org/craftshop THE Craft Shop 4LOG CABIN MUSEUM RIBBON CUTTING September 22, 2025 • 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. As part of our 100th Anniversary celebration, we are restoring the historic log cabin museum, two cabins with a connecting dog trot. These cabins were reconstructed on campus in 1926. Join us for a special ribbon cutting ceremony—a milestone you won’t want to miss! FALL FESTIVAL October 4-5, 2025 • 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Kick off the 100th Anniversary Celebration at our annual Fall Festival, featuring over 200 craftspeople, continuous live music and dance, craft demonstrations, good food, and much more! By Car Brasstown is a day’s drive for half the U.S. and only a two-hour drive from Atlanta, Knoxville, Asheville, and Chattanooga. We are located in the far western part of North Carolina, seven miles east of Murphy, NC, off U.S. 64. Add a few days to your trip to enjoy our breathtaking mountain scenery or some of the local attractions and outdoor activities unique to our area. Our main office is located in Keith House at 4590 Brasstown Road, Brasstown, NC 28902. By Air The Folk School can arrange airport pick-up service in Atlanta. Arrangements must be made with the office three weeks in advance of the class date. For current rates, please call 1-800-365-5724. Our shuttle service picks up at the airport at 2 p.m. on the class start date; we suggest you arrive by 1 p.m. Departure flights should be scheduled after 1 p.m. on Saturdays of full week sessions and after 5 p.m. on the class end date for Sunday–Friday sessions and weekend classes. Getting Here We’re two hours from just about anywhere! FORGE AFTER DARK Blacksmithing Evening Event November 7, 2025 • 6 p.m.–12 a.m. Blacksmith & Craft In-Person Auction November 8, 2025 • 12–4 p.m. Forge After Dark illuminates the art of blacksmithing with a nighttime gathering and spirited afternoon auction. Experience the night's enchantment on Friday as blacksmiths forge, and enjoy fireside storytelling, axe throwing, and a BBQ food truck. Bid in Saturday’s live auction and support the Folk School. Free admission. FIRESIDE SALE December 13, 2025 • 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Enjoy the ambiance of live holiday music as you shop for artful treasures in our beautifully decorated Keith House and visit the artists in Davidson Hall. Craftspeople will offer a variety of handmade items. You’re sure to find special, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts here! EMPTY BOWLS March 28, 2026 • 5-7 p.m. Pick out a beautiful handcrafted bowl, and then savor a hearty meal of soup, bread, salad and dessert. Proceeds go to local food banks. MAY DAY PARADE AND MAYPOLE DANCE May 2, 2026 • 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Join Folk School students, staff, and community for our annual English tradition of the May Day Parade and Maypole Dance in celebration of spring. Free admission. Special Events The Folk School has one EV charging station available for students, instructors, and staff. Subscribe to Our Events Calendar For more event details, visit folkschool.org/events or scan the QR code to sign up for our events calendar and receive direct access to detailed listings for upcoming events, concerts, and dances. 56 Magic happens in the studios at the Folk School. It is in the studio that you’ll work with knowledgeable, artistic instructors and be inspired by other students. And it is in the studio that you’ll explore your creative self, discovering new talents and challenging yourself in ways that promote personal growth. The Folk School offers 17 well-equipped studios located on our 270-acre campus. Our staff works hard to ensure that you’ll have everything you need to experience a new medium and learn a new skill. All studios are equipped with monitors and iPhones to allow for improved visibility during demonstrations and for instructors and students to access online resources. Microphones and speakers are also available to improve audio quality during instruction. From the spacious Clay Spencer Blacksmith Shop to the Weaving Studio filled with floor looms to the wood- fired oven in the Cooking Studio, each space assures productive, hands-on learning. The natural surroundings of our campus serve as an extension of our studios. Our organic vegetable, flower and herb gardens are there for “the picking” to harvest indigo for natural dyeing, broomcorn for craft brooms, or as inspiration for still-life and plein-air painting. So sit at the spinning wheel, load up the dye vat, or fire up the forge – when you come to the Folk School to engage in craft, art, music and food, our studio doors will be wide open to you. Learn more at folkschool.org/studios. Our Studios The Wet Room in Davidson Hall provides a perfect studio for those who like to get messy. With counters equipped with ranges for dye pots, students can explore the full spectrum of colors derived from natural dye plants, some of which are cultivated in the Donna and Cory Brown Memorial Dye Garden. This studio environment provides an easy-to-clean learning space for knitting, felting, dyeing and surface design sessions. Spinning classes can also be staged here because of the spacious