“Folk School classes continue as Spring begins to invade Van Buren County”

     The classes at the Villages Folk School seem to be the only constant as the weather ducks in and out of winter and spring. Last weekend I enjoyed my drive west, out J40 from Bonaparte, to the village of Bentonsport where Betty Printy was teaching one of her five segment classes on Beginning Pottery. The drive stirred up my desire for spring as I could see patches of field grass already beginning their change to the lush green of summer. “It won’t be long”, I said to myself as I envisioned the fields of green and the leaves that form the summer canopy of the lush hardwood trees. Soon the animals will come out of their winter slumber and be visible to the passer-by as we travel throughout Van Buren County.

     I arrived at Betty’s pottery studio and prepared my camera for the action. Her student, Jacklyn Smith from Brighton, Iowa, was at the pottery wheel learning how to center clay and form the bowl shape while Betty stood next to her offering her constructive remarks to assure the correct procedure. This is always a treat for me to witness as the students experience the years of knowledge Betty conveys in each remark. The end results are always pleasing, but the process of getting to that place is what the folk school experience is all about. This is not about rushing through a list of procedures, but about taking the time to internalize everything the instructor is sharing and then applying it through your own artistic talents. Learning to be creative and establishing some correct disciplines in an art form will make your personal experience in the arts one that will endure the sands of time. For Jacklyn this is just beginning and will continue to blossom as she moves through each phase of the beginning pottery classes. I think the excitement in watching this unfold is nearly as appealing as the experience itself. We will be back again next weekend to watch as the class continues.

     I completed my pictures and loaded up my camera for the drive back to Bonaparte where Meg King was teaching an intermediate knitting class. Her two students today were not new to our classes as they were here last year in the beginning knitting class. It is great to see the students return to take their skills to a higher level. Meg told me she enjoys the quiet time of sitting in the old Victorian parlor and knitting while she shares her knowledge with the students. I think the students enjoy it as much as Meg as they are always talkative and smiling as they go about their work. I am often reminded of songs as I experience life and today I was thinking of Mac Davis’s “Stop and Smell the Roses”. Surely this was what was going on in the parlor as the ladies knitted, shared with each other and enjoyed each others company. Yes, indeed you’ve got to stop and smell the roses along the way and the Villages Folk School in scenic Van Buren County Iowa is a great place to do just that!

     If you would like to know more about our school you can visit our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com or call our office at 319-592-3700. Our website offers you a complete listing with artist bio’s and class descriptions for each of our class subjects. We hope you take the time to look through our website and discover for yourself the many opportunities our folk school offers. For a firsthand look at some of our past classes click on our Blog link on the bottom of the home page and see for yourself. On the right hand side of the blog page is a series of slideshows that may be accessed “full screen” by simply clicking on the picture. Any questions you have may be directed to our office by phone or by email at villagesfolkschool@gmail.com

     For those of you without internet access here is a list of our upcoming classes for March: Container Candles, 5 March; Scrimshaw a Pendant, 5 March; Beginning Knitting, 12 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.

     We are proud of our school and the many fine artists who live in this county and share their talents as instructors at the Villages Folk School. Their life has become one of “living the arts” and the beauty of the Villages of Van Buren County serves as an inspiration to their creative spirits. We invite you to join them for what may be the most fun-filled experiences of your life. Call us today at 319-592-3700 and reserve your place in our next class.

“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.

“Everyone was loafing at the Villages Folk School”

     Loafing is a good thing when it involves the Villages Folk School class of Artisan Bread Making Made Easy. I never tire of seeing the smile of satisfaction on their faces as the students remove their loaf of bread from the oven. This moment they have anticipated all day at the class is always a highlight and it comes with a feeling of accomplishment that is enhanced by the fact that they are turning out a loaf of bread that will be the talk of the house when they return home. I have watched as this process repeats itself from class to class. Men, women and even couples together have taken this class and the result is always the same. It is not just the beautiful loaf of bread but the knowledge of being able to complete this process over and over at home that makes this class such a hit. You may want to learn this process and there is no better place to do that than enjoying a day in Betty Printy’s kitchen in historic Bentonsport, Iowa.

     Shelly Brenneman, from Fairfield and a student in the class last weekend, had this to say about the Villages Folk School class; “At first I didn’t think I had any time in my chaotic, busy schedule to get away and take a Villages Folk School class. But as soon as I made it to the winding country roads of Van Buren County I felt myself relax, my mind ease, and I enjoyed the scenery in the warm spring sun. I had always wanted to see the inside of one of the historic homes of Bentonsport and to be able to spend the whole afternoon in Betty Printy’s 1860’s brick home was a treat, especially since I was able to experience the art of artisan bread making with the baker in her home kitchen. How often do you get to spend time learning from an artist in their own space? It makes the learning experience much deeper, more memorable and meaningful since we became a part of the life of the artist for the afternoon. We were able to sit around Betty’s kitchen table as we learned and we enjoyed the ambience of the historic home complete with beautiful antiques including the 1930’s stove where we baked our breads. We saw Betty’s baking art first-hand; we watched her using her own tools in her own kitchen and we learned her art in the most hands-on way. We each took a turn with her tools, special ingredients, and time tested, delicious baking techniques. My afternoon was a truly authentic, real and relaxing experience in this hurried technological world. I was very glad I made the time to experience this truly unique and authentic Villages Folk School class. Thank you!”

