Campbell Folk School

Don by the lake · #1 10-01-2007, 08:30 PM

I just got the catalog for the John C Campbell Folk School the other day and was really impressed by what they offer. My wife and I are thinking about going for a week next year. Has anyone been there and if so do you have any comments or suggestions about when is a good time to go? Was it a good time and worth the trip?

Woodshaper · #2 10-02-2007, 07:50 AM

I attended a weekend carving class in July of last year that was taught by Jim Wilsford. I was not really interested in carving at the time but my wife wanted to take a basket making class and the carving class seemed a good fit for me since I was a long time woodworker.
I really enjoyed the carving class and have been an avid carver since. Jim Wilsford was a good teacher and used every minute available. I took the weekend class but many of the classes are longer.

Rufus

BobD · #3 10-02-2007, 08:30 AM

I spent a lot of time reasarching the school before writing an article on it a few years ago. I'd love to go there!

I know Rick Ferry has gone several times and loved it!

Bob

Anthony Filetti · #4 10-02-2007, 09:01 AM

Don,
You know how I feel about it...I took a Gary Falin class there about 3 years ago and it was fantastic!!

bbeery · #5 10-02-2007, 12:48 PM

I have attended the last three years in December when Tom Wolfe teaches a week session. The school is really worth every penny. In December they have great entertainment in the morning before classes begin and again every evening after supper. Many folk art classes going on at the same time. If you're going to camp, write me a private note and I'll give you some pointers. Usually about 6 to 10 students in a class and the facilities for the carving group is very good.

GeorgiaCarver · #6 10-02-2007, 06:33 PM

I have visited there a couple times but have not taken classes. I would recommend it! It is set in a beautiful area of the country.

Greg

banjoman · #7 10-04-2007, 01:58 PM

Wow! I can tell you I have attended classes there 4 times, and each time I LOVED it !!!!! My wife takes a variety of classes (over 400 classes per year offered), but I always look for the carving class that fits me best. We have taken the weekend and week-long classes. All seemed excellent. I have really learned alot there, I recommend it highly.
the school itself is a treasure, nestled in the Carolina mountains; it is spread across many acres of wooded and grassy farmland. Plus, the food is terrific! Man! Just writing about it makes me want to go again soon! We have only gone there in late Summer or Fall, and it is just beautiful!
ch

Whimsy_Carver · #8 12-24-2007, 07:36 PM

I have taken 5 carving courses at Campbell and would go back tomorrow. They have the best instructors of any school I have heard of. Ron Ransom, Tom Wolfe and others have helped me so much. The school's accomodations, great healthy food, friendly staff and general environment to me is heaven on earth. I will try to go back once a year. The wife is a stained glass artist after a couple of classes. I am in awe over what she can do...she's a real cut up.

Dan C · #9 07-20-2008, 09:28 PM

Just got back from John Campbell about 10 days ago. This was my third time - once a year for the last 3 years. This year I took a caricature carving class from Gary Falin. My son and my son-in-law took the class with me. Can't say enough good things about the school. The class with Gary was excellent! The carving classes - all 3 years - were excellent. I would highly recommend the school. Plan to go again next year.

Dan C.

banjoman · #10 07-21-2008, 08:22 AM

Awww! I want to go again!
I have read the catalog over and over again this week, looking for the 'right' class for me this summer..... I carve mostly faces and wizards, but I think that I should expand into birds and fish.....

Plus, it's cool up in the mountains in August!

I learned how to carve faces at the school, and launched a web site to show others how to do the same. I have gotten so good at this, that I can carve a nifty little wood spirit in under an hour.....!!!! At $35 each, one can earn a good living in a week!

I show carvers how to do this, through tips and videos....it's fun! and the best part is that ANYONE can do this in an hour!

John Campbell is a great school.....lots to learn there.
oh, that web address for the free tips is CARVING TRICKS | Wood Carving Tips | Free Wood Carving tips
banjoman