“The Villages Folk School wishes you a very Merry Christmas”

     The first year of classes has come to a close at the Villages Folk School and we want to thank you all for your support of the folk school. We look forward to the coming year with great anticipation and will be offering even more in our class line-up.

     This is a great time for you to give a gift that will provide the opportunity for your friends and family to experience a class with one of our talented artist instructors. Gift certificates may be purchased at the Villages Folk School office in Bonaparte at the Opera House. Give us a call today at 319-592-3700. Our office is open from noon to 4 p.m. for your convenience. Put a Villages Folk School gift certificate under your tree and give the gift that opens up the world of creativity for your loved ones.

     A coming event for next year is the Villages Folk School Writer’s Conference 2011. This event on September 23, 24, & 25 will not only feature New York Times Best Selling Authors but literary agents, publishers and many other experts in the field of writing from around the country. We encourage you to get your registration in early because this event will have limited seating and we expect it to fill up quickly.

     To get a first hand look at our class calendar go to our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com and check out our class descriptions, artist bios and more. If you need further assistance give us a call at the Villages Folk School office at 319-592-3700.

     From the Villages Folk School we wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.

“The Villages Folk School classes help to prepare for Christmas”

     The last class on our 2010 calendar will provide you with a perfect gift for Christmas.  Joy Hanson’s Container Candles class held on Saturday, December 18^th will help you to make the perfect candle in your favorite mug and it even looks and smells like hot chocolate.  The Villages Folk School also encourages you to give your friends and family a “gift certificate” that can be used for any of our 2011 classes.  Go to our website at http://www.villagesfolkschool.com/ for a complete listing with class descriptions and artist bios.  Gift certificates are available through our folk school office in the Bonaparte Opera House, we can be reached by telephone at 319-592-3700 or email us at villagesfolkschool@gmail.com.  Call us today to allow time for the gift certificates to arrive in your home prior to Christmas day.

  

     Our 2011 calendar begins in January with a new slate of class schedules that are designed to allow you the opportunity to live the arts with one of our artist instructors.  This is an experience that will provide you with the inspiration and skills to begin or enhance your creative life in the arts.  We invite you to join us and to share with others what you have experienced.  It is through the efforts of our Villages Folk School Board, the artist instructors and people like you that the creative arts will make their way back into our schools and our communities.  We ask you to join us by giving your monetary support through donations to our school.  Go to our website at http://www.villagesfolkschool.com/, click on “Become a Sponsor”, choose your level of support and either click on the “Donate” button for a secure PayPal payment or send your check to The Villages Folk School, PO Box 51, Bonaparte, IA  52620
.    

     We thank you for your continued support and look forward to a bright and prosperous future as we “live the arts” in Van Buren County, Iowa.

      

“Give a gift of Creativity this year”

    

     The Villages Folk School encourages you to give your friends and family a “gift certificate” that can be used for any of our folk school classes. Go to our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com for a complete listing of our 2011 classes. The class descriptions and artist bios are also provided for you. The holiday season is here and with our busy schedules we often find it difficult to include everything we would like to accomplish. We have just two classes left in our 2010 schedule and they are Hand Piecing, Appliqué & Quilting, Dec 11-12 and Container Candles, Dec 18, both taught by Joy Hanson. Joy can teach you how to make those beautiful quilts you see or, if you want something not quite so time consuming, your favorite hot chocolate mug filled with a candle that looks and smells like the real thing. Either of these classes would be a great gift this Christmas and would give you a handmade present for that special person in your life.

     Gift certificates are available through our folk school office. We can be reached by telephone at 319-592-3700 or email us a villagesfolkschool@gmail.com. Call us soon to allow time for the gift certificates to arrive in your home prior to Christmas day.

     The first year at the Villages Folk School has been a great one! We now have 28 artist instructors offering 51 different classes and have seen over 100 students from all around Iowa and from several surrounding states. All of this has added to our counties economy as these students come for the weekend and spend their money for food, lodging and gas. Our goal for sustainability is on track and as we offer more diversity in our class subjects we are forever aware of the need to promote the lifestyle in Van Buren County while at the same time striving to preserve our unique quality of life.

     The continued growth of the folk school relies on class enrollment, recruitment of artist instructors and, above all, the cooperative effort of all of us in the county. Our immediate goals for steady growth are being achieved and we are pleased with that, but our long range plans to bring the creative arts to the forefront in Van Buren County are still a slow process. We are in agreement with studies across the country linking the creative arts with scholastic achievement. Programs offering all of the arts to the students have seen dramatic improvement in aptitude testing on a national level. As a county I would like to see us join together to give more support to our students and our schools. When I was in my high school years there were parents actively supporting their students by coming together and forming what was called the “Band Boosters”. It was groups like this that raised money to purchase uniforms so that there was pride in belonging to the band. Bands as well as choirs all around the county would come together once a year for mass concerts. It is this kind of enthusiasm that we should be seeing in our programs for the kids. It is not always about money, but getting excited and showing the youth that we care about their futures may be a great start towards bringing all of us together to support the arts in our schools and our county. It starts with each of us and becomes the inspiration for all of us.

     Find a teacher or a school administrator this holiday season and tell them how much you appreciate them. The Villages Folk School is proud of our gifted artist instructors and hope to provide a consistant working environment for them as they “live the arts” here in Van Buren County.

     Your sponsorship help as a “Friend of the Villages Folk School” is always appreciated and we encourage each of you to think of our school as we prepare to meet the New Year. Our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com has a list of the sponsorship levels by which you may participate. No matter what your gift, it provides the needed funds to move us forward toward our goals. Call us today at 319-592-3700 and join with us as we seek to expand the arts and creativity in Van Buren County, Iowa.

“Villages Folk School making plans for the year 2011”

     The Villages Folk School is busy planning the class calendar for next year as well as the first annual Villages Folk School Writer’s Conference. The event is planned for September 23, 24, & 25, 2011. The three-day conference will include key note addresses by Robert Dugoni, multiple New York Times Best Selling Author; Elizabeth Lyons, Owner/Editor of Editing International; Noah Lukeman, Literary Agent and Best Selling Author; as well as workshops with panels comprised of leading scholars in the field of writing from around the country. Contact us to obtain your registration form and reserve your spot for the conference. Key note addresses, break-out sessions, and free time for reflection and enjoying the surrounding area all await you at the Villages Folk School Writer’s Conference 2011.

     Although the year 2010 is nearing an end, the folk school classes are still offering opportunities for you to participate. Taking the time to make something that becomes a keepsake or a special gift for friends and family is often a challenge so why not join one of our artist instructors and share in this rewarding experience that produces a high quality result.

     Go to our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com to see a calendar for the remainder of this year and our new class schedule for 2011, then give us a call at 319-592-3700 to register for one of our exciting classes. Gloria and I are available to answer any questions you may have about the school and our classes.

     For those of you who may not have access to the website, here is a list of our classes coming up: Beginning Blacksmithing by Bill Printy and Mark Heisdorffer, Dec 4-5; Keepsakes-Gift Making by Sandi Dimmitt, Dec 4; Hand Piecing, Appliqué & Quilting, Dec 11-12; Container Candles by Joy Hanson, Dec 18.

“Students are taught to heel at the Villages Folk School”

     Last weekend the students returned to our Victorian home to spend another day learning to knit socks. This was the second of three classes in this subject because of the time required for each student to work their project in preparation for the next command; “learning to heel”. No, it wasn’t obedience school for their dogs it was time to knit the “heel” on their sock project. Their homework from the last class was to knit from the top of the sock to a length of 8 inches. Today’s class would provide them instruction for properly completing the heel of the sock. Karen Land and her students once again retired to the parlor to go about the process of making a proper heel on their knitted socks. I am not one to knit, but it does appear to get pretty involved. I always figured you just started knitting and “voila” there’s a sock. But I soon realized it was not quite that simple. I think the ladies in the class were also realizing that, but they were having such a great time together they didn’t give it much thought.