     This is just one of the stories we constantly here from our folk school students. We invite you to do like Shelly and take the time to step away from your busy life for a day and join us here at the Villages Folk School. We offer many classes that give you an opportunity to step into the life of the artist instructor and join them as they ‘live the arts’ here in scenic Van Buren County. Registering for a class may be done with a simple phone call to our office at 319-592-3700 or go online to www.villagesfolkschool.com and download our registration form. We look forward to your visit and invite you to enjoy the scenery of the beautiful Des Moines River valley here in our county as you travel to your class destination. Our classes are held throughout the twelve villages so your experience will bring you in contact with all of what nature has to offer here in the Villages of Van Buren County.

     If you do not have access to the internet here is a list of our coming classes: February 25, Betty Printy starts a 5 session Beginning Pottery Class; Meg King teaches a Beginning Crocheting class on February 26; and Joy Hanson teaches a weekend two-day class in Hand Piecing, Appliqué & Quilting on February 26 & 27.

     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.

     Call us today at the Villages Folk School office and allow us to introduce you to a wonderful new experience in the arts. Our office is available for your questions at 319-592-3700. Register for classes online or by phone.

     Give yourself the opportunity to live the arts with us here at the Villages Folk School.

“Temperatures are rising in the Villages”

 


     With the rise of temperatures comes birds singing on the hillsides, animals playing in the sunshine, and ovens at the proper degrees for making that perfect loaf of bread. I sit at my computer writing this article each week and today, for the first time since the falling temperatures of winter, I spotted our neighborhood squirrel on his favorite branch basking in the warm sunshine. Truly Summer is on its way and the surrounding Des Moines River valley will awaken from its frigid slumber to become a stage for natures production that brings forth the colorful presentation of Spring and its cast of flowers and woodland animals.

     Although I enjoy the beauty of the snow upon the trees and the stark white snow covered fields, the traverse through Van Buren County visiting the many Villages Folk School classes is always inhanced by the splendor of nature as Summer invades the Villages.

     Here at the folk school our artists look forward with great anticipation to the burst of Spring as they continue to offer their many classes. One such artist is Betty Printy who, for the first time in several years, has offered her classes straight through the winter. Rumor has it she didn’t go into hybernation this winter! You may be surprised to find such an opportunity in early February but on the 19th Betty will be firing up the stoves again as she and her daughter, April Ziegler, offer you an experience in baking bread in our popular Artisan Bread Making Made Easy class here at the Villages Folk School. Other classes we offer this month are as follows: Chair Caning with Fiber Rush Weave taught by Vern Ramsey on February 19; February 25, Betty Printy starts a 5 session Beginning Pottery Class; Meg King teaches a Beginning Crocheting class on February 26; and Joy Hanson teaches a weekend two-day class in Hand Piecing, Appliqué & Quilting on February 26 & 27.

     Registration for classes can be done by going to our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com or calling our office at 319-592-3700. We are here to make your experience in ‘living the arts’ one that will satisfy that longing for creating your own masterpiece. Whether it be bread baking, painting, sculpting, writing, blacksmithing, candle making, knitting, or quilting there is something offered here at the Villages Folk School for you and your creative desires.

     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.

     Call us today at the Villages Folk School office and allow us to introduce you to a wonderful new experience in the arts. Our office is available for your questions at 319-592-3700. Register for classes online or by phone.

     We look forward to seeing you soon!

“Folk School artist, John Preston, unveils work at the Sondheim”

     Saturday night, January 29, was a big night for John Preston as he greeted people at the Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts in Fairfield. What people were coming to see was the two paintings, each 8 x 6 ½ foot canvases, masterfully created by John. It was if I were looking out across the landscape in scenic Van Buren County, only it was captured on the two canvases hanging on the wall in front of me. I stood back just observing the people and their reactions to the work John was displaying. Some would stand silent, others would point out structures in the distance that brought back fond memories, and one man smiled as he recognized the distant steeple of the church where he and his wife were married. Each person was taking it in and enjoying for a moment this magical snapshot on canvas that will forever be frozen in time by John Preston’s skillful brush strokes. These works by John were commissioned by the Chicago Federal Reserve and will be moved to Chicago this week.

