"Talking 'Theatre' At The Villages Folk School"

     I am always excited when others share their passion for the arts with me. Last Friday was no exception as I had the opportunity of meeting with Dr. Dawn Larson, Associate Professor of Theatre in the Department of Fine Arts at Francis Marion University in South Carolina. Dr. Larson was making a presentation on Theatre  at the Museum of Theatre in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. She and a friend had decided to visit the Villages of Van Buren County while in Iowa for the weekend. They were thrilled to find an Opera House in Bonaparte and while enjoying the buildings in the historic Main Street community they learned of our Villages Folk School. Dr. Larson contacted me through our office at the Opera House and wanted to know more about our school.

     After our discussion I wanted to learn more about what she does so I visited her presentation on Saturday in Mt Pleasant. It was a delightful experience! Many of the people there were in theatre and certainly all of them were advocates for the Theater Arts. Dr. Larson is interested in working with the Villages Folk School and plans are being made for offering weeklong classes in the theater arts. The classes will cover such topics as theater history, playwriting, acting, directing and even lighting. This will be a great opportunity for anyone considering a career in the theatre arts.

     We are interested in hearing from anyone who would like to know more about the Villages Folk School. You can learn more by calling our office at 319-592-3700 anytime Tuesday through Friday, 12 noon to 4 p.m. You can also check our class schedule on our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com. Click the link to our Blog and get a close-up look at all our previous classes.

     Life in the Villages of Van Buren County is a study in the folk and traditional arts. The many artists who have made their home here are evidence to the fact that “Living the Arts” is a day to day occurrence here in the lush Des Moines River valley. Just last Saturday while my wife and I drove through the county we commented on the changes in the countryside. Rolling hills that were covered so long in the winter blanket of snow are now a pallet of varying shades of green interlaced with fields freshly planted. The contrast between the greens and the rich black soil can only heighten the creative urge to paint such a beautiful landscape.  One such artist is John Preston who teaches landscape painting for the Villages Folk School.  His paintings are so real you can almost walk into them.  What a gifted artist!!  Here is a sample of some of his work that is entitled "Rogue Shower". Whether you are the painter or just a spectator, the feeling that this area inspires is truly magnificent.

     Coming to our classes is so much more than just another class. It gets you out to experience this wonderful place we live in. From one end of the county to the other the scenes are forever changing. Taking the time to enjoy the trip is part of the experience we offer you with our Villages Folk School classrooms being spread throughout the villages.

Here are some of our coming classes:

April 29th & 30th: Printmaking

May 1: Raku Pottery, Still Life in Soft Pastels, Chair Caning with Flat Reed Splits, and Story Telling For All Occasions.

May 1st & 2nd: Hand Piecing, Appliqué, & Quilting

May 8: Blacksmithing: Tong Making and Container Candles

May 22: Spring Bird Watching

Won’t you come enjoy “living the arts” at the Villages Folk School in Van Buren County, Iowa? It is truly a life changing experience!

"It's A Grand Night for Singing!"

     Can you imagine an evening singing harmonies written in the 18th century? This will be a chance you won’t want to miss. Led by the group Prairie Harmony of southeast Iowa you will join in to sing the many anthems, fugues, and early American hymns written in the Sacred Harp. For anyone who likes to sing and can carry a tune it is a grand night for singing!

     This event will be held in the historic Presbyterian Church in Bentonsport, Iowa on Tuesday, April 27th at 7:30 p.m. A small donation of $8 will be collected at the door to help with costs and to provide money for the restoration of the church. The acoustics in this building will provide an awesome sound stage for a delightful evening of shape note singing. Come join in the fun!! The larger the group the more incredible the experience will become. Have you ever sung harmony with an experienced group of singers? Don’t miss this opportunity!!

     The Villages Folk School strives to offer a diversity of classes that will provide something for everyone. We are constantly looking for instructors who can provide exciting and challenging classes in the folk and traditional arts. Our classes are structured in such a way as to allow for hands-on instruction with a limited amount of students.

     The month of May is full of classes for you to choose from. Here is the lineup:

May 1st               Raku Pottery
                          Still Life in Soft Pastel
                          Chair Caning with Flat Reed Splits
                          Story Telling for All Occasions

May 1st & 2nd       Bonaparte Pottery Experience
                          Hand Piecing, Appliqué & Quilting

May 8th                Blacksmithing: Tong Making
                           Container Candles

May 22nd              Spring Bird Watching

     Come enjoy one of the many classes as well as the beauty of the Villages of Van Buren County Iowa. You will be amazed at the shades of green and the brilliant colors of the spring flowers in the Des Moines River valley. There seems to be a different color around every corner and over every hill. Getting there is half the fun.

