Remember looking into a kaleidoscope for the first time and having the sense of discovery and wonder of seeing a new world? Here’s your chance to satisfy your curiosity and learn all about kaleidoscope construction.
Kaleidoscopes Classes
Explore The Studio
D.X. Ross Jewelry & Metals Studio
This rustic building, built of locally-grown pine in the early 1970s and located in Studio Row, is well-equipped for jewelry making. It has been modernized and expanded in recent years, and contains saw frames, mandrels of all sorts, hammers, anvils, burnishers, rockers, pushers, scapers, vice grips, crucible, drill bits, engraver, dapping blocks, clamps, punches, awls, flat rolling mill, hydraulic press, drill press, bench grinder, belt sander and more. Cold glass classes such as stained glass and kaleidoscope making are also held here, as are our metalworking classes.
News & Stories: What's Happening in Kaleidoscopes
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August 26, 2024
The Folk School community lost a bright light with the recent passing of David Baker. David was a longtime Brasstown resident, Folk School instructor in kaleidoscopes, glass, and quilting, curious student, and massage therapist, and he was so much more to many at the Folk School. David Baker lit up any room with creative energy and joy. You might have seen him in a pink Easter bunny outfit in the spring, dressed as the spirit of fall at Fall Festival, or, on a more casual day, gliding around the Dining Hall in a flouncy, fluorescent tutu. In the spirit of the Folk School, he reminded us to embrace our inner child, to play, to laugh, to create, to experiment and to love each other and ourselves.
We are republishing this interview with David from our archives not only to remember David and his journey. but to carry on the legacy of his philosophy about love, life, and the freedom to be yourself.
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July 23, 2024
Browse our 2025 classes digitally...
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June 28, 2024
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March 5, 2024
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November 9, 2023
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July 24, 2023
Browse our August 2023–June 2024...
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March 10, 2023
Dezzy, in the middle, and...
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February 14, 2023
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August 29, 2022
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July 25, 2022
Building on your feedback, we're...
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July 22, 2022
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August 18, 2016
Earlier this month, I had the chance to take a class on kaleidoscopes with longtime Folk School instructor Scott Cole
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March 23, 2012
Resident Artist in Jewelry, Metalwork, Stained Glass, and Kaleidoscopes
Barbara Joiner
Barbara has taught clay and jewelry classes for over 25 years. She studied clay at the University of Illinois, silversmithing at Indiana University, and she has an MFA degree from Southern Illinois University. Barbara’s work is in many collections, including the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, and has won numerous awards throughout the U.S. She is a member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild.
Studio Assistant in Stained Glass & Kaleidoscopes
Sheryl Koch
Sheryl has been working in stained glass since 1973, has been a full-time glass and kaleidoscope artist since 1980, and is now Studio Assistant for the Folk School’s glass program. Her work is featured nationally and internationally in galleries, museums, and kaleidoscope books. Sheryl is well known for her brass turning-wheel kaleidoscopes. She also does commissioned stained glass for individuals, as well as church windows. Born and raised in the Southwest, she moved to Brasstown in 2004, where she continues her work of many colors, which has expanded into enameling. She loves the many facets that enameling offers.
Interested in Attending?
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Housing & Meals
There’s nothing like staying on campus to fully immerse yourself in the Folk’s School experience.
A Typical Week or Weekend
A quick glance of what you can expect when you take a class as the Folk School.
General Information & Policies
Find our policies and procedures along with answers to commonly asked questions.