John C Campbell, the Year in Review

2011 at John C Campbell Folk School saw the success of longstanding annual traditions as well as several new events, such as the Culinary Collaboration dinner series. The June Gala and Benefit Auction raised roughly $20,000 and Fall Festival in October drew nearly 16,000 people. Many enjoyed the culinary expertise of our cooking instructors for the Springtime Folk School Feast and Harvest Feast.

Recently renovated Hill House provides five bedrooms with private bathrooms for students. Two new student houses have been added to the diverse collection of lodging options. The Cottage, a cozy 1940s home which is nestled beside Hubbell House, was purchased to provide two bedrooms with private bathrooms, a spacious living room, kitchen, and welcoming porch.  Historic Hill House is also now open for guests. After undergoing renovation as part of the Capital Campaign, the 1930s home with connections to the original Brasstown Carvers now provides five bedrooms with private bathrooms.

Some of the studios also benefited from improvements and additions in 2011. The outdoor brick oven outside the Cooking Studio was put to use in January just in time for Emily Buehler's Science of Bread class, followed by Patryk Battle's Artisan Bread Baking class. Much to the delight of  jewelry and metals students and instructors, fundraising in the Spring allowed the size of the Jewelry and Metals Studio to double.  The 528 square foot addition provides students with more work space and better storage areas.

The Forging the Future Capital Campaign has reached $1,600,000 of the $2,000,000 goal. The School would  like to thank everyone who has already contributed to this important Campaign that allows  further progress of the Environmental Sustainability Initiative, preservation of the historic buildings, building the Clay Spencer Blacksmith Shop and Field House, and strengthening the Folk School endowment.

To make a donation to help reach the Capital Campaign goal, contact Reed Caldwell, Development Manager, at reed@folkschool.org.