     Christmas is only a month away and for those of you who would like to make a personal gift for that special person in your life we have some classes to help you do just that. Joy Hanson can guide you through the process of making a candle in a mug that smells and looks like hot chocolate. Join her class this weekend and see how it’s done. You will come away with the satisfaction of making your own gift and with the knowledge to make more of the same. Maybe you would like to make a keepsake gift instead. Register for Sandi Dimmitt’s class in Keepsakes-Gift Making and make one of your own. The Villages Folk School class calendar is available for you on our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com. You can also email the school at villagesfolkschool@gmail.com for more information. Gloria will be out of the office this week but will be checking the emails.

     Here is a list of our classes coming up: Container Candles by Joy Hanson, Nov 27; Vintage Card Making by Sandi Dimmitt, Nov 27; Beginning Blacksmithing by Bill Printy and Mark Heisdorffer, Dec 4-5; Keepsakes-Gift Making by Sandi Dimmitt, Dec 4; Hand Piecing, Appliqué & Quilting, Dec 11-12; Container Candles by Joy Hanson, Dec 18.

     We at the Villages Folk School wish you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving.

“The Rush is on at the Villages Folk School”

     The wind was howling as I started the van and headed for our Villages Folk School class at the Congregational church in Keosauqua. Today was the chair caning class taught by Vern Ramsey. His student’s work today was on an antique chair in the fiber rush weave pattern. The different styles of caning are each unique and Vern teaches all of them. If you think about it, probably most of us have one of those antique chairs that have been in the family for years but because of the deteriorated weave it has been tucked away in the attic or closet. Well now is the time to get that old chair back into good-as-new condition. Before you register for a class, however, there is some preparation that needs to be completed prior to re-caning the seat. If the chair is in need of refinishing or replacement of any broken parts, that must be done before coming to class. Once the chair is fitted with the new cane it is ready to take its rightful place in your home. I’m sure stories will be told as you recall grandpa or grandma sitting in that chair. This series of classes taught by Vern Ramsey for the Villages Folk School will restore those family heirlooms and at the same time bring your ancestral history back to life. Go to our folk school website at www.villagesfolkschool.com and make plans to have your chair project ready for the next caning class. Registration is easily done by printing the online form or by calling our office at 319-592-3700.

     The holidays are fast approaching and it is time to start thinking about those Christmas gifts for family and friends. Here is a great idea for you; why not make something special this year. We have some creative classes coming up that will help you to do just that! See for yourself by going to the website and checking them out. Maybe you would like to make a container candle in their favorite mug, or something that becomes a keepsake. It is all very easy if you have the proper instruction. The next few weeks of classes will offer that opportunity for you. See for yourself by reading through the class descriptions or calling our office for any additional information you might need.

     Here is a list of our classes coming up: Container Candles by Joy Hanson, Nov 27; Vintage Card Making by Sandi Dimmitt, Nov 27; Beginning Blacksmithing by Bill Printy and Mark Heisdorffer, Dec 4-5; Keepsakes-Gift Making by Sandi Dimmitt, Dec 4; Hand Piecing, Appliqué & Quilting, Dec 11-12; Container Candles by Joy Hanson, Dec 18.

     We hope to make your holiday season very special by offering you a class with an instructor who will guide you through the steps required to create a very special gift that you can be proud to give. If not for a gift, then something creative that will be the perfect decoration for your home this year and in years to come.

     Register for that special holiday class by going to our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com or by calling our office at 319-592-3700. Make this year very special for someone in your family; perhaps that someone is you!

“Iowa Public Television films folk school classes in Van Buren County”

                   
     This past weekend was not your average weekend of classes for the Villages Folk School. There was a little more excitement in the air as the Iowa Public Television camera crew rolled into town. The filming is in preparation for a special that will air in the Spring. First on the agenda was Gin Lammert’s “Still Life in Soft Pastels” class in the town hall at Cantril. I met the crew at the town hall and watched as they set up the set to interview Gin Lammert. The host of the program, Dan Kaercher, not only interviewed Gin but he took part in the class. The camera was rolling as she started her presentation and continued as each of the students moved to their respective easels and began to paint. Gin moved from student to student watching them as they worked on their masterpieces and giving her expert critic and helpful suggestions. It is a joy to watch as she seems to guide their projects down the right path with only her comments. I love this part of the folk school classes. Sometime you need to just stop in at one of our classes and watch as the artists work with their students. It is an awesome experience!

     It was time for the crew to move on so they packed all the camera gear and off we went for Bentonsport and Bill Printy’s blacksmith shop at Iron and Lace. We arrived at the shop and found Bill working at the forge. After some introductions they set about their work. Several angles for pictures were discussed and the camera man set up for the shoot. Bill began cranking the bellows and the coals were soon engulfed in a searing flame.

     The iron he had placed in the coals was glowing hot as Bill swiftly drew it from the forge and placed it on the anvil. With purposely directed blows he began to shape the tip. As the hammer came down upon the iron the sparks flew in every direction. You could see the iron cooling as the sparks grew less and less. Bill was keenly aware of the proper moment for the iron to be returned to the fire and once again the bellows were cranked to produce the proper flame. Bill makes this look so easy, but, after all, it has been his life for the past thirty some years. What was once a straight piece of iron from the mill was now a perfectly formed poker and Bill smiled with satisfaction as he displayed his finished work. Dan Kaercher moved over next to Bill and the camera man set his lens and microphone for the interview portion of the filming. Bill is always the humble blacksmith but he has truly turned the working of iron into a fine art. Working of iron has been passed down from generation to generation in Bill’s family but his passion for the arts has brought this trade to a new level that results in custom work seldom found in other shops. Classes are offered throughout the year in beginning blacksmithing, tool making, tong making and forge welding. Go to our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com for dates and times. If you have always wanted to learn the blacksmithing trade; what are you waiting for? This is an opportunity you won’t want to pass up. Working along side Bill Printy is his assistant Mark Heisdorffer and the two of them provide you with all the instructor / student time you will need to not only learn the proper methods but to turn out a quality piece of work.

     We were soon out of time and packing up to leave for the next class shoot. This was Meg King’s beginning knitting class being held in the parlor of our 1865 Victorian brick in Bonaparte. 



One of the students was a young lady and I could tell she was nervous with the camera so close but soon she was engrossed in her knitting and not paying attention to the camera. We soon had to move on so the camera gear was packed and off we went.

     The last location for the coming broadcast was from the top of the hill where J40 starts down into Bentonsport. This overlook is so indicative of the beautiful rolling hills and scenic river valley of Van Buren County. The camera was set and Dan, with the valley as a back drop, began his rap up of the day’s events. We are thrilled to have such coverage of our beautiful Van Buren County and look forward with much enthusiasm as the Villages Folk School continues to bring attention to this area.

     We invite you to join us in our endeavor to make the Villages Folk School into a premier year-round folk school. By becoming a Friend of the Folk School your sponsorship dollars will help with the advertising and marketing needed to reach out to the surrounding areas for students and keep our artists working to support their families and this area. Information for sponsorship is available on our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com or call our office at 319-592-3700 for assistance.

