In the 1970's, my brother, David, taught leather craft at John C Campbell Folk School in Western North Carolina. After reminiscing about this, I thought I would tell you a bit about this magical place.
The John C. Campbell Folk School is a unique educational institution located in the mountains of western North Carolina. It's dedicated to preserving and teaching traditional crafts, art, music, and dance. Unlike a typical school, it has no grades, no credits, and no competition. Instead, it focuses on community, hands-on learning, and sparking self-discovery.
The Folk School Philosophy: "I Sing Behind the Plow"
The John C. Campbell Folk School was founded in 1925 by Olive Dame Campbell and Marguerite Butler. Olive's husband, John C. Campbell, was an educator who, with her, had traveled the Southern Appalachians documenting mountain life. He believed in improving quality of life through education, and after he passed away, Olive traveled to Scandinavia to study the Danish folk high school model. This concept, known as *folkehøjskole*, emphasizes lifelong learning and communal living. Olive brought this non-competitive, experiential approach back to Brasstown, North Carolina, and dedicated the school to her late husband.
The school's motto, "I sing behind the plow," reflects its early focus on agriculture and the idea that all of life's work, including farming, has educational value. While its emphasis has shifted from agriculture to crafts over the years, the core philosophy remains—learning through doing and living together as a community.
A Campus of Creativity
The school's campus, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a destination in itself. It spans 270 acres and features a collection of historic buildings, studios, and natural spaces. You can wander through winding paths, stroll along Little Brasstown Creek, or explore the studios where students are actively creating.
The campus also features a **Craft Shop** that sells juried work from over 300 regional artists, and a **History Center** that chronicles the school's story and its role in Appalachian history.
A World of Hands-On Learning
The Folk School offers hundreds of weeklong and weekend classes throughout the year for adults of all skill levels. The curriculum is vast and covers over 50 subject areas, from traditional Appalachian crafts to contemporary art forms. A core tenet of the school's philosophy is that you don't need to be an expert to learn; the focus is on the journey of creation and the joy of discovery.
Classes include:
Metalwork & Blacksmithing: Learn to forge, weld, and shape metal into functional or decorative art.
Fiber Arts: Dive into weaving, quilting, spinning, and dyeing.
Woodworking: Craft everything from fine furniture to whimsical wood carvings, including the famous Brasstown Carvers tradition.
Music & Dance: Participate in old-time music jams, learn to play traditional instruments like the dulcimer, or join a lively square or contra dance.
Other Crafts: Explore subjects like pottery, cooking, book and paper arts, photography, and writing.
The school also offers specialized programs like the Student Host and Work Study programs, which allow participants to immerse themselves in the campus community while volunteering.
A Community That Sparkles
The John C. Campbell Folk School is more than just a place to take a class; it's an immersive community experience. Students and instructors live and eat together on campus, sharing meals and conversation. The non-competitive atmosphere fosters connection and encourages students to support and learn from each other.
This community spirit extends beyond the classroom with daily "Morningsong" sessions and weekly contra and square dances that are open to the public. These events, along with a shared love for creating, build a sense of belonging that many students describe as "magical" and life-changing.
Marc Staples
Lago Luna Metal Art Studio and Gallery