Busy Days at the Folk School

This is what I was doing yesterday at the end of the day instead of posting.

I missed getting a post out yesterday! You would think I had plenty of time with me being a “guest” here at the John C. Campbell Folk School where I’m not actually taking any classes. But before you think I lead a leisurely life, bumming around Eric’s workshops and teaching gigs, I have two words: I wish!

Especially now since I’m at this beautiful place in Brasstown, North Carolina. I wanted to pop my head into all the classes going on: the fabric painting, drawing, woodworking, photography, gardening, clay, weaving, music, glass beads, jewelry, plus many more! But I am planted on a bench in a charming by-gone library that reminds me of my private high school days housed in a large, handsome castle-like convent. What am I doing in here? It’s the only place on the 300-acre campus that has internet.

This is a great thing for students who want to “disconnect” from their media-filled lives and be able to retreat to their studios and living quarters without computers, cell phones and televisions beckoning you to be distracted or in my case, keeping the dreaded procrastination alive as long as possible. (I would show a picture of the library here but I cannot download it off my camera because I left the wire back at the farm house. And if I leave to go get it, I’ll probably get sidetracked and then I’ll miss another day of posting! So I’ll hopefully show you library pics in tomorrow’s post.)

Morning song at Keith House before breakfast.

But for me, as a freelance designer, when the work comes you take it. And this week, I’ve been overflowed with projects. So my days start at the crack of dawn, walking to Keith House to hear morning song, then on to the Olive D. Campbell Dining Hall for breakfast, then walking to the Rock Room for Eric’s basketry class then back to the library with my computer to work.

At Eric's basketry class. He's been bragging how awesome all his students are!
Students' carrier baskets all completed.

Then it’s lunch, back to work at the Farm House, check in on Eric’s class, walk back to the library to download files to clients, then at 4:45 to one of the many demonstrations going on all week, like Pebbie Mott’s, a drawing instructor, held at the Painting Studio on Wednesday. I had fun going back in time creating pencil rubbings (remember those?)

Drawing & Painting Instructor Pebbie Mott giving a demonstration at the Painting Studio.

Then dinner at 6 pm and on to the Blacksmith Shop for a metalwork demonstration with artist Bob Alexander. Eric joined me for this gathering and I was one of the lucky few that took home a gorgeous metal cross that he created before our eyes.

Metalwork artist Bob Alexander showing how he creates metal leaves and hooks.
Eric took this photo when he went out for a walk Monday evening. I love this pic!

Do I have a picture of the cross the blacksmith made me? No. (See explanation above.) But I will post a picture before we leave.

So that’s it for now! (Got to get ready for lunch)

comments

5 Replies to “Busy Days at the Folk School”

  1. Thanks for the info & pics. I am taking my laptop to some Island people on Winnipesaukee to show Eric at his class.

  2. I told you it was wonderful there! Looks like the class is having a blast. I am so jealous. You have already probably seen more of the Folk School in a couple of days than I have in the 6 times I have been there.

  3. Hi Taylors!

    I’ve had the ultimate pleasure of taking classes up at the John C. Campbell Folk School! It’s wonderful to see the photos you’ve taken as it brings back wonderful memories! Enjoy and savor each and every moment. I know you’ll be pushing Eric to teach more classes at JCCFS so you can come back again and again and again.

    1. Thanks Cathy! I believe Eric will be coming again for 10 days in August of 2013. So no pushing him required.

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