Spring is finally here, blanketing the Folk School campus with promises of growth for all. The tulips are waking up, the green grass is coloring the fields, and the garden is giving us an early glimpse of what will come–food for our dining hall tables, honey for the Craft Shop, and colors and textures for our many crafts. 

New growth is unfolding inside the studios, too. 

Since January, we’ve welcomed 1,118 students and instructors to campus, 36% of them experiencing the Folk School and their chosen crafts for the very first time. In February, we helped 38 emerging artists deepen their skills and practice during three two-week intensive mentorship classes across natural dyes and surface design, blacksmithing, and timber framing. In March, our annual Blacksmith Work Week attracted 18 volunteers who forged new wayfinding signs for campus and a variety of wares for our beloved community partner, the Texana Community Development Center, located in Murphy’s historic African American neighborhood. 

Much, much more will happen soon, thanks to support from donors like you. 

Our Log Cabin Museum renovations are moving along nicely, thanks to a partnership with our friends at Foxfire. A new garden pavilion will soon allow us to dry herbs and natural dye ingredients and wash and prepare vegetables for the Dining Hall. Registration will open soon for Little Middle, our annual week-long summer program that serves 225 school-aged kids and teens. In May, Friends & Family Day will attract close to 1,000 people from across the region for free, hands-on experiences in craft and community. 

Meanwhile, classes are as full and inspiring as ever. Every week I witness growth, whether at Sunday night supper, or during studio hours, or in evening activities like carving night, craft demonstrations, and concerts and dances. I love hearing students and instructors recount their experiences and share their creative work at Closing Ceremony. 

For many, the Folk School journey and the growth that comes from fully engaging our hands, voices, and hearts simply would not happen without your financial support. 

This year we’re setting a $65,000 goal for our spring appeal, and you can direct that giving for our fundamental work or for a particular studio or need, based on your interests. Please visit folkschool.org/giving to make your gift. 

When you give, consider telling us how you’ve grown at the Folk School. I look forward to hearing your stories and I hope to see you back on campus soon.

Sincerely,