The Experience

Spark Self-Discovery

Adults from all over the United States and across the world come to the Folk School, amazed by the natural beauty and remote, peaceful setting of our campus. Spanning 270 acres and tucked into the mountains of Western North Carolina, the Folk School offers over 800 classes year-round in areas such as blacksmithing, pottery, woodworking, jewelry making, music, dance, cooking, weaving, writing, and photography.

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Explore Our Campus

The Folk School’s peaceful environment and picturesque landscape provides inspiration for all our visitors, whether they’re taking a class or stopping by for the day. Explore our campus by meandering through the woods on winding bark-chipped paths, walking alongside scenic pastures, or taking a stroll along Little Brasstown Creek. Guests are welcome to tour our studios and observe classes, where people just like you are creating and discovering in the heart of Appalachia.

Campus Master Plan

In 2019 WLA Studio helped the Folk School develop a conceptual plan for the future development of our campus.

View Campus Master Plan

Visit The Craft Shop

Our Craft Shop is open to visitors seven days a week. A founding member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, the Craft Shop sells the highest quality handcrafted items, representing the juried work of over 300 local and regional artists. We also invite you to take a journey through time in the History Center, where you can learn more about the Folk School’s fascinating story and view works by legendary and contemporary artisans.

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Experiences in Learning

The Folk School’s immersive and non-competitive environment is perfect for exploring your creativity or building confidence in your craft. Our small-sized classes are taught by expert instructors who make you feel at ease right away, guiding students with joy and understanding. Most of our sessions begin on Sunday and run through the following Saturday. Classes run for six hours a day—but don’t be surprised if you find yourself staying late or coming back to your studio in the evenings!

A Typical Week or Weekend

Various activities: spinning wheel, pottery, broom making, playing banjo, and preparing strawberries. Folk school North Carolina.

Getting Here

The John C. Campbell Folk is located in Brasstown, in the southwest corner of North Carolina, between Murphy and Hayesville. The Folk School’s Main Office is located in Keith House at 4590 Brasstown Road, Brasstown, NC 28902.

The Folk School can arrange pick-up and drop-off transportation from the Atlanta Airport through our contracted shuttle service. Shuttle service registrations can be made at least one week before arrival by calling Registration at 828-837-2775 option 1.

Shuttle Fees & Schedule

A Rich History

During your visit, you’ll also discover the rich heritage that has made the Folk School a historical landmark. Our founders were inspired by the 19^th century Danish folk school model, an influence that can still be seen in our approach today. As an almost hundred-year-old institution, we continue to examine how our present is defined by our past and emphasize the importance of non-competitive craft education across generations.

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You can find more information about the many aspects that make up the Folk School Experience using the menu below.