By Robert Grand, Contributing Writer
Brasstown – Hundreds of adults and children were on hand for John C. Campbell Folk School’s Friends & Family Day on Saturday to enjoy a free, fun-filled day of hands-on crafting, demonstrations, music and dance activities.
Smiles abound as folks of all ages sewed quilt squares, made pinch pots and animal sculptures out of clay, decorated cookies, built bee houses, painted with watercolors, potted up pollinator plants, made textured and enameled pendants and key chains. Performers including the Mountain Area Storytellers, Junior Appalachian Musicians, Julie Nelms & Sonny Reighard, Folk School Cloggers, Rapper Magic Sword Dancers.
The Stix-in-the-Mud-Border-Morris team entertained crowds while they savored local food from Hansen’s Tasty Tacos, Smoky Mountain BBQ Co., Frank’s Hot Dogs, Heyman Kettle Corn and Black Stag Coffee.
“It was so exciting to see folks of all ages trying their hand at traditional and contemporary craft, many for the very first time.” said Morgan Budzinski, the folk school’s events and volunteers manager. “We’re proud to offer this free community event where folks from all ages and backgrounds, especially those unfamiliar with our classes and studios, can experience the magic of the folk school.”
In addition to everyone who joined us for a spectacular day, organizers want to thank the hard-working volunteers and demonstrators, artists who donated to the Craft Shop raffle, folk school staff, local food vendors, Clay County Fire & Rescue and the music, dance and storytelling performers.
For details, visit folkschool.org.
The writer is communications and brand manager at John C. Campbell Folk School.