JOHN C. CAMPBELL FOLK SCHOOL
Founded in 1925, the John C. Campbell Folk School is a hive of artistic activity all year long. Craftsmen, writers, musicians, cooks and storytellers are just a few of the artisans that are part of the Folk School. They go there to learn, share and carry on the Appalachian traditions that have been passed down through the years. The School offers more than 800 courses of study, taught by expert instructors and resident artists.
The Campbell Folk School was established by Olive Dame and her husband, John Campbell, along with Olive’s friend Marguerite Butler. After visiting Denmark in 1909 and observing their long-running folk schools and others in Europe, the Campbells returned to America and dreamed of opening a school in the rural Appalachians to improve the quality of life and education of the people. They also wanted to share with the rest of the world the wonderful crafts, techniques and tools that the mountain people used every day. Mr. Campbell died in 1919, but the ladies continued the dream. They searched and searched to find a community that would not only welcome a school but would collaborate with them to make it a success. They found Brasstown, NC, was that special place. The Folk School has always been non-competitive. There are no grades or credits given. Discussion and conversation, rather than reading and writing, are emphasized. Instruction is hands-on. The system brings out the best in people.
Today, the classes are designed not only for local residents, but also for vacationers. If you would like to try something different and have a vacation filled with art, craft, culture, history and fun—you might want to look into taking some classes at the Folk School. You will not only get inspiration and renewal, you will learn a new skill. A typical week at the school involves classes in the mornings and afternoons, 3 communal meals a day, lodging, and evenings filled with music, stories, dancing and demonstrations. At week’s end there is a Student Exhibition where everyone displays his week’s experience. A friend of mine went to the Folk School for a week and with everything included (food, lodging, classes and supplies) the cost was around $1,000. If you can’t come for a whole week, the school offers weekend sessions 13 times a year. You can pick up a catalog at the school, at the Blue Ridge Chamber of Commerce or send for one.
The 370+ acre campus is set in an enchanted valley near Brasstown, NC, amongst the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Campbell Folk School has expanded over the years to include a History Center, Craft Shop, Mill 
House, and separate facilities to house studios for blacksmithing, music, cooking, enameling, painting, clay, jewelry, woodcarving & woodturning, photography & writing, Herb Gardens, the Festival Barn, and the Fiber Arts/Quilting & Weaving Building. There is a trail system that winds through the campus, along streams and through the woods.
The Campbell School is eager to offer visitors in the area a chance to experience the local history, art and natural beauty of the Appalachians. Rand McNally named it as one of the Top 30 US destinations for road trippers. You can visit studios where people just like you are creating their own masterpieces. You can join the students for coffee in the Keith House, walk the trails, browse in the Craft Shop and journey through time at the History Center. If you get there around 7:45AM you can take part in Morningsong, a Danish custom of music, singing and storytelling. Campus maps are available at the Keith House and the Craft Shop.
On most Friday nights the School also offers free concerts by some of the region’s finest talent, performing old-time bluegrass, gospel and Celtic music. Community dances are usually held every other Saturday evening. If you enjoy contra or square dancing, just check out the schedule at www.folkschool.org or call 1-800-365-5722.
Campbell Folk School is located in the far western part of North Carolina, just north of the Georgia state line, 7 miles east of Murphy, off US 64. It is a 2 hour drive from Atlanta or Chattanooga.