nature of the room. The Wet RoomThere’s nothing like staying on campus to fully immerse yourself in the Folk School experience, away from the outside world. From charming 1930s buildings to more contemporary housing, and everything in between, you’re sure to feel at home while staying with us. We have an eclectic variety of a dozen student houses sprinkled throughout our campus. All are air-conditioned and within walking distance to studios and the Dining Hall. Rates are per person. (A limited number of private single rooms are available). All housing rates include delicious and wholesome meals served family-style in the Olive Dame Campbell Dining Hall. We provide five levels of housing in a range of prices, from dormitory-style rooms to rooms with private baths, such as historic Hill House and Field House. Nestled in the woods, our campground is open year- round and provides sites for tents, campers, and RVs up to 34 feet. A bath house provides hot and cold water, restrooms, and showers. Our student services team makes every effort to accommodate housing requests, giving priority to accessibility needs. Although we guarantee your choice of housing level, we are not able to guarantee specific houses or rooms. When you register for your class, please be sure to notify us of any physical limitations you may have, such as an inability to climb stairs. For rates and more details about our types of housing, see page 10 or visit us online at folkschool.org/housing. Folk School Housing 7 Orchard House & Harvest Room Orchard House was completed in 1954 for Fred and Ruth Brownlee, with the intention to be donated to the Folk School. The Brownlees lived there until the early 1960s, after which it served as housing for the school’s director. The Harvest Room was originally the carport and was later turned into a studio and is currently the writing and photography space.8 We invite you to take part in the adventure and excitement of the Folk School. Draw inspiration from the creative community on our beautiful 270-acre campus, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the secluded mountains. Start your day with Morningsong. This Danish custom of singing, folklore, and camaraderie brings you unique performances, stories, and sing-alongs. In the studio you will learn by doing, at your own pace. Small class size allows for personalized instruction with plenty of time for individual practice and collaboration. No matter your experience or skill level, you will be amazed by what you create. Afternoons offer the opportunity to join a campus history tour, watch a craft demonstration, indulge in yoga and massage, or take a walk on trails through the woods or by the stream. Evenings are filled with dances, concerts, performances, presentations, and readings by writers or storytellers. Come together in the Olive Dame Campbell Dining Hall where friendships are forged over three healthy and plentiful meals made fresh every day. Delight in seasonal produce from our garden and the weekly inspirations of our chef and Dining Hall staff. Enjoy your meals family-style or take in the mountain views on our open-air porch. The week closes with a student exhibit and closing ceremony, a chance to celebrate and marvel at the beautiful work that we’ve made in just a week. Admire the skill of ironworks created in the Blacksmith Shop. Revel in the handiwork of woodturned bowls and freshly stitched books. Learn about the process of making by seeing examples of works in progress. Saturday wraps up your week of making art, making friends, and making memories. You have created something new. You have experienced the tradition and history of the Appalachians, and you will depart with inspiration and renewal that can only be found in this special place. Your Week at the Folk School A Sample Week at the Folk School Note: Sunday-Friday sessions end with Friday lunch. Schedule varies each week. SUNDAY 4-5 p.m. Registration 5:30 p.m. Student Orientation 6 p.m. Supper 7-8 p.m. Meet with Instructor for class start up MONDAY Morningsong Breakfast Class Time Lunch Class Time Campus Tour Supper Concert or Singing Circle FRIDAY Morningsong Breakfast Class Time Lunch Class Time Student Exhibit & Closing Ceremony Supper Craft Social or other activities THURSDAY Breakfast Class Time Lunch Class Time Tai Qi Gung Supper Community Jam Session WEDNESDAY Morningsong Breakfast Class Time Lunch Class Time Craft Demonstration Supper Poetry Reading or Storytelling Jam TUESDAY Breakfast Class Time Lunch Class Time Yoga Supper Contra/Square Dance SATURDAY 8:15 a.m. Breakfast 9 a.m. Departure 7:45 a.m. 8:15 a.m. 9 a.m.–noon 12:15 p.m. 1:30-4:30 p.m. 4:45 p.m. 6 p.m. 7 p.m. (7-8 p.m. Class Time) A Sample Weekend Schedule Weekends run Friday evening through Sunday lunch. 7:45 a.m. 8:15 a.m. 9 a.m.–noon 12:15 p.m. 4-5 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6 p.m. 7-9 p.m. SUNDAY Breakfast Class Time (9-11 a.m.) Clean Up (11-noon) Lunch Departure SATURDAY Morningsong Breakfast Class Time Lunch Class Time (1:30-5 p.m.) Studio Stroll (5-6 p.m.) Supper Optional Class Time FRIDAY Registration Student Orientation Supper Class Time A Sample Long Weekend Schedule Sometimes a weekend is too short, and a week is too long— but a long weekend is just right! Long Weekend start days vary. Please confirm your specific start day upon registering. 