     Here is a list of our upcoming classes: Chair Caning with Fiber Rush Weave, Nov 13; Fried Fiction Workshop, Nov 13-14; Container Candles, Nov 27; Beginning Blacksmithing, Dec 4-5; Hand Piecing Appliqué & Quilting, Dec 11-12; Container Candles, Dec 18.

     Taking a class at the Villages Folk School is more than just spending a little time with a craft; it is a chance to experience firsthand the life of living the arts in Van Buren County, Iowa. As the holidays approach and you are thinking about presents for friends and family wouldn’t it be fun to give a gift that you made? There are some classes coming soon that will allow you to do just that. Container candles are made in your favorite mug and would make a wonderful gift. We hope to see you here for one of our classes and look forward to your participation.

“Days are getting shorter but the Villages Folk School is in full swing”

     Two trips around the Villages of Van Buren County can take all day. That is, if you stop to listen in on one or two of the folk school classes. There is always something to learn and when it is being taught by a gifted artist the whole process is a delightful experience. In finding an art subject that fulfills a desire you have always kept inside, I think you will agree with me when I say, “Doing is so much better than watching!” Now, with the help of our instructors, artists who are inspired by the very land they have chosen to make their home, you can make it a reality. We have a treasure in Van Buren County that has not only attracted the artists but has offered them a palette for their work and livelihood. Going about their trade on a daily basis has spawned a culture that lives the arts here in Van Buren County, Iowa.

     The benefit to those who come from outside our county to take a class at the Villages Folk School is twofold. They experience not only the beauty and serenity of this Des Moines River valley, but they connect with their inner self as they create a newfound art form under the instruction of a folk school artist.

     Those of us who live here have but to journey outside of our county to soon realize what we have in Van Buren County. Living here is wonderful, as I think we all agree. What we haven’t all realized is that getting in touch with our creative side through the arts and then living it here in the villages opens our eyes in so many areas. That goes for young and old alike. Allow yourself to experience the Villages Folk School and encourage your children to do so. The arts and being creative will spill over into every aspect of your life. It is a thrill that keeps getting better and better.

     Come join us for one of our exciting classes. Call our office at 319-592-3700 or go online to www.villagesfolkschool.com and register for your class. You will find the classes and their times on our calendar.

     We invite you to help us grow by becoming a “Friend of the Villages Folk School”. The sponsorship information is listed for you on our website and a secure PayPal site is available for your convenience.

     Here is a list of our upcoming classes: Still Life in Soft Pastels, Nov. 6; Chair Caning with Fiber Rush Weave, Nov 13; Fried Fiction Workshop, Nov 13-14; Container Candles, Nov 27.

     It’s not too late to register for one of our many classes. Then get ready for the thrill of a lifetime as you live the arts with one of our artist instructors.

“Knit one, pearl two, make a pair of socks but if you don’t knead, the bread still rocks!”

     You guessed it; the Villages Folk School is teaching people how to knit their own socks. It was a pretty awesome spectacle to see Karen Land and her students sitting in our parlor, knitting and enjoying the peace and quiet. Obviously they were savoring both the experience of the class and each others company. I found  myself wanting to take the pictures in black and white as it must have appeared 150 years ago in this house when the ladies would gather together on a Saturday afternoon to  enjoy the visit with friends and time to knit another pair of socks for the family. I continued taking pictures for awhile and excused myself to head up river to the bread class.                                                    

     I crested the hill leading down into Bentonsport and simply had to stop the vehicle along the side of the road. This picture was one I had to capture on my camera. Below me lay the Des Moines River valley as it cut its way down river towards Bonaparte. The trees were spectacular and I could see the historic covered bridge, now a walking path, which spans from the village Bentonsport to Vernon. I snapped a few pictures and sat there just taking it all in. Driving through the Villages of Van Buren County is an experience I never tire of. I started my vehicle again and wound down the hill into Bentonsport and the home of Bill and Betty Printy where the class was taking place. Four students from both Iowa and Illinois were intently listening as Betty and her daughter April made the initial presentation of the class and what they could expect. Betty’s enthusiasm always inspires the students and makes the whole experience an exciting one. Now, with the help of her daughter, April Ziegler, they were getting even more hands-on instruction from the teachers. This has been a very popular class here at the folk school as it seems everyone wants to learn the art of making bread; especially bread that tastes like this bread! “I can’t believe I ate the whole thing” will be your statement after tasting the bread that comes from Betty’s kitchen. Experience it once and you will be hooked for life. You may want to contact the school while the ovens are hot!!

     Give us a call at 319-592-3700 or go to our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com and register for this and other exciting Villages Folk School classes.

     Once the dough had been mixed and made ready for the ovens I returned to the sock knitting class in Bonaparte. They were working away and having a great time together. I spent some time watching and listening as they continued their projects. This class will convene again on November 20th to deal with the issue of knitting heals in their socks. Each student has until then to get to that point in their process. Time slows to a crawl here in the villages and makes afternoons like this one a truly relaxing experience.

     The time was nearing for the loaves of bread to come out of the ovens so I jumped in the van and returned to the bread making class. This is the time I enjoy most; watching the expression on the face of each student as they see their newly baked loaf of bread for the first time. The smiles on their faces and the obvious look of satisfaction tell it all as they remove their loaves of bread from the oven. Today was “true-to-form” as four perfectly baked loaves emerged from the oven. It is difficult to improve on perfection but this class always finds a way. Not only the expert instruction, but watching the students as they put their personal touches on each dough recipe always ads a unique element to each finished loaf of bread. Happy with finished product, Betty sat the students down to cover some last minute details before dismissing them and their newly baked loaves of bread for their return trips home. I said my goodbyes and returned to the office to put this day of classes down on paper while the details of each class were still fresh in my mind.

     Whatever the class, wherever the location, and whoever is teaching it, the Villages Folk School offers an exciting opportunity for you to find your creative side and take it to new heights as you experience “living the arts” with our gifted artist instructors.

     The decision to take a class with us is purely up to you and we at the Villages Folk School want to assure you that the choice you make to take a class will be one of the greatest choices of your life. Come join us for a fun-filled weekend and let yourself in on an experience that will change your life!

     The Villages Folk School class schedule can be found on our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com or call us today at 319-592-3700. We are here to answer any questions you might have or to assist you with your class registration. PayPal invoices can be emailed to you for your convenience.

     Here is a list of our upcoming classes: Natural Dyes in My Backyard, Oct 28-29; 7 Step Chair Caning, Oct 30; Still Life in Soft Pastels, Nov 6; Chair Caning with Fiber Rush Weave, Nov 13; Fried Fiction Workshop, Nov 13-14; Container Candles, Nov 27.

     We look forward to seeing you at the Villages Folk School classes.



“Pulp Play, Bird watching, landscapes captured on canvas, and the dough is rising!”

                                                                                    

     Last Thursday and Friday at the Cantril Town Hall Pat Crawford was busy teaching her student all about making paper and creating a journal. Various fibers were utilized to make paper on the first day and on Friday they created a journal for keeping memorable information. I spent some time taking pictures of the process and listening in as Pat described the procedure to her student, April Ziegler. They seemed to be having a great time and the paper was something that would be unique to her personal journal. April was enjoying every moment!

     Saturday morning began as normal as any other Villages Folk School class morning but this day was to be especially exciting. I ate breakfast, filled the commuter cup with coffee, loaded the camera and paperwork in the van and headed for the wetlands of Mt. Sterling, Iowa. The drive was peaceful and I noticed even more color beginning to show in the trees.

