"Talking 'Theatre' At The Villages Folk School"

     I am always excited when others share their passion for the arts with me. Last Friday was no exception as I had the opportunity of meeting with Dr. Dawn Larson, Associate Professor of Theatre in the Department of Fine Arts at Francis Marion University in South Carolina. Dr. Larson was making a presentation on Theatre  at the Museum of Theatre in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. She and a friend had decided to visit the Villages of Van Buren County while in Iowa for the weekend. They were thrilled to find an Opera House in Bonaparte and while enjoying the buildings in the historic Main Street community they learned of our Villages Folk School. Dr. Larson contacted me through our office at the Opera House and wanted to know more about our school.

     After our discussion I wanted to learn more about what she does so I visited her presentation on Saturday in Mt Pleasant. It was a delightful experience! Many of the people there were in theatre and certainly all of them were advocates for the Theater Arts. Dr. Larson is interested in working with the Villages Folk School and plans are being made for offering weeklong classes in the theater arts. The classes will cover such topics as theater history, playwriting, acting, directing and even lighting. This will be a great opportunity for anyone considering a career in the theatre arts.

     We are interested in hearing from anyone who would like to know more about the Villages Folk School. You can learn more by calling our office at 319-592-3700 anytime Tuesday through Friday, 12 noon to 4 p.m. You can also check our class schedule on our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com. Click the link to our Blog and get a close-up look at all our previous classes.

     Life in the Villages of Van Buren County is a study in the folk and traditional arts. The many artists who have made their home here are evidence to the fact that “Living the Arts” is a day to day occurrence here in the lush Des Moines River valley. Just last Saturday while my wife and I drove through the county we commented on the changes in the countryside. Rolling hills that were covered so long in the winter blanket of snow are now a pallet of varying shades of green interlaced with fields freshly planted. The contrast between the greens and the rich black soil can only heighten the creative urge to paint such a beautiful landscape.  One such artist is John Preston who teaches landscape painting for the Villages Folk School.  His paintings are so real you can almost walk into them.  What a gifted artist!!  Here is a sample of some of his work that is entitled "Rogue Shower". Whether you are the painter or just a spectator, the feeling that this area inspires is truly magnificent.

     Coming to our classes is so much more than just another class. It gets you out to experience this wonderful place we live in. From one end of the county to the other the scenes are forever changing. Taking the time to enjoy the trip is part of the experience we offer you with our Villages Folk School classrooms being spread throughout the villages.

Here are some of our coming classes:

April 29th & 30th: Printmaking

May 1: Raku Pottery, Still Life in Soft Pastels, Chair Caning with Flat Reed Splits, and Story Telling For All Occasions.

May 1st & 2nd: Hand Piecing, Appliqué, & Quilting

May 8: Blacksmithing: Tong Making and Container Candles

May 22: Spring Bird Watching

Won’t you come enjoy “living the arts” at the Villages Folk School in Van Buren County, Iowa? It is truly a life changing experience!