“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.