In the spirit of gratitude that permeates this time of year, I’ve been looking back at all the wonderful learning opportunities I’ve enjoyed at the John C Campbell Folk School. I recently returned from a six-week Work Study Program so the experience is fresh in my mind.
“The Kaleidoscope… is an instrument for creating and exhibiting an infinite variety of beautiful forms… to please the eye by an ever-varying succession of splendid tints and symmetrical forms” wrote Sir David Brewster about his marvelous invention.
A cardboard box full of old enameling supplies, spotted at a thrift sale and bought for a song, was the impetus for my most recent maker experience. And what a fun, freewheeling experience it was!
Woodturners love to joke about making shavings—as if the objective of turning wood is to slice off thin slivers of wood rather than to create beautiful objects. The shavings are the means to the end… not the end. But having just tried woodturning for myself, I understand the appeal—a well-executed cut can send wood shavings flying!
Over half the students introduced themselves with doubts over their ability to make the charming needle felted characters on display. Yet, everyone completed multiple projects and left the class grinning like, well, a bunch of silly pumpkins!
In August 1926, Olive D. Campbell, co-founder of the John C Campbell Folk School, wrote “If you could see our neighbors busily at work about the place, you would understand how we have become so soon well acquainted. …They…have gathered with us…on the porch…to hear what some passing guest could tell us; to discuss…our first co-operative association; to make plans for a community fair this fall…”.
