“Temperatures are rising in the Villages”

 


     With the rise of temperatures comes birds singing on the hillsides, animals playing in the sunshine, and ovens at the proper degrees for making that perfect loaf of bread. I sit at my computer writing this article each week and today, for the first time since the falling temperatures of winter, I spotted our neighborhood squirrel on his favorite branch basking in the warm sunshine. Truly Summer is on its way and the surrounding Des Moines River valley will awaken from its frigid slumber to become a stage for natures production that brings forth the colorful presentation of Spring and its cast of flowers and woodland animals.

     Although I enjoy the beauty of the snow upon the trees and the stark white snow covered fields, the traverse through Van Buren County visiting the many Villages Folk School classes is always inhanced by the splendor of nature as Summer invades the Villages.

     Here at the folk school our artists look forward with great anticipation to the burst of Spring as they continue to offer their many classes. One such artist is Betty Printy who, for the first time in several years, has offered her classes straight through the winter. Rumor has it she didn’t go into hybernation this winter! You may be surprised to find such an opportunity in early February but on the 19th Betty will be firing up the stoves again as she and her daughter, April Ziegler, offer you an experience in baking bread in our popular Artisan Bread Making Made Easy class here at the Villages Folk School. Other classes we offer this month are as follows: Chair Caning with Fiber Rush Weave taught by Vern Ramsey on February 19; 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.

     Registration for classes can be done by going to our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com or calling our office at 319-592-3700. We are here to make your experience in ‘living the arts’ one that will satisfy that longing for creating your own masterpiece. Whether it be bread baking, painting, sculpting, writing, blacksmithing, candle making, knitting, or quilting there is something offered here at the Villages Folk School for you and your creative desires.

     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.

     We look forward to seeing you soon!