7:45 a.m. 8:15 a.m. 9 a.m.–noon 12:15 p.m. 1:30-5:30 p.m. 5:30-6:00 p.m. 6 p.m. 7-8 p.m. DAY 3 Morningsong Breakfast Class Time Lunch Class Time (1:30-5 p.m.) Break Supper Concert DAY 4 Breakfast Class Time (9-11 a.m.) Student Exhibit & Closing Ceremony (11 a.m.-noon) Lunch Departure DAY 2 Breakfast Class Time Lunch Class Time (1:30-5 p.m.) Break Supper Optional Studio Time DAY 1 Registration (4-5 p.m.) Orientation Supper Class TimeCode of Conduct Before registering, please review our current Code of Conduct on our website at folkschool.org/codeofconduct. Registration Students may only register for one class for each weeklong or weekend session. Registrations are non-transferable. Full payment of your balance is due 30 days prior to class. A fee will be charged for returned checks. Classes without a minimum number of registrations may be canceled. Deposits Please see cancellation policy below for deposit details. Week+Weekend or WeekWeekendWeekend+Week 2025-2026 $215 $165 $365 Withdrawal/Cancellations Because of registration costs and other services, including instructor contracts, material acquisitions, and housing arrangements, the Folk School must charge cancellation fees to students who change their itineraries. Cancellation Policy • Once students are accepted into a class, cancellation fees apply. • Students who transfer to another class are charged the cancellation fee, plus the deposit for the class to which they wish to transfer. • No tuition, deposit, housing or meals refunds will be made after the start date of a class. • Registrations are not transferable. • Cancellations made 60 days or earlier prior to class start date are subject to a cancellation fee of 50% of the deposit. • Cancellations made less than 60 days prior to class start date result in the forfeit of 100% of the deposit. Class Cancellations The Folk School will conduct classes for which a minimum number of students are registered. If the school must cancel a class, registered students will be given the opportunity to enroll in another class, with no transfer penalty. A full refund will be given to students who do not wish to transfer. If you plan to fly, please confirm that your class has sufficient enrollment to run prior to booking your ticket. The Folk School is not responsible for nonrefundable airline tickets, offsite housing deposits, or fees due to class cancellations. Instructor Substitutions Occasionally an instructor must cancel for health or personal reasons. When this happens, we make every attempt to find a replacement instructor qualified to teach the class as closely as possible to what is described in the catalog. However, sometimes it is necessary to modify or cancel the class. In either case, all registered students will be given the opportunity to transfer to another class or cancel without penalty. Class Content While we make every effort to verify the accuracy, class descriptions are provided by instructors, who are independent contractors, and cannot be warranted by the Folk School. Class Materials Students in craft classes typically use material in the making of their projects. Because the amount of materials used will vary by student, material fees are not included in the tuition amount. Upon registering for a class, you will receive an estimate of these additional fees on your invoice, along with a list of materials the instructor requests you bring to class. Payment by cash or check for materials purchased from the instructor or the school is required on the last day of class. Notice: Material fees are not included in the tuition amount. Classes with material fees of $100 or more are indicated with the S symbol. Discount Programs 25% off Tuition for Local Residents The Folk School offers 25% off tuition and a guaranteed available space upon registration to local residents in the following neighboring counties: North Carolina: Cherokee, Clay, Macon, Swain, Jackson, and Graham. Georgia: Fannin, Gilmer, Towns, Rabun, and Union. Tennessee: Polk. Those looking to receive this benefit are required to present one of the following prior to registration, showing proof of local address: a valid driver’s license, voter registration card, tax bill, or utility bill. 15% off Tuition for Teachers, Young Adults, and Active Military & Veterans The Folk School offers 15% off tuition and a guaranteed available space upon registration for teachers (K-12), young adults (ages 18-25), and Active Military & Veterans. Teachers must present either a current contract or current paystub showing their role as a full or part-time Teacher. Young Adults are required to submit a valid driver’s license or government-issued identification showing proof of age. Active Military & Veterans must present proof of VA card or DD-214 form. Notice: Discounts must be declared prior to registration and cannot be applied for someone who is already enrolled in a class. Visit folkschool.org/discountprograms for more information. Registration 1.ONLINE Register online at folkschool.org/classes 2.PHONE Call 1-800-365-5724 Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m. EST Two Easy Ways to Register for a Class 9Next >