Loafing is a good thing when it involves the Villages Folk School class of Artisan Bread Making Made Easy. I never tire of seeing the smile of satisfaction on their faces as the students remove their loaf of bread from the oven. This moment they have anticipated all day at the class is always a highlight and it comes with a feeling of accomplishment that is enhanced by the fact that they are turning out a loaf of bread that will be the talk of the house when they return home. I have watched as this process repeats itself from class to class. Men, women and even couples together have taken this class and the result is always the same. It is not just the beautiful loaf of bread but the knowledge of being able to complete this process over and over at home that makes this class such a hit. You may want to learn this process and there is no better place to do that than enjoying a day in Betty Printy’s kitchen in historic Bentonsport, Iowa.
Shelly Brenneman, from Fairfield and a student in the class last weekend, had this to say about the Villages Folk School class; “At first I didn’t think I had any time in my chaotic, busy schedule to get away and take a Villages Folk School class. But as soon as I made it to the winding country roads of Van Buren County I felt myself relax, my mind ease, and I enjoyed the scenery in the warm spring sun. I had always wanted to see the inside of one of the historic homes of Bentonsport and to be able to spend the whole afternoon in Betty Printy’s 1860’s brick home was a treat, especially since I was able to experience the art of artisan bread making with the baker in her home kitchen. How often do you get to spend time learning from an artist in their own space? It makes the learning experience much deeper, more memorable and meaningful since we became a part of the life of the artist for the afternoon. We were able to sit around Betty’s kitchen table as we learned and we enjoyed the ambience of the historic home complete with beautiful antiques including the 1930’s stove where we baked our breads. We saw Betty’s baking art first-hand; we watched her using her own tools in her own kitchen and we learned her art in the most hands-on way. We each took a turn with her tools, special ingredients, and time tested, delicious baking techniques. My afternoon was a truly authentic, real and relaxing experience in this hurried technological world. I was very glad I made the time to experience this truly unique and authentic Villages Folk School class. Thank you!”
This is just one of the stories we constantly here from our folk school students. We invite you to do like Shelly and take the time to step away from your busy life for a day and join us here at the Villages Folk School. We offer many classes that give you an opportunity to step into the life of the artist instructor and join them as they ‘live the arts’ here in scenic Van Buren County. Registering for a class may be done with a simple phone call to our office at 319-592-3700 or go online to www.villagesfolkschool.com and download our registration form. We look forward to your visit and invite you to enjoy the scenery of the beautiful Des Moines River valley here in our county as you travel to your class destination. Our classes are held throughout the twelve villages so your experience will bring you in contact with all of what nature has to offer here in the Villages of Van Buren County.
If you do not have access to the internet here is a list of our coming classes: February 25, Betty Printy starts a 5 session Beginning Pottery Class; Meg King teaches a Beginning Crocheting class on February 26; and Joy Hanson teaches a weekend two-day class in Hand Piecing, Appliqué & Quilting on February 26 & 27.
2011 also features our first annual writer’s conference; The Villages Folk School Writer’s Conference 2011. This event being held 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. Contact us at the folk school office for more information. Our phone number is 319-592-3700 or you may go to our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com and check out our class descriptions, artist bios and more.
Call us today at the Villages Folk School office and allow us to introduce you to a wonderful new experience in the arts. Our office is available for your questions at 319-592-3700. Register for classes online or by phone.
Give yourself the opportunity to live the arts with us here at the Villages Folk School.
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