     The mastery reflected in John Preston’s work is surpassed only by the man himself. To meet John, with his endearing smile and his gentle, soft-spoken voice is truly a pleasure. We are very blessed to have John and his wonderful wife, Cynthia, be a part of the Villages Folk School. It is this caliber of artist that makes our folk school experience such a great opportunity.

     Classes are scheduled for 2011 and are underway. We invite you to check out our calendar on the website at www.villagesfolkschool.com or call our office at 319-592-3700. For those of you who do not have internet access to our calendar, here is a list of upcoming classes.

     In February, Joy Hanson will teach another “Container Candles” class on the 5th and on “Super Bowl” Sunday we have a special class planned for all of you ladies who are looking for something to do during the game. It is a special for Valentines Day so give us a call to find out about this “Super Bowl” Sunday event. The next two weekends, Feb 12 and 19, Betty Printy and April Ziegler will again teach their popular “Artisan Bread Making Made Easy” class. Completing this month of classes is Vern Ramsey and his “Chair Caning with Fiber Rush Weave” class. This is a great time to fix that chair with the broken cane seat! Just call the school and register for Vern’s class and learn to cane like a pro.

     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.

     The Villages Folk School invites you to “live the arts” with our artist instructors. Pick a class, pick a weekend and call us to register at 319-592-3700. It just may be the best decision of your life!

“Artisan Bread Making keeps the temperature rising”

                                                                                                                                                                               
     The snow crunched under my feet as I walked to the van last Saturday. The frigid temperatures were a sure sign that winter did not intend to give up just yet. I found solace in the fact that I was on my way up the river to visit another Artisan Bread Making Made Easy class at Betty Printy’s home in Bentonsport. There weren’t many people moving about as I headed up J40 for the bread making class, in fact other than one lonely fox, I didn’t see much movement of animals either. I guess they were huddled together wherever they could find a place to stay warm.

     I had soon arrived at the Printy home, let myself in the front door and headed for the kitchen where all the activity was taking place. Betty and her daughter, April Ziegler, had a class of four people and were busy teaching them the proper way to make Artisan Bread. Many items were discussed and each student was allowed his or her opportunity to make a loaf of bread using the techniques presented. Everyone appeared to be about their business and from the laughter and conversations I could tell they were enjoying themselves. It is always fun to shoot pictures at this class because Betty has sliced bread ready to sample even before the class starts. Gee! Maybe that has something to do with my liking the class so much. Nah! Couldn’t be!

     The middle part of the class time is not as exciting for those who are just spectators but the smell of fresh baked bread permeates the room and reminds us of the moment that is quickly approaching. Soon they will be opening the oven door to reveal those wonderful fresh baked loaves of bread. Each student waits with great anticipation and soon is marveling at the beautiful browned loaf that emerges from the cloche. Betty instructs them on how to measure the core temperature to assure properly baked bread and then the correct way to remove it safely from the oven. The satisfaction is written on every face as they proudly display their masterpiece. This is always a popular class and one that the men as well as the ladies enjoy.

     Coming up in the Villages Folk School schedule are two classes being offered Saturday, Jan 29; Meg King’s “Intermediate Knitting” class and Pat Crawford’s “Printmaking” class. In February, Joy Hanson will teach another “Container Candles” class on the 5th. The next two weekends, Feb 12 and 19, Betty Printy and April Ziegler will again teach their popular “Artisan Bread Making Made Easy” class. Completing this month of classes is Vern Ramsey and his “Chair Caning with Fiber Rush Weave” class. This is a great time to fix that chair with the broken cane seat! Just call the school and register for Vern’s class and learn to cane like a pro.

     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.

     The Villages Folk School offers you the chance to ‘live the arts’ in Van Buren County along side one of our gifted artist instructors. Call us at 319-592-3700, register for your class and get ready to experience the thrill of a lifetime.

“It’s cold outside but it’s warming up at the Villages Folk School”

 

     Too cold to play outside? Not a problem when you can register for one of our folk school classes and experience the thrill of living the arts in the warmth of our classrooms. We invite you to check out our calendar of classes on the website at www.villagesfolkschool.com. If you need assistance just call our office at 319-592-3700 for information on classes and registration.

     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.

     Classes scheduled through the end of January are Joy Hansen’s “Hand Piecing, Appliqué & Quilting” class on the weekend of January 22 & 23. Two classes are being offered on Saturday, Jan 29; Meg King’s “Intermediate Knitting” class and Pat Crawford’s “Printmaking” class. In February, Joy Hanson will teach another “Container Candles” class on the 5th. The next two weekends, Feb 12 and 19, Betty Printy and April Ziegler will teach their popular “Artisan Bread Making Made Easy” class. Completing this month of classes is Vern Ramsey and his “Chair Caning with Fiber Rush Weave” class.

     Why not join us at the Villages Folk School for an experience in “living the arts” that may become the highlight of your year. Call us today at 319-592-3700.