Within the close-knit fiber of the Villages of Van Buren County lies a culture that brings the arts to life. For those of us who live here it may not be as obvious, but for those who journey to the lush hardwoods and twisting river valley of Van Buren County, Iowa it leaves a lingering presence and peacefulness experienced only by thoughts of years gone by.


Out of this culture has grown such artists as Wendell Mohr and many with such gifts and talents have chosen to make their homes amongst this peace and tranquility.


The Villages Folk School, with its campus spread throughout the valley like splotches of paint on an artist's palette, offers
others a chance to capture, if only for a brief moment in time,


the joy of experiencing the arts in this way.










Friday, March 4, 2011

“Living the Arts at the Villages Folk School”





     The Villages Folk School is not just a destination spot for taking a class, but an opportunity for you to relax in scenic Van Buren County Iowa and experience a way of life through the eyes of one of our folk school artists. The art form that you decide is right for you will be shared through the eyes of an instructor who lives it every day in his or her profession. The arts truly come alive when you experience them in this way. One of our 27 artist instructors will break down their daily schedule and take you through the process in a way that will prepare you for your own success as an artist. If you only wish to enjoy the class and return again and again to experience the many different art forms we teach then that is also possible. Joining us this past weekend were students from Moline, Illinois and from Keokuk, Iowa. It was another chance for Betty Printy and April Ziegler to share the process of making Artisan Bread and at the same time another group of ladies were enjoying a crotchet class taught by Meg King.


     As always, I set out to visit the classes and get a chance to welcome the students to our folk school. Of course I never go away empty handed at the bread making class. Betty never fails to have fresh bread available for sampling and I enjoy the treat of trying the different recipes. You should join us some weekend and learn how easy it is to make and bake your own Artisan bread. Students in each class always remark about how easy it is to produce a quality loaf of bread once they have spent a day in Betty’s kitchen. Betty’s daughter, April Ziegler, is on hand to help with the class and provide more instructor time for each of the students. You’ll have to try this class! We guarantee it will be a fun experience and how can you go wrong when you have learned to produce your own fresh bread.

     Meg King was busy teaching her group to crotchet. The class is held in the parlor of an 1865 Victorian home which offers the perfect ambiance for this activity. The ladies have time to learn the crotchet craft as well as visit for the entire day. Meg said she always enjoys the time in the house as she also teaches the art of knitting. Several students have progressed from beginning students to intermediate level work. The classes are designed so as to give you solid instruction that will increase your level of expertise and help you become very proficient at the craft.

     Call us at 319-592-3700 and register for one of our classes or go online to www.villagesfolkschool.com and see for yourself the many classes available to you at the Villages Folk School.

     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.

     Don’t hesitate to register for your class and join us for an experience in living the arts here at the Villages Folk School.

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