     I arrived in Mt. Sterling and drove to the community building where Raymond and Connie Morris were giving their introductory information for the fall bird watching class. I introduced myself to the students and took a seat to enjoy Raymond’s presentation. It is really all about retraining your mind to be more aware of the many birds that are around you every day. The students were all very excited about getting out to the wetlands to start their search and after a short presentation we jumped in the vehicles and headed out. This was my first trip into the wetlands at Mt. Sterling and, I must admit, they were beautiful. Our anticipation was soon satisfied as an Egret unfurled his huge wings and soared across the water. Soon after that the group spotted a large Pelican. As we drove along I looked to my left and just above the tree line I noticed a Rough-legged Hawk suspended in the air, flapping his wings until he plunged swiftly to the ground to attack his prey. I thought to myself, “Yesterday I would have never seen him or known what kind of bird he was.” Raymond had just talked about him in the classroom and because of his explanation of what the Rough-legged Hawk looked like in flight I was able to quickly identify him. I think I could learn to enjoy this! But like all great classes at the Villages Folk School, I had to tear myself away and move on to the next class site. I bid ‘good day’ to the students and their instructor and headed for Bentonsport on the Des Moines River to find John Preston and his “Painting the Landscape” class.

     Arriving in Bentonsport I soon found John and his four students. They had set their easels in place along the river and were beginning to paint. John had also set his easel and was working on his own painting intermittently as he moved from student to student lending his expertise and constructive advice. I went about my business taking pictures. This area was a great choice for the class because the fall palette was beautiful as a backdrop for the river and the bridge to the west. Each student had identified a segment of the landscape and was at work capturing it on canvas. I walked from student to student taking pictures and enjoying their creations on canvas. While I stood admiring some of the work, I noticed John’s easel. He had just come back to it and was starting to put some brushstrokes to the painting. I know that he picks his colors and places the brush with careful precision but when you watch him at work it appears to be effortless. “Oh, to be able to paint like that”, I thought to myself. Each time I see John at work I develop even more respect for the man, his gift, and the ease in which he shares it. If you like to paint or have a desire to learn this would be a great class to take. I had one more class to visit so it was off to the bread making class.

     I arrived at the home of Bill & Betty Printy where I found Betty and her daughter, April Ziegler, just starting the Artisan Bread Making Made Easy class. I have visited this class several times previously and always enjoy the process. The best part for me is towards the end when they begin to slice the fresh loaves of warm bread. Of course, I must lend my expert opinion by tasting as many as humanly possible. A little butter, which jam should I use on this one? So many decisions to make! Betty never allows me to go away hungry and, of course, I’m not complaining. As you’ll see when you visit our folk school website and blog, the pictures tell the story. Every loaf of bread comes from the oven with a wonderful brown crust, just picture perfect! This has been a very popular class as we have registrations for three more classes and calls continue to come in. Men, if you’re smart, you’ll send your wife to this one and then begin to enjoy fresh baked bread at home. It’s great!!!

     To find more information about our classes go to www.villagesfolkschool.com and discover a world of art at your fingertips. Each subject carefully prepared and taught by a gifted artist instructor who has honed their skills by ‘living the arts’ in Van Buren County, Iowa. The Villages Folk School offers classes to young and old with a setting located in each of the twelve villages.

     Congratulations to Diana Hootman of Douds, Iowa who was the winner of our $20 gift certificate last week at the Women’s Health Fair held at the Van Buren County Hospital.

     If you are one of our readers without access to the internet, we have published the following class list for your convenience: Beginner’s Lightweight Sock Knitting, 23 Oct and 20 Nov; Natural Dyes in My Backyard, 28-29 Oct; 7 Step Chair Caning, 30 Oct; Still Life in Soft Pastels, 6 Nov; Chair Caning with Fiber Rush Weave, 13 Nov; Fried Fiction Workshop, 13-14 Nov; Container Candles, 27 Nov.

     Register for a class at the Villages Folk School and get ready for an experience that starts you on your way to living the arts!

“Folk School artists busy at the Scenic Drive Festival”

    


     Every year the Villages of Van Buren County hold a Scenic Drive Festival that brings thousands of tourists to the twelve villages. This year was no exception and as I drove through the county I was astonished at the number of people. As I recall last year was very cold and blustery but still the people came. This year with the weather being perfect the county was full of people traveling from village to village enjoying the many artisans, crafts, music, and other events. Since the artists who teach at the Villages Folk School make their homes here, this was a weekend that found them busy with their trade.

     Classes will resume this week on Thursday and Friday with Pat Crawford’s class in Pulp Play (Paper) & Journal Making. Then on Saturday, October 16 the following classes will be held: Vern Ramsey’s Chair Caning with Flat Reed Splits which will be a great class to take that chair with the cane seat you have always wanted to get repaired. Now you can have the satisfaction of repairing the chair and developing the skill for the job; next is John Preston’s Painting the Landscape class. John, who is a premier artist here in the villages, will share with you the art of capturing the landscape on canvas; Raymond and Connie Morris take you on an exciting Birdwatching tour that allows you to spot and recognize the many birds that are not only common to this area but those that use this region as a migratory path. Two great classes are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, October 16 and 17; Artisan Bread Making Made Easy will once again be taught by Betty Printy. My wife took that class and men, I have to tell you, it was great reaping the benefits! We now enjoy some incredible homemade bread baked in one of Betty’s famous pottery Cloches. You just have to taste it to believe it! Ladies this class makes the art of bread making something anyone can learn to master; the other two-day class for you to enjoy is the Fried Fiction Workshop by S.L. Harryman. Ms. Harryman will help you take all those ideas you’ve had for a book and put them down on paper. This will be a very informative weekend for all of you struggling authors.

     On October 23 Karen Land will teach a class in Beginner’s Lightweight Sock Knitting which is the first of two sessions for this class. The student should be an advanced beginner knowing how to knit and purl well with small thread. The second session for this class will be on November 20 which will allow time in between for the student to work on their project.

     October 23 and 24 is another weekend of making and baking bread as Betty Printy fires up the ovens once again with her Artisan Bread Making Made Easy class.

     Pat Crawford teaches Natural Dyes in My Backyard on October 28 and 29. Learn what to look for to make different colored dyes. This class will cover various dye stuffs and how to harvest and prepare the materials. The student will also learn how to prepare fabric and natural yarns to accept dyes. She will be using only alum base mordants to keep the process natural and safe.

     On October 30 Vern Ramsey teaches another caning class. This class will learn the 7 Step Chair Caning process. Vern’s work is amazing. Your old chair will look like the day it was manufactured, maybe even better! If you plan on taking this class it is best to have any refinishing work that needs to be done on the chair already completed. That way the cane stays pristine and your completed chair will serve you for years to come.

     Taking a class at the Villages Folk School is easy. Just go to our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com, print the registration form, fill it out and mail it with your check to the Villages Folk School, P.O. Box 51, Bonaparte, Iowa 52620. Or call us at 319-592-3700 and Gloria will assist you with your class registration and any other questions you might have.

     Join us soon for an exciting folk school class. Maybe you would like to give a Christmas gift this year that was made by you. Let us help you with that project! See you soon at the Villages Folk School.

“Shades of fall appear as we prepare for another month at the Villages Folk School”

   

     I have noticed by the dipping temperatures and the coloration of the leaves on the trees beginning to turn that fall has most certainly arrived. I love the changing seasons and fall is one of my favorites! But even with a weekend off from teaching, the artist instructors here at the folk school are busy preparing for their October classes. There are ten classes in all throughout the month and each one offers something uniquely different. I continue to be amazed by the number of people who comment on our classes and the beautiful surroundings of our county. Truly this part of the country offers something seldom experienced elsewhere. A peace and serenity that lingers with you long after you’ve returned to your home. It is the magical twisting river valley we see here that draws gifted artists and feeds their souls with a heartfelt desire to paint the landscape, turn the pottery at the wheel, shape the iron into creations of beauty, sculpt lifelike figures from bronze, and turn pastels on canvas into colorful still lifes.