     We want to share this experience of living the arts with each of you. Visit our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com to discover more of our classes and schedules. If you need further assistance, Gloria is in the office Tuesday through Friday from 12 noon to 4 p.m. She may be reached at 319-592-3700.

     The Villages Folk School is your chance to fulfill your dream, experience the arts, and excite your creativity. Join us for an unforgettable experience!

"Preparation for an exciting group of classes"

     The work continues at the Villages Folk School office to set everything in motion for the exciting group of classes planned for the end of April and the beginning of May. The varied classes will provide something that appeals to everyone. Here is the line-up for this month: On April 24th we offer a class in Melon Basket Weaving and a class in Organic Gardening. The gardening class will be the first of a series of three which will take you through the soil preparation, planting, weed and pest control, and finally putting the garden to rest at the end of the season. Our instructor is a certified organic gardener so you won’t want to miss this opportunity.

     Tuesday, April 27th will be a thrill for anyone who likes to sing. A special evening has been planned at the Historic Presbyterian Church in Bentonsport. This evening will be led by the group Prairie Harmony of southeastern Iowa. You will be joining in with this group of instructors to share an evening of shape note singing. Sing early American hymns, anthems, and fugues. If you just want to come enjoy the sound in this beautiful acoustically designed building you are welcome to join us.

     May 1st has an awesome agenda that promises to be a delightful weekend. You may enjoy classes in Raku Pottery, Hand Piecing, Appliqué, and Quilting, the Bonaparte Pottery Experience that will take you back to 1860’s as you discover 150 year old molds that were originally used in the old pottery building. Still Life in Soft Pastels, Chair Caning with Flat Reed Splits, and Story Telling for all Occasions. These classes will be held in various locations around Van Buren County so be sure to check with the Villages Folk School office for times and locations. Gloria will be happy to assist you with your registration and any questions you might have regarding the classes. Our office hours are Tuesday through Friday, 12 noon until 4 p.m. You may call us at 319-592-3660. The website at www.villagesfolkschool.com will also provide you with class descriptions, bio’s so that you may learn more about our instructors and a complete listing of dates the various classes are offered. Don’t forget to check out our Blog! Here is a complete photo slideshow that will give you a better understanding of the quality, hands-on atmosphere in our many classes. Simply click on the link at the bottom of our web page.

     We are always looking for new instructors who want to share their artist skills with others. Please contact our office for an interview.

     Future planning in the works for 2011: Join us on September 23-25, 2011 for the Villages Folk School Writer’s Conference featuring some of the top authors, agents and editors in their field! Watch our website for more details.

     The Villages Folk School is here to offer each of you an opportunity to share in a folk or traditional art form that takes you back to earlier times. Our classes are designed so that you may experience firsthand the many time honored professions of our forefathers. You may spend the day enjoying the peaceful surroundings of our many classrooms throughout the county or taking a needed break from you busy life to just enjoy something for yourself. Whatever it is, we invite you to share these moments with us here at the folk school. Pick a class in something you have always wanted to do, register online at our website or call the Villages Folk School office at 319-592-3660.

     This time why not make it all about you! Enjoy the experience of Living the Arts at the Villages Folk School. You’ll be glad you did!

Blacksmithing: Toolmaking Classes at Iron & Lace

     This weekend I found myself once again on the road to Bentonsport, but this time my destination was Bill Printy’s Iron & Lace Blacksmith shop. He had a full class scheduled for the weekend. This class included the principles of hardening iron using the “Oxidation Spectrum” as they forged such tools as center punches, chisels, and gouges. Each of the students would learn to recognize the tempering of their particular project by watching the color changes when the heat was applied. I found myself mesmerized by the process as each student turned their attention to the forge and began to pound out the iron against the anvil. A process as old as time and it just took you back to earlier times when most all of the iron work was done in this manor.

     Bill and his assistant Mark Heisdorffer worked from forge to forge to give each of the students the benefit of their expertise. A two to one ration of student to instructor offered each person the benefit of a readily available instructor. Students at our Villages Folk School classes have often commented on the fact that they appreciated the amount of time they had with their instructor. This has a very positive affect on the project outcome and the value added in the learning process.

     Students continued to work their projects until 5 p.m. on Saturday and some returned Sunday to use what they had learned. The class tuition allows for the second day at the forge, but without instruction. Bill offers classes not only in tool making, but in beginning blacksmithing, tong making, and forge welding.

