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, October 12, 2011

“Weaving your way through the Villages?”

                                                                                                                                                          
     For those who traveled through the historic bypass and stopped in each of the villages here in Van Buren County it was a weekend of parades, vendors, car shows, good food, music and the historic splendor of this river valley. It is this “historic splendor” that will continue to draw people back to our simpler way of life. The Villages Folk School classes give people the opportunity to come to this beautiful county, stay in a historic hotel or inn, and enjoy the arts taught by gifted artist instructors who “live the arts” here in Van Buren County.

     Classes are held year round and offer a chance for students to come enjoy all the seasons here in southeast Iowa. October and November are a good time to start thinking about gifts for Christmas and this year you could make your own with the help of an artist. Paint the Landscape with John Preston and discover your own creative side as John guides you through the steps. He makes it look so easy and his helpful guidance will have you painting masterpieces in no time. How about making your own gift basket complete with bread you learned to bake at the “Artisan Bread Making Make Easy” class taught by Betty Printy in her historic home. Add to that a container candle that you made by attending Joy Hanson’s “Container Candles” class at the historic Mason House in Bentonsport. Give handmade rugs, quilts, Shaker boxes, caned chairs, hand knitted items for the choice is yours as you browse through our calendar of classes on the web site at www.villagesfolkschool.com .

     Visit or web site, pick a class, register by calling our office at (319) 592-3700 or print and mail your registration form and get ready to enjoy yourself at the Villages Folk School.

The following is our class calendar for October and November:


Artisan Bread Making Made Easy

15-Oct-2011 -

Chair Caning with Flat Reed Splits

15-Oct-2011 -

Painting the Landscape

15-Oct-2011 -

Artisan Bread Making Made Easy

16-Oct-2011 -

Artisan Bread Making Made Easy

22-Oct-2011 -

Spring and Fall Birdwatching

22-Oct-2011 -

Rug Weaving Workshop

22-Oct-2011 23-Oct-2011

Natural Dyes in My Backyard

27-Oct-2011 28-Oct-2011

Container Candles

5-Nov-2011 -

Beginning Knitting

5-Nov-2011 -

Shaker Boxes

12-Nov-2011 13-Nov-2011

7 Step Chair Caning

19-Nov-2011 -

Hand Piecing, Appliqué & Quilting

19-Nov-2011 20-Nov-2011


See you soon at the Villages Folk School.

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