Folk School Celebrates
Landmark 90th Anniversary

As summer blends seamlessly into fall, the John C. Campbell Folk School heralds its own memorable season. In 2015, this Brasstown, North Carolina fine craft and Appalachian culture school marks its 90th anniversary with a year long celebration. Each year, the Folk School welcomes approximately 6,000 students to its scenic campus tucked into the North Carolina mountains. During each weeklong or weekend session, over 100 students enjoy a rich, non-competitive learning experience.

Hailing from around the United States as well as Canada and the United Kingdom, students come to discover a new craft, music, dance, or cooking style in a peaceful mountain setting. They stay in comfortable lodgings and enjoy hearty family-style meals featuring local meats and produce. They also receive exposure to the region's culture.

Each morning, students gather for energizing "Morningsong" before walking tree-lined paths to 16 modern, well-equipped studios. Inside, accomplished instructors host classes in over 50 different subjects. Students immerse themselves in blacksmithing, cooking, fiber arts, jewelry making, music, woodturning, and woodworking, among others.

As each session winds down, the Folk School celebrates everyone's experiences with a much-anticipated student exhibition. Departing students often express joy at discovering (or rediscovering) their creative side. For some, their Folk School "learning vacation" opens the door for a new passion – or even a new career. Many students say their time at the Folk School is about much more than just learning a new skill. Ruth Fuller of Charlotte, NC, who attended the school earlier this year, says "Being here was not only a great learning experience, it was also a rediscovery of parts of me that have waited patiently for now."

This treasured tradition of learning began in 1925. After New Englanders John and Olive Dame Campbell extensively researched Appalachian culture, they felt called to preserve the region's distinctive crafts and customs. Following John's death, Olive committed to continue the couple's mission. With her friend Marguerite Butler, she toured rural European folk schools, gaining special inspiration from Danish "schools for life." Upon their return, the women collaborated with the local community to bring the Folk School vision to life.

Today, this nationally acclaimed cultural institution has been recognized in numerous travel-related publications. The Rand McNally "Best of the Road" collection, and Pam Grout's National Geographic Book "100 Best Vacations to Enrich Your Life," give the School an ever-widening circle of appeal. The Folk School is also a Blue Ridge National Heritage Area member. The School's 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization status provides diverse opportunities for individual and corporate support.

The Folk School has also embraced Olive Dame Campbell's fondness for community partnerships. Each year, the School hosts its much-anticipated Fall Festival, celebrating the region's rich cultural heritage during a golden October weekend. Throughout the year, the School offers a free concert series, showcasing diverse regional performing artists. It also hosts frequent community dances, featuring contra and square dancing to live music.

Folks are encouraged to join in the school's 90th' year celebration by attending a Folk School class, a concert, or an event. Visitors are always welcome to stop by and take a self-guided tour of the campus (maps are available in the Craft Shop) as well as visit the studios to see what students are making.

Visit the Folk School's web site to learn more about John C. Campbell Folk School, and view their extensive list of available classes.