     Bill, who began his blacksmithing as a hobby in the early seventies has perfected his trade to a fine art. The work that he turns out is incredible! It is worth the trip just to see some of his projects that range from your basic pot racks to wine racks covered in green leaves and laden with clumps of purple grapes. I saw a rose on a long stem that looked so real I just had to ask how it was done. Bill simply smiled and said, “I took a rose apart one petal at a time, manufactured each piece from the live template and just put it back together.” His methodical approach to his iron work has resulted in a level of craftsmanship that is truly a rare art form.

     I encourage each one reading this article that has ever had the desire to work the forge to register for one of the classes offered through the Villages Folk School and get ready for a great weekend!

     The class schedules can be found at our website which is www.villagesfolkschool.com or you can contact our office anytime Tuesday through Friday, 12 – 4 p.m. at 319-592-3700. Registration can be done by downloading the form from the website or calling our office.

     Pick something you have always wanted to do, register for the class, and come join us at the Villages Folk School. Find the artist living within you!

"To Knead Or Not To Knead Or Just Needle Felting"

         Well, I guess you are never too old to learn something new. Joy Craig was teaching a class in Needle Felting at the Addie Mae Fudge Factory in the Old Woolen Mill at Bonaparte this past weekend. I watched as the ladies jabbed the long, barbed needle over and over into the clump of wool, called roving, they held in their hand. I am certain that I would soon need a trip to the doctor if I were to try this, but they seemed to effortlessly go about their task while holding a casual conversation. Maybe it is just not a “guy” thing! You think? Any way you look at it, the end result was superb. The wool slowly began to take on the shape and the color that each person intended. Joy brought some samples of her work to show everyone, but I noticed that both were making woolen Easter Eggs. This was a specially planned weekend at the Addie Mae Fudge Factory. Three classes were scheduled and each had something to do with wool. Pat Crawford was there demonstrating her wool spinning technique and  Meg King displayed some of her knitting projects. It always  amazes me how much we take for granted something as commonplace as a shirt or sweater. We just go to the store and buy it. Watching a process that dates back to our ancestors brings an entirely new appreciation for the garments we wear.  Taking the raw wool, combing it, carding it, and then spinning it into the desired yarn. Pat showed me how they would spin the wool clockwise and if another layer was added for a thicker yarn it would be spun counterclockwise to keep the yarn from separating. It would then be used for weaving into a woolen fabric or knitting into a desired garment. In its day, the Old Woolen Mill that once operated in the building we were in turned out some of the countries finest woolen fabrics. It is so inspiring to think of yesteryear as the folk school classes take place in these locations. We are privileged to live in Van Buren County where history calls to us from every building and lurks around the next bend in the river. 

     Just four miles up the river in Bentonsport another class was taking place. Betty Printy had another group of students learning how to make Artisan Bread. I took the time this day to stay for the class. I do believe I might just be able to make something like that! Not only did they discuss the different yeasts and starters, they also learned how to knead the bread. Some of the loaves were actually allowed to rise without first being kneaded. Hence making bread reminds us of the days of Shakespeare. Once to the kitchen we must make the decision to knead or not to knead! Betty assures me “fat” is not the question. Once the loaves were adequately prepared they were carefully placed in the ovens to bake. The group continued to discuss different recipes and the ability of each to be unique in their quest for the perfect loaf.

      Soon the timers were going off and the ovens were opened to reveal the separate masterpieces. I didn’t realize that the bread continues to bake inside the crust for another 45 minutes after coming out of the oven. This is really interesting stuff! Not only is it a fun time in the kitchen, but the end result is something you would be proud to serve to royalty. The loaves were each browned to perfection and made a mouthwatering picture as they were placed on the cooling racks. After class I took some time to read through the evaluation forms. Everyone loved the class and were appreciative of Betty’s ability to make it practical for the novice. Another successful weekend of classes comes to a close.

     We invite each of our readers to join us for a fun filled weekend in the Villages Folk School. You can go to our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com and browse through the many classes we offer. Once you find your class, print the registration form on the website, fill it out and mail it to our office along with your payment. If you wish, you may call us for further assistance anytime Tuesday – Friday, 12 noon – 4 p.m. at 319-592-3700.

The following is a list of some of our upcoming classes:

April 3rd:

Blacksmithing: Tool Making

Container Candles

Woodcarving

April 24th:

Melon Basket Weaving

April 27th:

Old Singin’ School

April 29th & 30th:

Printmaking

Don’t let time pass you by. Register now for one of our exciting classes and get set for a great weekend experience!

