Near Brasstown in Clay County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
John C. Campbell Folk School
Founded in 1925, the John C. Campbell Folk School’s mission is “to provide experiences in non-competitive learning and community life that are joyful and enlivening”. Wanting to improve the quality of life in rural communities, the founders visited several folkehojskoler—Danish “schools for folks”—and followed their model: community living, small group learning, singing, dancing, and closeness to the land. Today, people come here to immerse themselves in classes in craft and art, music, dance, cooking, gardening and writing.
Please explore the campus—you can get a map at the Craft Shop and Keith House. Head out on the walking trails and visit studios where folks like you are making things. Wander to the Rivercane Walk and the Medicine Wheel, where artworks evoke the seven Cherokee clans. Enjoy the weekly concerts and join in the community dances—it will keep alive traditional music and dance and put a smile on your face.
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The Folk School’s lush landscape inspires all who some here.
D uring the summer months, students and visitors enjoy Friday night concerts in the Festival Barn.
Hands-on learning in a woodcarving class.
The ancient craft of blacksmithing is taught in the modern Clay Spencer Blacksmith Shop.
Oscar Cantrell, the school’s first resident blacksmith, prepares the fields, with the assistance of two horses pulling a harrow (circa 1930).
Erected by John C. Campbell Folk School.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1925.
Location. 35° 2.332′ N, 83° 57.758′ W. Marker is near Brasstown, North Carolina, in Clay County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Brasstown Road (County Highway 1564) and Harshaw Road (County Highway 1558), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Folk School Rd, Brasstown NC 28902, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. A different marker also named John C. Campbell Folk School (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Trail of Tears (approx. 1.7 miles away); a different marker also named Trail of Tears (approx. 1.8 miles away); Harshaw Chapel and Cemetery (approx. 5.1 miles away); Prison Cell Door (approx. 5.2 miles away); Cherokee Heritage Trails (approx. 5.2 miles away); Nuya Saligugi (approx. 5.2 miles away); Water Powered 500 Pound Hammer (approx. 5.2 miles away).
Also see . . . John C. Campbell Folk School - A Unique History. (Submitted on September 15, 2020, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee.)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 17, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 15, 2020, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 134 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 15, 2020, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.