“Folk School classes held in Keosauqua last week”

     Last week our folk school instructor, Pat Crawford from Cantril, was teaching classes on spinning and scrimshaw carving. All three days of classes were held in the parsonage of the historic Congregational Church in Keosauqua. This was a perfect setting for the class as the living room offered a very natural setting for the spinning wheels. Thursday was spent discussing the types of wools and their preparation for spinning. Cleaning, combing, and dyeing require attention to the wool so that the end product will be a yarn perfect for knitting or crocheting. We had students from Davenport, Polk City, and Mount Pleasant, Iowa plus one student from Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin. They enjoyed the setting for the class and the beautiful scenic drive into Van Buren County. Their stay included eating at the various restaurants in Keosauqua plus a leisurely drive through the surrounding country side and state park.

     Saturday’s class taught the art of scrimshaw carving to the couple from Davenport. This was the second time for Jeanne Knape to visit us at the folk school and we are happy to see our students return for more classes.

     The focus of the Villages Folk School is to offer classes in each of the twelve villages so that students will have a chance to experience each village as well as trade in the local establishments. This spreads the tourist dollars around our county and provides income to the many businesses. The folk school board is constantly at work seeking to improve the number of classes and students we bring into our county. We invite you to join with us in this great endeavor by becoming a friend of the folk school. Go to our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com for more information. Your sponsorship dollars will help as we build our program to improve life for all of us here in Van Buren County.

     Taking a class at the Villages Folk School is a joy everyone needs to experience. The many classes we offer allow you to chose something you have always wanted to try and to spend the day learning from one of our talented folk school artist instructors. The registration process is easy so why not call us today at 319-592-3700 and start living the arts with us at the Villages Folk School. The class calendar is viewable on our website but please call us for any questions you may have.

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

Container Candles, 2 April; Shaker Boxes, 2-3 April; Hand Piecing, Appliqué & Quilting, 9-10 April; 7 Step Chair Caning, 16 April; Intermediate Knitting, 23 April; Beginning Blacksmithing, 23-24 April; Printmaking, 29-30 April.

     We regret to announce that the 2011 Writer’s Conference will be rescheduled due to a last minute withdrawal of our Keynote Speaker for personal reasons.

     Now is the time for you to come experience one of our classes at the Villages Folk School. Register today by calling 319-592-3700 or going to our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com and get ready for the time of your life!

     See us live on Iowa Public Television! The “Iowa's Simple Pleasures” show will air on March 31st at 8 pm and on April 2nd at 8:30 pm. and will include a segment filmed here in Van Buren County. It will also be available on the Iowa Public Television website.