     A life so tuned to its surroundings cannot be described any other way but “living the arts”. People from outside of Van Buren County recognize this when they come to share a brief moment in time with our artist instructors. They journey to this quiet tract of land with its trees and rolling hills undulating about the mighty Des Moines river and when they leave a piece of this region goes with them. They return home to their fast paced lives in the cities but the memory of this solitude lingers on and draws them back again and again. Though we continue to advertise throughout the state nothing else can accomplish what the enthusiasm and word of mouth of our students provides. Not only do they make plans for returning to take more classes but they bring their friends and neighbors along to capture some of what they have tried to share.

     For those of you who live throughout Van Buren County we invite you to join with us in this great endeavor. By becoming a “Friend of the Folk School” you will be taking an active part in the continued success of our school and the increasing stream of visitors to the businesses in the county. Go to our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com and click the “Become a Sponsor” section on the lower right corner of the home page. Here you may choose the level at which you wish to sponsor the folk school. For your convenience you may click the ‘Donate’ button to access a secure Pay Pal site for credit card transactions. If you do not wish to pay online you may simply choose your sponsorship level, write a check for the amount to the Villages Folk School and mail it to our office at PO Box 51, Bonaparte, Iowa 52620. For additional questions we may be reached at 319-592-3700. Office hours are Tuesday to Friday, noon to 4 p.m. in the Bonaparte Opera House.

     We invite you to come join us for one of our classes. The list of classes and their scheduled times are on the website but for those without internet access here is our October schedule:

Oct 14 & 15       Pulp Play (Paper) & Journal Making

Oct 16              Chair Caning with Flat Reed Splits

                        Painting the Landscape

                        Fall Bird watching

Oct 16 & 17       Artisan Bread Making Made Easy

                        Fried Fiction Workshop

Oct 23               Beginner’s Lightweight Sock Knitting

Oct 28               Natural Dyes in My Backyard

Oct 30               7 Step Chair Caning

     Come enjoy a class with one of our gifted artist instructors and get ready for an experience that will start you on your way to “living the arts” in Van Buren County, Iowa. We look forward to seeing you.

“The Villages Folk School draws tourists from outside our county”

    

     Last weekend, like every other Folk School classes weekend, had me on the road to more exciting classes around the county. Three classes were in full swing so my first stop was the Congregational church in Keosauqua. Jeff Nayadley was teaching music on the hammered dulcimer an instrument dating back into early American history. Learning to play a new instrument is always challenging but having the personal one on one with a seasoned instructor helps to make that journey a more pleasant one. I listened in on the class while I took a few pictures. I have had the pleasure of hearing Jeff play and the melodious music he produces with the hammered dulcimer is pleasing to the ear. My taste in music covers a wide variety of music genre but I find the sounds of this instrument to be perplexingly satisfying. Our student for this class came from Galesburg, Illinois. She enjoyed a stay at the Manning hotel in Keosauqua and ate at several of the local restaurants.


     I left the hammered dulcimer class and headed out across the river toward Bentonsport where two more classes were being held. I stopped first at the historic Odd Fellows hall where Betty Printy and her daughter, April, were teaching the art of rug weaving to two ladies who had come for the weekend. I will never ask my wife again, “Why is that rug so expensive?” After visiting the class on Saturday and again on Sunday I found the answer to that question. The making of a rug is not as simple as one may assume; especially when the process is done by hand on a wooden loom. The two ladies attending the class were presented with the first day’s agenda. Pick a pattern layout, choose your color scheme, pick the yarn that you will be using, now load the warp strings to the back of the loom being careful not to cross them over each other. This process took most of the first day. As I was told by Betty, “the first day is the ‘work day’ and the second is the fun day.” I can certainly see why. When I arrived on day two they were obviously into a rhythm as three looms were in full swing producing rugs. Now they had wound the weft around a shuttle that was to be passed through the warp threads in a back and forth pattern. This was all becoming very confusing for me but the ladies were all having a great time so I decided it must have something to do with the Mars and Venus thing between men and women. Do you think that could be? I guess it must be time for me to drive over to the next class.

     My last stop for the day was Bill Printy’s beginning blacksmithing class at the Iron and Lace anvil academy. This was going to be the fix for my confusion over weft and warp and whatever else it was those ladies were trying to get through my head. Iron, hammers and fire; just what a guy needs! Bill and his assistant, Mark Heisdorffer, had a full class of four students. The forges were fired up, the iron was hot and the men were forming their work on the anvil. All this action can get your adrenaline going! This wasn’t the first blacksmithing class for me to visit but after a visit with the mother of one of the students I soon found a wonderful human interest story that bears repeating. One of the students was a thirteen year old boy from Minnesota who had come to Bentonsport especially for this class. His mother shared with me that when he read about the class and asked if he could participate she decided to let him register. It was what she told me next that made this student so special and this day such a meaningful one for his mother and for Bill Printy. Just a block west from the Iron and Lace buildings stands a one story historic brick structure that housed the first blacksmith in town and was home to a woodcarver in the mid twentieth century who was instrumental in bringing Bill to Bentonsport to start his blacksmithing trade. That man was none other than the great grandfather to Garrett, the thirteen year old boy who was now heating up the iron and pounding it into shape on the anvil as Bill Printy looked on with great pride. Life often comes full circle and it is wonderful to witness that here in the Villages Folk School.

     As we continue to build our school here in Van Buren County it is evident that what has been the ongoing focus for the Villages of Van Buren, that of tourism, is being bolstered by the influx of students to our folk school. This last weekend of classes brought students from Albert Lea, Minnesota; Galesburg, Illinois; Hopkinton, Iowa; Des Moines, Iowa; Hamilton, Illinois; Iowa City, Iowa; and Delphos, Ohio. Those students stayed for the weekend at the Bonaparte Inn, the Hotel Manning, and the Mason House and ate their meals in several restaurants in our county. They went shopping in our many businesses and purchased the gasoline to drive back to their homes. All of that produces income for our business establishments and tax base for our county. Each of them will return home and share the news of this beautiful area and the fun they had in the classes. Many of them will return again and again for future classes and their friends will come with them. We are happy to see the ongoing registrations for our classes and hope to continue to grow over the coming years.

     We invite you to join us in this endeavor by becoming a Sponsor of the Villages Folk School at some level. Go to our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com and click on the link to “Become a Sponsor”. Here you will find several levels by which to sponsor us and a “Donate” button that will allow you to use your credit card on a secure Pay Pal window. We hope you can catch the vision with us and help to continue our growth of the Villages Folk School and our support of Van Buren County.

     October classes are listed for you on the website but for those without internet access here is a list of those upcoming classes: Bonaparte Pottery Experience, Pulp Play (Paper) & Journal Making, Chair Caning with Flat Reed Splits, Painting the Landscape, Fall Bird Watching, Fried Fiction Workshop, Beginner’s Lightweight Sock Knitting, Natural Dyes in My Backyard, & 7 Step Chair Caning. Call our office today at 319-592-3700 and register for your next exciting class here at the Villages Folk School. We look forward to sharing this wonderful experience of “living the arts” with you.

