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 16, 2011

“Wheels are turning at the Villages Folk School”

    



     The trip across the hills of Van Buren County is always a delight and this last weekend was not a disappointment as I drove to Betty Printy’s pottery studio in Bentonsport. The fields are showing even more of the greenery of spring and it reminded me of how much I love the changing seasons in southeast Iowa. The young fox I saw bounding across the road was also enjoying the early signs of summer and weather more suited for outdoor play. The wheels were turning when I arrived at the studio so I went to work snapping photos that serve to lock this moment in time for the students who attend our folk school classes. This was the second weekend of a five-session beginning pottery class that is always a fun time for the students. Betty never ceases to amaze me as she turns her years of experience into easy to understand segments and allows each student to internalize her knowledge in a way that makes sense to them. The work that they turn out is a perfect example of the quality instruction offered in this class.

     March is only half gone and we have many more classes to offer you. Go to our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com and see for yourself the many classes available to you. If you have any questions give us a call at 319-592-3700 and Gloria will be happy to help you.

     For those of you without internet access here is a list of our upcoming classes for March: Chair Caning with Flat Reed Splits, 19 March; A Twist in Time Spinning I & II, 24-25 March; Needle Felting, 26 March; and Hand Piecing, Appliqué & Quilting, 26-27 March.

     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.

     The Villages Folk School invites you to join us for a weekend experience in one of our many classes. Our campus is 485 sq. miles as we include all 12 of the villages in Van Buren County for our class sites. Register for a class and get ready to have the time of your life as you live the arts at the Villages Folk School.
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