"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!

"It was a sing, sing, sing weekend"

     Starting the day off well is always an important task. Last Saturday at the historic Bentonsport Presbyterian church was such a morning. Stephen Conte and Prairie Harmony brought an entirely new meaning to “starting the day off well”. Folk school students were trained in the wonderful art of “Shape Note Singing”. This class explored the roots of the shape note folk revival from meeting house to performance art of the modern folk music era—a harmony singing study of early American anthems, psalms and hymns of the shape note traditions of singing dating back to the eighteenth century. Stephen Conte is highly knowledgeable and experienced in this form of folk music and always sends his students home with the satisfaction provided in this form of singing and the desire to sing, sing, sing.

     The Villages Folk School staff are proud to offer such quality classes and are eager to extend this opportunity to all of you. Maybe singing isn’t your desire, but among the many classes offered in the folk school lies a subject matter that was made just for you; your chance to “live the arts” with us here in the Villages of Van Buren County Iowa. Taking the time out from your busy schedule is not always easy, but once you make the choice to join us for one of our classes you’ll be asking yourself, “Why didn’t I do this a long time ago?” Stop! Slow down! Smell the roses! Life is as much about savoring every moment as it is about speeding toward a goal. This is your chance to relax and savor your moment. Many who have taken part in our classes have commented on the experience as one they wished they had started years ago.

     Our class schedules are available for you on the website at www.villagesfolkschool.com. Gloria is available in our office at 319-592-3700 for any questions you might have about registration.

For those who don’t have internet access here is a list of our upcoming classes:

24 July 2010     Melon Basket Weaving

24-25 July 2010 Bonaparte Pottery Experience

31 July 2010     Barn Quilt Painting

                      Blacksmithing: Forge Welding

                      Still Life in Soft Pastels

21 Aug 2010     Painting the Landscape

21-22 Aug 2010 Bonaparte Pottery Experience

28-29 Aug 2010 Creative Writing—Intro to Publishing


We invite you to join us for a memorable weekend here at the Villages Folk School. Call us today at 319-592-3700.

"Folk School weekend at the Lee County Fair"

     Last week was all about sharing the folk school experience with visitors at the Lee County Fair in Donnellson. Our artist instructors gave demonstrations in the folk school booth each day of the fair. Meg King demonstrated the art of knitting on Wednesday evening. She would be happy to teach you the technique and would have you knitting gifts for your loved ones before you know it! It isn’t as difficult as you might think.

     Two young people volunteered to model for Chris Bennett on Thursday as he sculpted their likenesses in clay. It looks so easy when Chris is at work but I know it is the result of years of study; working to perfect his artistry, and an incredible talent. He has taught workshops throughout the Midwest for thirty years. His works which include 50 public commissions and numerous private commissions are displayed throughout Iowa. Maybe you have a desire to become a sculptor. If so, register for the next “Sculpture Portrait in Three Dimension” class and join Chris Bennett for an exciting weekend in the studio.

     Friday was Senior Citizen Day at the fair so Vern and Doris Ramsey demonstrated the art of chair caning. Maybe you have an old chair that has been in your family for years but the cane in the seat has rotted through. Not a problem!!! Vern can teach you how to restore that chair to its original condition so that your family can enjoy it for years to come. His class will provide you with the skills needed for that project. Two days with Vern and your chair will be good as new.

     The Villages Folk School has many exciting classes that will allow you to experience the folk and traditional arts in a classroom setting with a skilled artist instructor. This hands-on class setting will provide you with the one-on-one instructor time needed to assure a quality learning experience. It is our desire at the folk school to provide this opportunity to all who seek a fulfilling experience in the arts. Come join us at one of our classes and start on your journey in the creative arts. Call our school at 319-592-3700 to learn more or go to our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com. We look forward to your call.

     Check out the coming classes and find that date that works for you. There are classes being offered each month. We hope to see you soon.

     Come visit our booth at the Van Buren County Fair on Wednesday July 14, 2010 through Monday July 19, 2010.

See you there!

"Raku Pottery weekend as Villages celebrate the 4th"

     Excitement is always high when Bill & Betty Printy roll out the “top hat kilns” for a day of Raku pottery at Iron and Lace. It is not just the students, because there is always that anticipated moment when the piece comes out of the kiln that gets everyone’s blood rushing. I think that is why this class is so much fun. The students are always upbeat as they begin the process. First they must choose, from a variety of bisque pieces, which one they would like to complete. Then there is the decision for what color glazing. Some get very creative and use multiple colors. Now once that is complete it is into the kiln for an 1800 degree bake. Once removed from the kiln the piece is placed in containers full of grass where they slowly cool. After removal from those containers each student must use water to clean the char and soot from the piece and slowly their masterpiece is revealed. It is always a moment everyone enjoys.

     July and August are featuring some great classes! Do you like to make your own greeting cards? Join us on July 10th for the Buttons and Bows Card Making class taught by Debra Herrick and discover some new techniques that make your cards very unique. Maybe you would like to write a poem or a short story but just don’t know how to begin. You will find the answer to that dilemma in the Creative Writing—Intro to Publishing class taught by Adam Whitlatch on July 17th and 18th.

