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.










Wednesday, March 23, 2011

“Three classes highlight last week’s folk school agenda”





     Ladies from Wayland and Winfield Iowa were in town on Thursday last week to take part in Betty Printy’s “Artisan Bread Making Made Easy” class. This is the third week for this class and it never ceases to amaze me as I witness the joy that our students exhibit when they spend the day in Betty’s kitchen learning to make and bake artisan bread. Not only is this a very popular class, but everyone is turning out some incredible loaves of bread. Students and teacher alike are having a fun time baking bread in this awesome class. You just have to experience it for yourself and you will soon be turning out your own loaves of fresh baked bread. Call our office today at 319-592-3700 and register for our next Artisan Bread Making class.


     On Saturday two classes were being taught at the Congregational church in Keosauqua. Joy Craig and Reni Pappin were teaching a class in needle felting. They had many items on display to show the versatility in this craft. I enjoy seeing the many different art forms as I visit the Villages Folk School classes.


     Vern Ramsey was teaching a class on chair caning with flat reed splits. His student who was from Des Moines told me that this was the only place she found in the state of Iowa that taught chair caning in flat reed splits. She was pleased to learn how to refurbish her antique chair with a new cane seat. I spend some time going from one class to the other and taking my photos. It was a great day as everyone enjoyed their class instruction.

     If you really want to have a great weekend just register for one of our many folk school classes and get ready to have some fun. You can find our class calendar on the website at www.villagesfolkschool.com or call our office at 319-592-3700 for more information.

     For those of you who do not have internet access here is a list of our upcoming classes: A Twist in Time Spinning I & II, 24-25 March; Needle Felting, 26 March; Hand Piecing, Appliqué & Quilting, 26-27 March; Container Candles, 2 April; Shaker Boxes, 2-3 April; 7 Step Chair Caning, 10 April; Hand Piecing, Appliqué & Quilting, 9-10 April; Intermediate Knitting, 23 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.

     Our Villages Folk School is an experience in living the arts that will put you in touch with your creative side and give you an opportunity to learn from a gifted artist instructor. Call us today and make your reservation. We look forward to seeing you at the next folk school class.

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