“Weekend excitement at the Bonaparte Pottery Experience”

    

     People from Iowa and Illinois came to Bonaparte last weekend to go back in history. No, it wasn’t by walking through a “time warp” but by touring the historic buildings of the Bonaparte Pottery that date back to the 1860’s. Not only were they treated to a guided tour of the buildings, excavations, and 150 year old molds but they had an opportunity to witness the pouring of clay utilizing those same molds. This weekend held another treat for the visitors. Several of the fired bowls and crocks were available for them to try their hand at glazing a piece of pottery that was formed from those historic molds. Mothers, fathers, children and grandparents were all taking their turn at the glazing process. I really don’t know who had the most fun. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves! It wasn’t just the brushing on of the glazing compound but the selection of the final color scheme that grabbed their attention. Now that they had chosen their colors and covered their work with three coats of glaze it was a waiting game to see the final results. Each piece will be unique and the culmination of their individual selections and applications. I must return to the pottery to witness the opening and unloading of the kiln. What an exciting process!

     Marilyn Thomas, who owns the pottery, is considering holding continuing weekend classes to allow people to come experience the joy of glazing their own pottery piece. This is something that is enjoyable for all ages. Come join her at the pottery and complete your own piece of historic art. Families could come and each complete a piece to create a set of bowls. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity!

     Joining us at the Villages Folk School is something that doesn’t require your being an expert artist. It is more about having a desire to learn from one of our artist instructors and then finding the passion to make it your own. This is an experience that can change the way you approach everything in your life. Come ‘live the arts’ with us and find out for yourselves what many of our resident artists have already come to know. Art is not just a process, but an opportunity to develop your very own creative lifestyle.

     Contact us at the Villages Folk School office by calling 319-592-3700 or by email at villagesfolkschool@gmail.com. For a descriptive list of our many classes go to our web site at www.villagesfolkschool.com. The time is now and the opportunity is yours so what are you waiting for? Join us for the time of your life. We look forward to seeing you.

     Coming classes yet this month are Pulp Play (Paper) & Journal Making, Beginning Blacksmithing, Beginning Hammered Dulcimer and a Rug Weaving Workshop. Call us today to make your reservations. Villages Folk School at 319-592-3700.

“Villages Folk School seeks to recruit new artist instructors”

    

           (Bill Printy / Blacksmith, artist instructor)

     The heartbeat of a folk school is the passion of those who teach and the intensity in which they share their art form in the classroom. We are so blessed to have not only a nucleus of such artists who teach here at the school but a Folk School Board who governs with the same passion.

     We are actively seeking other artists who would like to become an instructor at the Villages Folk School. The beauty of our school schedule is that it allows for each instructor to set their own pace. We don’t schedule classes merely for the sake of scheduling classes but to allow for each artist to work their trade and also enjoy time to share their skills with others in a relaxed environment. The class sizes are such that each student has a true one-on-one experience with their instructor.

     If you are an artist who would like to teach please contact our office at 319-592-3700. Students who want to register for one of our classes offered on select weekends each month please check the calendar at www.villagesfolkschool.com.

     Many exciting classes are coming up this month and throughout the rest of the year and are sure to provide you with a great experience as you “live the arts” with one of our gifted artist instructors.

     For those of you without internet access the following is a list of our upcoming classes:

Chair Caning with Flat Reed Splits Sept 18

Sculpture Portrait in Three Sept 18-19
Dimension

Pulp Play (Paper Making) & Journal Sept 23-24
Making

Beginning Hammered Dulcimer Sept 25

Beginning Blacksmithing Sept 25-26

Rug Weaving Workshop Sept 25-26

Bonaparte Pottery Experience Oct 2-3

     As we continue to grow we also must have the support of those who would consider becoming a friend of the Villages Folk School. Our donors will be invited from time to time to join with us in special events. As you choose a level at which to donate we want you to know that we appreciate your support no matter what the monetary amount. It is help such as yours that allows us to build our program so that all of us in Van Buren County can benefit from the Villages Folk School. We are excited to see the many students who continue to come from outside our county and even outside our state. We have seen students from Missouri, Illinois, and Alabama and from many Iowa cities outside our county. The continued growth of the school means additional dollars for Van Buren County and we, along with the Villages of Van Buren County, are constantly striving to increase this tourism base. We recognize the need for more dollars into our economy but, at the same time, also remain constantly aware of the need for balance so that the lifestyle that is so inviting here in Van Buren County is not altered but enhanced.

     We invite you to come with us on this journey we have set upon and help others to see the potential this has for creating an even more beautiful life here in the Villages of Van Buren County. Talk to your friends and neighbors about the Villages Folk School and encourage friends and family from afar to come join us here for a folk school class that will allow them for a short while to experience the serene beauty and peace of this pristine river valley and come to understand why living the arts has become a way of life for the many artists who reside here.

“It’s Labor Day weekend and pottery classes are on the agenda”

     I awoke Saturday, grabbed some breakfast and my go cup of coffee and set my compass for Bentonsport and Betty Printy’s Raku pottery class. This class is one of the very popular classes in pottery because the students pick their project and take it from start to finish in one day. Most pottery classes require a much longer wait for the finished piece of art. This is because of the drying times required before the clay can be fired, then the glaze is added and another trip to the kiln. The beauty of the Raku process is that the bisque fired pieces are complete and ready to be glazed and fired. Raku leaves each student with a unique piece because the time in the kiln produces a different result each time. Students are always surprised and amazed at the beautiful colors and crazing effects on their projects. However, I am convinced that the most excited one of all is the instructor, Betty Printy. After all her years of being a potter she is still like “a child on Christmas morning” when the pieces are taken from the kiln and cleaned to reveal their beauty. This is truly what we mean when we say “living the arts” here at the Villages Folk School. The artists you encounter in your classes are taking you by the hand and leading you into their art form so that you can capture that passion while acquiring the skills it requires to achieve that end result.

     Learning a skill in the arts is always a chance for you to recapture the child within you and enjoy something that opens the door to a creative lifestyle that will enhance every aspect of your life. Join us here at the Villages Folk School and start the experience anew with one of our gifted artists. Now is the time for you to rediscover the creative arts!

     If you have access to the internet you can find out all about our classes and times on our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com or call our office at 319-592-3700. We look forward to seeing you at one of our classes.

     For those of you without internet access the following is a list of our upcoming classes:

Chair Caning with Flat Reed Splits     Sept 18

Sculpture Portrait in Three     Sept 18-19
Dimension

Pulp Play (Paper Making) & Journal     Sept 23-24
Making

Beginning Hammered Dulcimer     Sept 25

Beginning Blacksmithing     Sept 25-26



     We are always looking for artists to join our folk school instructors. If you are interested, give us a call and set an appointment to further discuss your many opportunities with the Villages Folk School. If you aren’t interested in teaching but would like to help with your financial support towards the growth of the school we invite you to become a Villages Folk School donor. Information is available on our website or you may call the folk school office at 319-592-3700.

We are growing and are excited about what this means for Van Buren County.

“Class diversity is a Villages Folk School trademark”

    

     Last weekend was one of our first classes in creative writing. The instructor, Adam Whitlatch, is a published author living in rural Bonaparte with his wife, Jessica, and their two sons. He has written two novels and is currently working on a third that takes place within the Villages of Van Buren County. Students in his class this past weekend at the historic Robert Meek Home owned by Ken & Sue Burns would learn the basics of writing short stories and poetry with an emphasis on preparing work for publication. The class lasted two days with a homework assignment of a flash fiction short story using the Six Sentences format and at least one poem. The second day was spent proofreading, editing and critiquing each story and poem as a group.