     Here is one for all of you who like to sing. Join us at the historic Bentonsport Presbyterian Church on July 17th for Folk Hymnody & the Old Singing Schools of America. On this evening you will join in with Stephen Conte & Prairie Harmony to learn shape note singing; four part harmonies written in the eighteenth century. Come and bring your family for this great evening in song. If you don’t sing, just come enjoy listening to the music. It is a great time!

     Do you like history? Do you like pottery? Then come enjoy a weekend of history July 24th and 25th at the old Bonaparte Pottery as Marilyn Thomas displays molds that date back to the 1860’s when Parker and Hanback built their German pottery along the banks of the Des Moines River in Bonaparte, Iowa. Molds are still being unearthed at the site and you will have the opportunity to join in the dig. Who knows what you might discover?

     Maybe you would like to learn how to weave your very own basket. At the Villages Folk School you can do that too! On July 24th come join Therese Cummisky for a day of Melon Basket Weaving.

     I remember when I saw my first Barn Quilt. I was driving back to Iowa from Washington State and noticed these unique patterns that were painted on the ends of some of the barns. They were all different colors as well as patterns. It began to catch my eye every time I passed one. Well now I not only know what they are but I know how you can learn to paint them. The folk school’s class taught by Carolyn Edwards will be held on July 31st.

     Bill Printy and Mark Heisdorffer will be teaching the art of “forge welding” on July 31st. This is a day primarily spent on learning the basics of forge welding. The class will cover lap welds, “T” welds, “L” welds and corner welds.

     Learning to paint is a wonderful experience, especially when your instructor is Gin Lammert. She will be teaching “Still Life in Soft Pastels” on July 31st.

     In August another weekend is planned on the 21st and 22nd for you to take the Bonaparte Pottery Experience.

     Another treat for August is John Preston’s class “Painting the Landscape”. If you want to learn from one of the best, come spend a day with John.

     We round out the month of August with another Creative Writing—Intro to Publishing class held by Adam Whitlatch.

     Times and locations for all the classes are listed for you on our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com or you can call our office at 319-592-3700. Gloria will be glad to help you with any of your registrations or questions. If you are heading to any of the local fairs, we will have a booth at the Lee County Fair in Donnellson this week and the Van Buren County Fair in Keosauqua next week. Stop by our booth and discover more about the Villages Folk School. We look forward to seeing you.

"Folk School Music Presentation in Bentonsport"

     Bentonsport was my destination this last weekend. As I drove down the hill into town I spotted tents that dotted the shoreline from the Mason House to the rose garden beyond Iron and Lace. This weekend was the Buckskinner Rendezvous and the air was filled with the smell of smoke from the campfires mingled with the fresh aroma of fry bread that just had to be sampled! There is something about fry bread cooked over the open fire that keeps you coming back for more. I know it was popular for all who were there.

     Jeff Nayadley who teaches classes on the hammered Dulcimer at the Villages Folk School was coming to share his music for the day. He was accompanied by Deb Hanson on guitar and her son, Kendal, on violin. I couldn’t let a chance like this go by, so I headed back home to get my saxophone and guitar. Jeff and Deb are members of the group Prairie Serenade from Washington, Iowa. Their music is all acoustic and is a pleasant musical mix of graceful waltzes, hymns, light classical, old-time, traditional and folk tunes, lovely Irish, English, Scottish and French-Canadian melodies with a splash of Caribbean calypso and a dash of Rodgers & Hammerstein thrown in for good measure. This was my first experience playing along with a dulcimer and I must say, “I thoroughly enjoyed the day!”

     Dorothy Gilbert, a member of the folk school board, was on hand to share with passers by about the Villages Folk School. This was a chance for us to bring people in contact with some of the many classes in the arts that are offered in the folk school. Three classes were represented on Saturday. Chris Campbell who teaches Native American Crafts and Mark Heisdorffer who teaches Blacksmithing were also demonstrating at the event. Mark presented the buckskinner group with a handmade tomahawk that was forged at the Iron and Lace blacksmith shop.

     The Villages Folk School offers a variety of classes in folk, traditional and fine art. The ongoing expansion of the folk school offers opportunity for more artist instructors and we invite you to join our gifted team of artists. Contact our office at 319-592-3700 and find out how you can become an instructor at the Villages Folk School.

     If you have always wanted to learn a new craft but didn’t know where to begin then this is your chance. Go online at www.villagesfolkschool.com and check out our list of classes. The following classes are coming up in July: Raku Pottery, Chair Caning with Fiber Rush Weave, Buttons and Bows Card Making, Folk Hymnody and the Old Singing Schools of America, Bonaparte Pottery Experience, Melon Basket Weaving, Barn Quilt Painting, Blacksmithing and Still Life in Soft Pastels.

     If you can’t find what you are looking for, give us a call. We are always looking for new class ideas. If you find the class you want, there are two ways to register. First you can print the form online, fill it out and mail it to our office or simply call us and Gloria will walk you through the process. It’s that easy! Join us soon for one of our exciting classes.

     Our website came be found at www.villagesfolkschool.com or contact us by phone at 319-592-3700. Call today for your next exciting adventure in “living the arts”!