John C. Campbell Folk School

[BobD]

Hey everyone,
We're doing an article on the school and it's carving tradition. Has anyone taken any classes there?

Thanks,
Bob

[jimb]

Hi Bob

I am glad to hear that you are doing an article on Campbell- it is a great place, not only for the classes that are held there, but also the atmosphere of the school itself. There is no stresses put on the students, and everyone is especially friendly and helpful.

I taught there for about eight years, (up till this year) on Woodspirits, and enjoyed it thoroughly.

I have taken classes from John Burke, Helen Gibson, Gary Falin, and Terry Phillips. It is only about 8 miles from home, so I get there every chance I get.

Give me an e-mail if you need any contacts, I will try to help if possible.

My e-mail is jimni@dnet.net

Jim Barton

[rick-in-seattle]

Eight miles from home!!! Jim, you are a lucky man.

I fly 2600 miles to take classes (vacations) there.
I have been there three times so far, but would go every year if I could.

Even though I really enjoy the classes, I am a terrible student; I never carve the class project.
The instructors quickly realize I am simply on vacation; I carve for a bit and then get up and go on an Austrailian walkabout. I end up in the woodshop or the painting class.

Once I spent the entire afternoon talking to a local Gentleman who was making Buckeye cutouts for the woodcarvers to purchase.

My favorite time to attend is during the Fall Festival in October. You need to wear a hard-hat because the Squirrels will drop nuts on your head; but other than that it's perfect.

I was there in June and the lighting storms and fire flys were incredible.

One year I took my 73 year old Mother for a week; she cried when we had to leave; I understood completely, it is like a big family of kindred spirts.

Clay's corner on Friday night is something to experience also; get yourself an ice cream cone, sit outside on a bench and watch the locals gather for some pickin-an-a-grinnin.

Here in Seattle, we have "swap meets" at outdoor theaters. In North Carolina, the swap meets are like little towns; covering several acres.

The first time I visited Brasstown, I stayed in "Keith House", every morning I awoke to the smell of brewing coffee. Perfect.

[Jerry_K]

I took a class there a year ago August. I took one of the weekend classes. I agree with Rick the atmosphere is wonderful. I took a class from Larry Rogers - carving a baby bust. It was a great learning experience for me. The surroundings are beautiful. I live about two and a half hours from the school.

[Mitchell]

The school is not too far from me also.....but I have never been. Know lots of people that have gone (and teach there for that matter), but cannot seem to arrange some time there. The wife and I have talked about spending a week in a class, but I don't have the vacation available to make it work - just yet.

To keep this on topic... Bob, I think the school would be an excellent source for an article - or two. They provide an excellent range of subjects on carving and craftsanship in general. I look forward to the article.

[rick-in-seattle]

Bob,
Doing an article on the John C. Campbell folk school is a great idea, but if I may make a suggestion;

Why not do a comprehensive article about all the folk schools in the U.S.?
Possibly keeping Brasstown as the focus of the article; after all, it is the oldest.

It was just such an article that first introduced me to folk schools in the early 1990s.

I have never researched the subject, but there are at least four that I know of.
I do believe J.C. is the most diversified.

Either way, I look forward to seeing the article.

[BobD]

Rick,

There are a couple more on my list...and I'm making plans to do something on all of them!

I spent about 1.5 hours on the phone with the school's director, Jan Davidson. He wants me to come down and take a class...I'm going to try to find time to do that!

Everyone,
By the way, is it OK to offer a few of everyone's quotes in the article?

Thanks!!!!

Bob

[wbeery]

Took a week class back in December; it was a great experience! Tom Wolfe was the instructor. Very laid back with no pressure to produce anything. Very good instructor - student ratio. They limited the class to 12 people with Tom as the instructor plus another instructor was his assistant. Will go again next year if my wallet stretches that far.
Jan D. is a great person and I personally feel the school doesn't get enough publicity. Hope you do the article.

[BobD]

The article is almost done now...just wanted to get some carver's comments. If you don't mind being quoted, send me a PM!!!


Thanks again,

Bob

[wbeery]

Don't mind being quoted, happy to do anything to help the school. I have a couple of neat photos I took last December that I could send via E mail if you want.
You could try contacting Bob Crisp who lives in Murphy, N.C. He was Tom Wolfe's assistant and very much up to date on J. C. Campbells activities. Murphy is only 8 miles from the school.. Bob is a very good carver. He works at Fox Fire Realty (828) 837-6677