     We are always excited when new instructors join our school bringing with them a new subject that adds to the diversity of our program. Adam is one of those instructors and we are pleased to have him as a part of our folk school artists. Many people like to write but often lack the skills required at the level of publication. Classes such as this one held last weekend will give you a better understanding of the process and help you on your way to becoming a published author. If being published is not your goal then simply learning skills that will improve your writing make classes such as this so worthwhile.

     If you have the desire to learn a new art form or skill and just haven’t taken the time to do so then you need to check out the Villages Folk School. With classes covering folk, traditional and fine arts you are sure to find something made just for you. Don’t take my word for it! Go to www.villagesfolkschool.com and see what everybody is talking about:

     Classes that bring the arts to life here in the Villages of Van Buren County and start you on the road to your very own adventure as an artist. Our classes are all about you and your desire to learn. The talented instructors spend their day with you assuring you of a quality experience that instills you with the knowledge required to propel you on your way to being a successful artist. However you choose to measure this experience, we are certain that you will agree with us when we say, “It is a unique and awe-inspiring time here at the Villages Folk School!”

     Call our school at 319-592-3700 and find out how you can become involved with the folk school. Whether it is registering for one of our coming classes or making a donation to help support our folk school you will find all the answers to your questions. The form for registration is also available on our website and can be printed, filled out and mailed to our office with your registration fee. Our address is Villages Folk School, PO Box 51, Bonaparte, Iowa 52620. We are here to answer all your questions and invite you to stop in to our office located in the Opera House the next time you are in Bonaparte.

     For those of you without internet access the following is a list of our upcoming classes:

Raku Pottery     Sept 4

Bonaparte Pottery Experience     Sept 4-5

Chair Caning with Flat Reed Splits     Sept 18

Sculpture Portrait in Three     Sept 18-19
Dimension

Pulp Play (Paper Making) & Journal     Sept 23-24
Making

Beginning Hammered Dulcimer     Sept 25

Beginning Blacksmithing     Sept 25-26

     Join us at the Villages Folk School in picturesque Van Buren County, Iowa for an experience of a lifetime. Make the next right choice and register for one of our many classes. We look forward to seeing you here at the Villages Folk School.

“Landscape Painting and Buttons and Bows”

 

     Well, this past weekend was all about painting the landscape and buttons and bows. No, not the song from 1948 sung by Dinah Shore but the card making class instructed by Debra Herrick from Fort Madison. Four students took part in the class held at the Meek Mansion in Bonaparte and they all seemed to enjoy the art of taking a common, ordinary card and by adding embellishments turning it into a true work of art anyone would be pleased to receive. Yes, you guessed it, some of the tricks included adding “buttons and bows” to the cards. I visited the class early on and came back later to see what they had accomplished. The fun is in the making, but it is always exciting to see the end product and the smiles on the students’ faces as they complete their works of art. It never ceases to amaze me how our teachers can turn ordinary things, such as buttons and bows, into beautiful works of art. Debra was having a great time with the class and the students were all enjoying themselves.



     After my second visit to the class I headed for Keosauqua to find John Preston and his class set-up on a hill overlooking the Des Moines River valley. They were painting the landscape and John was explaining the technique of using different colors to achieve the varying layers of the scene. I went to work snapping pictures as they talked and worked with the different brushes, brush strokes and shades of color. It is quickly obvious that going to the store and purchasing all the paints, palettes, brushes and easels does not make you an artist. Well, maybe an artist, but not an accomplished artist. While John was offering suggestions for the student I stepped over to look at the painting on his easel. I looked at the valley, at his painting, and back at the scenery. Painting on paper is one thing, but to make it look so real and true to life is a talent that comes from years and years of study and a true gift that captures the moment. John has such a gift and to watch him share it with passion and excitement is a wonderful thing to behold. I can share all of this with you but until you witness it for yourself the true beauty of his painting can’t be totally understood. If you like to paint but sometimes wish you could be more successful at capturing the subject then taking a class with one of our folk school artists is just for you.

     Go to our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com to see the class descriptions and the dates they are being held. Registration is easy! You may register by printing the form from the website, filling it out and mailing it with your registration fee to the Villages Folk School, PO Box 51, Bonaparte, IA 52620 or by simply calling Gloria at the folk school office at 319-592-3700. We invite you to come enjoy one of our many classes and see why we are so excited about the future of the Villages Folk School.

     As we continue to increase our class offerings and our instructors we are aware of the tremendous need to have partners who can capture the vision with us and become a part of this great endeavor. You will see on our web page an opportunity that allows you to do just that! Donations to the school may be made in several levels with an easy Pay Pal button found on the site. If you aren’t comfortable making payments online, just send your donation in the form of a check. We thank you for considering a donation to the Villages Folk School and invite you to check out one of our many classes.

     Coming up in August and September are the following classes: Creative Writing—Intro to Publishing (Aug 28-29), Raku Pottery (Sept 4), Bonaparte Pottery Experience (Sept 4-5), Chair Caning with Flat Reed Splits (Sept 18), Sculpture Portrait in Three Dimension (Sept 18-19), Pulp Play (Paper) & Journal Making (Sept 23-24), Beginning Blacksmithing (Sept 25-26), Beginning Hammered Dulcimer (Sept 25).

     Don’t let the year pass you by without experiencing a class at the Villages Folk School. The only person who can help you understand the joy of living the arts here at the folk school is YOU! Won’t you join us for some fun?

“Living the Arts in Van Buren County, Iowa (It’s a good life!)”

 
     Making the move from Washington State was the start of a new chapter in my life. This new chapter opened in the beautiful Des Moines River valley where the pace is much slower, but I have found that living the arts brings a level of excitement and newfound enthusiasm that provides a momentum perhaps even more driven than the fast paced Pacific Northwest. Life is good and experiencing it through the eyes and lives of people I’ve come to know and admire brings a deep satisfaction.

     One has but to get in the car, go for a walk, ride the bike and there is always someone along the way of that journey who offers a moment for you to stop and enjoy a great conversation. It may be about the weather, perhaps something going on in their life, or a time for you to share a bit of yourself and what’s up in your life. Life here in the Villages of Van Buren County, Iowa is good and that is a direct result of not only the people here but the splendor of the landscape. It is apparent to me that this is why so many artists have chosen to make this their home. Maybe what started out as a dream soon became a reality for them as they were inspired by their surroundings and soon found their love for the arts a total way of life for them. However the process evolved it certainly has been influenced by this picturesque river valley and the people who live here.

     It has been my privilege to work with many of the artists here at the Villages Folk School and to watch them as they not only create something beautiful but take the time to share their skills with the many students who come to their class. This is something you must experience for yourself. Go to our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com and browse through the number of classes being offered. Familiarize yourself with the class descriptions as well as the artist who teaches them. Find something that you are interested in and register for what I promise will be a life changing experience. If you are not comfortable with the computer information just call our folk school office at 319-592-3700 and ask Gloria for the information you desire. It is that simple and I know you will not be sorry you committed yourself to one of our classes.

     Many of us are busy now that the Iowa State Fair is in full swing, but there are still classes coming up in which you may participate. On Saturday, August 21 is the Buttons and Bows Card Making class and Painting the Landscape. The Bonaparte Pottery Experience is August 21-22. August 28-29 is the Creative Writing-Intro to Publishing class. September 4 is Raku Pottery and September 4-5 is the Bonaparte Pottery Experience. Chair Caning with Flat Reed Splits is September 18 and Sculpture Portrait in Three Dimension is September 18-19. Pulp Play (Paper) & Journal Making is September 23-24; Beginning Blacksmithing is September 25-26; Beginning Hammered Dulcimer is September 25.

