Six new classes for the end of February!

Are you getting tired of the constant snowfall? Need something to do that takes your mind off of the hectic daily schedule?

I have just the answer!! Join us at the Villages Folk School for a relaxing day with one of our creative artists. You won’t be sorry you did.

Just think about turning off your time-sensitive day planner and allowing yourself to concentrate on a newfound skill for a whole day in the calm and peacefulness of the Villages of Van Buren County. Maybe you would like to learn how to knit, or discover the art of primitive sign making. Take your pick! There are six new classes awaiting you on February 27th.

Beginning Pottery

Intermediate Wheel Throwing

Still Life in Soft Pastels

Beginning Knitting

Artisan Bread Proofing Basket

Primitive Sign Making

To find out more about these and other exciting classes call our office at 319-592-3700, noon to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. If you would like to read more about our school you can access our web site at http://www.villagesfolkschool.com/ or go to our blog at www.villagesfolkschool.blogspot.com. Our email address is villagesfolkschool@gmail.com

It’s not too late to register for an exciting weekend experience.  Hope to see you there!

We're Adding Classes! Don't Miss Out!!

Villages Folk School / Living the Arts

February 14, 2010




     Living the Arts is not just about the artists themselves. It is about an opportunity to bring to life something that has been hidden within you for years. The folk and traditional arts have been passed down for years from our ancestors and many of us have never tapped into that gift that might be just waiting to be expressed.

     Have you ever looked at a painting or perhaps a hand-thrown pottery bowl and thought to yourself, “If I could only do something like that!” Well, maybe you can. Start by registering for a class at the Villages Folk School and join one of our artists as he or she guides you through the basic steps. Once you have learned that and begin to express yourself through this newfound art form you may surprise yourself.

     What I find unique and wonderful about the Villages of Van Buren County, Iowa is that you can forget the distraction and clutter of the fast-paced world and enjoy the serenity of this peaceful river valley. It’s like
going back in time. You can relax, forget your hectic schedule, and allow yourself to become completely engrossed in something you’ve been hesitant to try for years.

     Our classes schedule is being added to weekly. Here are some of the upcoming classes:

Beginning Pottery – (5 sessions Feb 19th through March 5th),

Intermediate Wheel Throwing – (Feb 20th)

Still Life in Soft Pastels – (Feb 27th)

Beginning Knitting – (Feb 27th)

Artisan Bread Proofing Basket – (Feb 27th)

A Twist in Time Spinning I & II – (March 25th & 26th)

Beginning Knitting – (March 27th)

Be a Good Egg (with Natural Dyes) – (March 27th)

Hand Piercing, Appliqué & Quilting – (March 27th, 28th)

Scrimshaw for Flatlanders – (March 27th, 28th)

Blacksmithing: Tool Making – (Apr 3rd)

Container Candles – (Apr 3rd)



     Stir the artist within and come join us in the Villages for an experience of a lifetime. To register for classes or to find out more about our school go to: www.villagesfolkschool.com. If you would like to contact us our email address is: villagesfolkschool@gmail.com or call our office at 319-592-3700. Our office hours are noon – 4 p.m. Tuesday – Friday.

2010 Villages Folk School classes off to a great start!

     Classes for the Villages Folk School began this past weekend in the village of Cantril.  Betty Printy had a full student roster for her “Artisan Bread Making Made Easy” class and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Especially after their stop at the Dutchman store for ingredients. My visit to the class was timed to perfection as I entered into a kitchen filled with the aroma of fresh baked bread. Some students were proudly sharing their finished loaves of bread as others awaited the oven timer with great anticipation. Of course, I simply had to sample some of their fresh-baked delicacies so that I could offer my approval of their job well done. My comments could only be made after tasting several of their unique recipes. Oh well, I’ll diet next week!!

     I left the bread baking class and traveled to the library where Verne Ramsey was giving his expert instruction on the process of 7-Step chair caning. His students were busy concentrating on their individual chair projects but took a moment to acknowledge my arrival and share their appreciation for the value of Verne’s professional course instruction and the opportunities that the Villages Folk School offers to the public. I spoke briefly with them and went on my way.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
     The Villages Folk School offers many unique and rewarding classes, but most importantly, it does so in a campus of villages spread through-out the lush Des Moines River Valley. A place where time slows to a crawl and allows you to experience the simpler things in life. Step back from your busy life and come enjoy something you have always wanted to do. Pick your class, register with our folk school office, reserve your B & B and look forward to the time of your life.
     Call our Villages Folk School office 12noon-4pm, Tuesday – Friday at 319-592-3700 or email us at villagesfolkschool@gmail.com  You will find more information on our website at http://www.villagesfolkschool.com/.

The Arts are Alive in the Villages of Van Buren County

The Arts are alive in the Villages of Van Buren County. Let go of your hectic schedule for a weekend and allow yourself to experience the arts with one of our folk school artists. The Villages Folk School Offers a variety of classes in many art forms.
Have an old chair that sits in the attic because the cane seat is broken? Let Verne Ramsey help you become proficient at re-caning that chair. Imagine the satisfaction every time you look at that chair just knowing that you repaired it yourself and now have the skill to do it again. Ever get frustrated trying to make bread? Betty Printy can share some secrets that will have you baking bread with ease. Maybe you want to try your hand at one of the Fine Arts. Well, pick your class, send your registration form, and get ready for a fun time!
While you spend your weekend here, don't forget to visit the many shops and of course, enjoy the food in our many restaurants. You will find them listed under visitor info on our website at http://www.villagesfolkschool.som/.
Learn from the artist, feel his or her passion for the arts and join with others as you spend an enjoyable weekend in the Villages.
For more information you may contact us at the Villages Folk School. Office hours are 12-4 p.m., Tuesday - Friday. Our phone number is 319-592-3700 or send us an email at villagesfolkschool@gmail.com.

Classes begin to unfold on the Villages Folk School Calendar

We look forward with great anticipation to the coming year as our calendar of classes unfolds. Classes planned for January 30 are: Artisan Bread Making Made Easy, Container Candles, Scrimshaw, Overview of Print Making, and 7-Step Chair Caning.
To read more about the classes and the instructors go to our web site at http://www.villagesfolkschool.com/.
To register for classes call our Villages Folk School office at 319-592-3700 or print the
registration form from our website and mail it with your payment to the address listed.
Our office hours are Tuesday-Friday from 12-4 p.m.
We encourage artists who wish to teach to contact us at the Villages Folk School office
in Bonaparte, Iowa or by e-mail at villagesfolkschool@gmail.com.

Note--This was a January 25 article and is being shown so as to bring you up to date on
the Villages Folk School classes.