Beginning Pottery Class Completes A Five-Session Course

Graduation day was filled with excitement as the students arrived to claim their rewards. Several pieces of neatly glazed and fired pottery covered the table in Betty Printy’s pottery studio. I could see the surprise on their faces when they began to sort through the bowls. This was the first time for either of them to see their work since it went into the kiln. I must admit, the amount of pieces that they had completed in a five-session course was incredible.  Not only was their great quantity, but the quality of the work was a joy to behold. I could tell they were thrilled by the constant smile upon their faces. This was something everyone should experience. Whether it be pottery, knitting, painting, weaving or gardening, just taking the time away from a busy schedule and experiencing creative art first hand is important.

     I could tell the instructor was pleased by the way she interacted with the students while praising their finished product. This was a great time for all!

     I can’t begin to tell each of our readers how thrilling it is to witness this process over and over as the Villages Folk School classes continue. Watching a gifted artist take that gift and share not only the thrill of the art, but break the technical side of it down so that others can experience all that is involved in the creative process is a joy.
     Register for a class and come join one of our artists for a great weekend! The next two months of classes are as follows:

“Special Weekend of Classes Hosted by Addie Mae Fudge”

                         March 26th & 27th

                   A Twist In Time Spinning I
                   A Twist In Time Spinning II
                   Beginning Knitting
                   Needle Felting
                 __________________________
  March 27: Artisan Bread Making Made Easy
                 Primitive Sign Making
                 Hand Piecing, Appliqué & Quilting
                 Chair Caning with Fiber Rush Weave
   March 28: Artisan Bread Making Made Easy
       April 3: Blacksmithing: Tool Making
                  Container Candles
                  Woodcarving
      April 24: Intermediate Knitting
                  Melon Basket Weaving
      April 27: Old Singing School (Shape Note Singing)
      April 29: Printmaking
      April 30: Printmaking

     For more information on classes visit our website at www.villagesfolkschool.com or call our office Tuesday – Friday, 12 – 4 p.m. at 319-592-3700.  Come “Live the Arts” at the Villages Folk School.

Folk School Classes with Spring on the Horizon

     For the second time already this year I had the joy of driving to Betty Printy’s studio in the village of Bentonsport. A much different look as I drove through the countryside on this trip. The birds were plentiful and I watched as an eagle spread his wings and soared on the wind across the rushing waters of the Des Moines river. Every trip through this beautiful river valley brings a different and wonderful experience. How soon we forget the hustle bustle of the city traffic as we drive for miles without meeting a single vehicle. To capture a phrase from the “Field of Dreams” movie, “Is this Heaven? No this is Iowa.” The feeling of peace that is forever present in the winding river valley of Van Buren County Iowa can only serve to provide a constant reminder of time gone by and surely is a catalyst that fuels the creative juices of the many artists who live and work here.

One such artist is at work today preparing to teach one of the Villages Folk School classes. This is the second group of students this year to take the Artisan Bread Proofing Basket class. It is always a pleasure to watch and listen as the classes progress. This day was no exception. The students were anxiously preparing as I arrived. Betty had begun to speak to them and lay out the schedule of events for the day. I am beginning to see familiar faces as some students are taking multiple classes to experience all that the folk school has to offer.

It is interesting to see how each student takes the class instruction and applies their own creative ideas that result in a unique piece of art. I too was experimenting today with the idea of creating some movie footage of the classes.

                                                                       

                                                                                    

Be sure to keep watching our blog here at http://www.villagesfolkschool.blogspot.com/ to see our class  pictures and hopefully soon to view the classes in  movie format.

                                                                            

Watch for our upcoming classes and register to experience something you have always dreamed of doing. Who knows? . . . the Villages Folk School may just prove to be your “Field of Dreams”.

The following classes are coming up in March:

Basic Native American Bead Craft 20-Mar-2010

Basic Native American Leather Craft 20-Mar-2010

Be a Good Egg (with Natural Dyes) 20-Mar-2010

Scrimshaw for Flatlanders 20-Mar-2010

Artisan Bread Making Made Easy 27-Mar-2010

_________________________________________

                  {SPECIAL EVENT WEEKEND
         AT THE ADDIE MAE FUDGE FACTORY}

Addie Mae Fudge will host three classes on March 26 & 27th



A Twist in Time Spinning I & II 26 & 27-Mar-2010

Beginning Knitting 27-Mar-2010

Needle Felting 27-Mar-2010

__________________________________________



Primitive Sign Making 27-Mar-2010

Hand Piecing, Appliqué & Quilting 27 & 28-Mar-2010

Chair Caning with Fiber Rush Weave 27-Mar-2010



To find more information about our classes visit our internet web site at www.villagesfolkschool.com or call our office anytime Tuesday through Friday, 12 noon to 4 p.m. at 319-592-3700.

Sign-up for one of our exciting classes and get ready for the time of your life as you experience “Living the Arts” with one of our talented instructors.