     Come join the fun at the Villages Folk School and experience ‘living the arts’ with our many talented artist instructors here in the Villages of Van Buren County and see why it’s a good life.

"It's Fair season and things are heatin' up"

  
     As the Iowa State Fair approaches people all over the state are making preparations for the big event. Here in the Villages of Van Buren County, Stacey and Tavia are putting the finishing touches on the media for the Villages booth at the Varied Industries building in Des Moines. The booth will be manned by several volunteers from our county and the Villages Folk School board is offering its support to that cause. The visibility this offers for Van Buren County draws many visitors throughout the year and brings much needed income to our local businesses. The Villages Folk School is proud to work together with the Villages of Van Buren in this ongoing effort to bring tourism dollars to our county while striving to preserve our precious quality of life. It is, after all, the life here that draws people in and leaves them with a lingering sense of peacefulness and satisfaction. We should never take it for granted but cherish every day the joy of living in the Villages of Van Buren county Iowa.

     The folk school is always looking for new artist instructors. If you have an art form that you would like to share with others please contact us here at the Villages Folk School office by calling 319-592-3700. For more information about the class content and schedules we currently offer go to www.villagesfolkschool.com.

     As we continue to build our folk school here in Van Buren County we recognize the need to have the support of those who make this place their home.

     The Villages Folk School, with its campus spread throughout the valley like splotches of paint on an artist’s palette, offers others a chance to capture ~ if only for a brief moment in time ~ the joy of experiencing the arts in this way. The Villages Folk School is a 501 (c)(3) organization and is currently seeking sponsors. More than 25 instructors teach 46 classes. Each of our villages cooperates with the Folk School in providing accommodations for the classes. Students have traveled from Iowa's metropolitan areas, as well as from Illinois, Missouri and Alabama. Recent advertising campaigns have generated requests for information from 7 states. The following are the levels of sponsorship that are available and the benefits they offer to you the sponsor:

Levels of Sponsorship and Benefits

Patron of the Arts ~ $5,000

Wine & Cheese Reception and a unique piece of art

Master ~ $2,500

Unique piece of art

Journeyman ~ $1,500

Four $25 Villages Folk School gift certificates and tote bag

Craftsman ~ $1,000

Two $25 Villages Folk School gift certificates and tote bag

Apprentice ~ $500

$25 Villages Folk School gift certificate, tote bag and mug

Student ~ $100

Certificate of Appreciation, tote bag and mug

Novice ~ $50

Certificate of Appreciation and mug

     If you would like to partner with us, simply go to our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com, click on the “Become a Sponsor” link, click the “Donate” button to the right and enter the desired amount. You may also send a check with your sponsorship category amount to Villages Folk School, PO Box 51, Bonaparte, Iowa 52620 or come in to our office in the Opera House at Bonaparte. We encourage you to become a part of this great endeavor and we thank you for your willingness to participate as we all “Live the Arts” here in Van Buren County.

"A 'Clean Sweep' weekend for the Villages Folk School"

     The drive up the Des Moines River valley is always a peaceful one filled with beautiful scenery. Today I would set off for J40 and Bloom & Bark; the home of Tim and Kim Blair. This was the weekend for the J40 Farm Crawl which included two of the artist instructors from the folk school. George and Pat Crawford were demonstrating the art of making brooms. I watched as they bundled the straw, bound it tightly and then cut it to the desired length.


Once that was accomplished the straw was clamped in an antique wooden apparatus that held everything in place while George carefully stitched it together. This was then bound to the desired handle and the broom was ready for its intended purpose. The process was very interesting and the end result was a broom that would make a clean sweep of whatever it was applied to.

     Chris Campbell and Karen Bevard were telling about the history of the Native Americans on the plains. There tent included many handmade leather and bead work items that were available for sale. Many of the items were made by Chris and Karen who give classes in both leather and bead work.

     In the village of Bentonsport the Iron and Lace blacksmith shop was fired-up and heating some iron for the forge welding class. The purpose of this class was to teach the students how to weld two pieces of iron together by using the forge and the anvil. A very careful balance was needed both in the temperature of the iron and the hammering process on the anvil. I watched as Bill Printy and Mark Heisdorffer instructed the students and demonstrated each process and technique.

Someday I would like to take that class. It is always a thrill to watch our artists at work. Their passion for the art they teach is always evident and never fails to be a catalyst for an exciting class.

      Across the county in Stockport Carolyn Edwards was teaching the art of painting “barn quilts”. One of her students from Fairfield was thrilled with the class and he commented on how well the information was shared. He found her enthusiasm to be infectious and a dynamic that made the class very exciting. He and his wife are planning to register for some other classes here at the folk school. We are always encouraged when we hear these reports from our students. It is the fuel that keeps us going. Come join in and enjoy the fun at the folk school. There is certainly a class that will grab your attention and fulfill a desire that you have held onto for years. Take that first step and register today. We look forward to getting to know you and your family.

     The Villages Folk School board continues to reach out to Van Buren County and to the surrounding counties and states with the hope that our school will offer people a chance to experience the beauty of our county and the peace and tranquility of our lifestyle. We were thrilled to have Van Buren County selected as an Iowa Great Place and now have been successful in our first round of grant monies for our county. We have received $50,000 for the Cantril ADA cabin project and $44,836 for the Morris Park project in Stockport. We continue to work to improve our county and to bring revenues from outside that will help to boost our struggling economy. We invite you to help us as we continue to build the folk school into a premier school in the Midwest. Our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com will give you more information about our school and our classes. We encourage you to register for our many classes and also to be a part of our endeavor by becoming a Villages Folk School Donor. The information is provided for you on the website. Call us today at 319-592-3700.

"Hooping-it-up at the Villages Folk School class"

     Last weekend at the Villages Folk School Therese Cummisky from Jefferson County Conservation was teaching a class on Melon Basket weaving. The class was held at the Congregational church in Keosauqua and it offered each of the participants an opportunity to be creative and at the same time weave baskets that were formed around a melon. Eight inch hoops were used; one to form the handle and the other to form the rim. The longest step to form the basket was the weaving. Some of the ladies chose to stay with the natural color for their basket and others chose to weave in coordinating colors thus creating a basket that was unique to their style and color scheme. Regardless of what was chosen, the class was providing much fun and excitement for all of the students as they appeared to be “hooping it up”. Not only were they learning something new, they were taking home a finished product that would take its place in their home for years to come. Now that they have learned the basics, they can move on to other styles of woven baskets. Therese is planning to teach some future classes that will offer different styles of baskets.

     If this class was one that you would have enjoyed, now is the time to contact our school office and reserve your place in the next class. Maybe basket weaving isn’t something you would enjoy; that is ok because the folk school offers classes in a variety of art subjects that are sure to capture your attention. Call our office at 319-592-3700 and let Gloria bring you up to speed on the many classes we offer. If you would like to read more about our classes and our artist instructors go to our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com. To see the previous classes just click on the ‘Blog link’ at the bottom of the page, open the corresponding slide show and enjoy an inside look at our classes in action.

Classes coming up in July and August are as follows:

July 31: Barn Quilt Painting

Blacksmithing: Forge Welding

Still Life in Soft Pastels

Aug 21: Painting the Landscape

Bonaparte Pottery Experience

Aug 22: Bonaparte Pottery Experience

Aug 28: Creative Writing—Intro to Publishing

Aug 29: Creative Writing—Intro to Publishing

     Join our artists for one of their classes and experience “living the arts” firsthand as they share with you something that has become a way of life for them. This opportunity is unique at the Villages Folk School here in Van Buren County and will provide you with an experience that will help to shape the rest of your life.

Call us today at 319-592-3700!