One of the many joys of the John C Campbell Folk School is discovering the beautiful functional and decorative objects scattered around the campus.  Many of these items were made and/or donated by previous students and instructors.  Just walking around the property reveals a series of delightful surprises.  This sweet, rustic birdhouse hangs outside Keith House.
Sweet Rustic Birdhouse at John C Campbell Folk School.   @FanningSparksThis clever bench, located outside the Craft Shop, is similar to the one I used to stage my new basket in my previous post, Weave a Market Basket.
Metal and Stone Bench at John C Campbell Folk School.   @FanningSparks

Rivercane Walk, part of Little Brasstown Creek Park, is a lovely walking trail around the juncture of Little Brasstown Creek and Brasstown Creek. The Walk pays homage to the Cherokee heritage of the area with thoughtful artist pieces placed along the trail.  Here the forged mild steel piece, called Rivercane Rendezvous, by Rich Gardner and Seth Gaddis blends in perfectly with the surrounding rivercane foliage.
Rivercane Rendezvous Sculpture at John C Campbell Folk School.   @FanningSparks
Here are three of the Cherokee Clan Masks from the Seven Clans piece carved by Davy Arch.
Cherokee Clan Masks at John C Campbell Folk School.   @FanningSparksThere is an abundance of interesting metalwork around campus.  This beautiful metal gate from the Garden area has made its way into every one of my Folk School posts thus far.
Pastoral View from the Gardens at John C Campbell Folk School. @FanningSparksHere’s my favorite door handle found on the Big Barn.  Isn’t that ram’s head amazing?
Ram's Head Door Handle at John C Campbell Folk School.   @FanningSparksThis fun cat sculpture, made from recycled metal parts, is nestled in the garden in front of Keith House.
Metal Cat Sculpture at John C Campbell Folk School.   @FanningSparksThis striking rooster sculpture soars above the Vegetable Garden.
Metal Rooster Sculpture at John C Campbell Folk School.   @FanningSparksAnd here’s the real thing, also found in the Vegetable Garden area.  Isn’t he handsome?
Handsome Rooster at John C Campbell Folk School.   @FanningSparksStudio entrances have their own unique personalities.  Here’s an interesting outdoor weaving displayed at the Fiber Arts Studio.
Outdoor Weaving at Fiber Arts Studio at John C Campbell Folk School.   @FanningSparksThe entrance to the Woodcarving Studio is graced with the carving of a whale.
Entrance to Woodcarving Studio at John C Campbell Folk School.   @FanningSparksNot to be outdone, the Maintenance and Housekeeping department has their own unique Studio sign.
Maintenance Studio Sign at John C Campbell Folk School.   @FanningSparks

This is just a small sampling of the artistic details found outdoors around the John C Campbell Folk School campus.  There are many more delightful surprises especially inside the various studios and facilities.

More Info

If you missed my post on First Impressions as a Work Study Student, check it out to learn about the John C Campbell Folk School and my participation in the Work Study Program. Here’s the link to my previous post about the Weave a Market Basket class.

You can also learn more about the John C Campbell Folk School on their website where you’ll also find the Rivercane Walk on the Nature Trails Map.

Today’s Takeaways

1. Explore opportunities to incorporate artistic details into your outdoor environment.
2. Consider replacing standard-issue functional items, such as door handles, signs and benches, with hand-crafted items.
3. Incorporate an element of surprise into your surroundings to add interest and delight.
Peg - FanningSparks Author


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