Saturday night, January 29, was a big night for John Preston as he greeted people at the Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts in Fairfield. What people were coming to see was the two paintings, each 8 x 6 ½ foot canvases, masterfully created by John. It was if I were looking out across the landscape in scenic Van Buren County, only it was captured on the two canvases hanging on the wall in front of me. I stood back just observing the people and their reactions to the work John was displaying. Some would stand silent, others would point out structures in the distance that brought back fond memories, and one man smiled as he recognized the distant steeple of the church where he and his wife were married. Each person was taking it in and enjoying for a moment this magical snapshot on canvas that will forever be frozen in time by John Preston’s skillful brush strokes. These works by John were commissioned by the Chicago Federal Reserve and will be moved to Chicago this week.
The mastery reflected in John Preston’s work is surpassed only by the man himself. To meet John, with his endearing smile and his gentle, soft-spoken voice is truly a pleasure. We are very blessed to have John and his wonderful wife, Cynthia, be a part of the Villages Folk School. It is this caliber of artist that makes our folk school experience such a great opportunity.
Classes are scheduled for 2011 and are underway. We invite you to check out our calendar on the website at www.villagesfolkschool.com or call our office at 319-592-3700. For those of you who do not have internet access to our calendar, here is a list of upcoming classes.
In February, Joy Hanson will teach another “Container Candles” class on the 5th and on “Super Bowl” Sunday we have a special class planned for all of you ladies who are looking for something to do during the game. It is a special for Valentines Day so give us a call to find out about this “Super Bowl” Sunday event. The next two weekends, Feb 12 and 19, Betty Printy and April Ziegler will again teach their popular “Artisan Bread Making Made Easy” class. Completing this month of classes is Vern Ramsey and his “Chair Caning with Fiber Rush Weave” class. This is a great time to fix that chair with the broken cane seat! Just call the school and register for Vern’s class and learn to cane like a pro.
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.
The Villages Folk School invites you to “live the arts” with our artist instructors. Pick a class, pick a weekend and call us to register at 319-592-3700. It just may be the best decision of your life!
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