Community Workshop Days

Join us on September 12, 2026, on the Folk School campus for creativity and connection during Olive’s Porch Community Workshop Days!

These events provide access to specialized studios and equipment for local crafters and curious creatives alike. To ensure accessibility, we’ve implemented a sliding fee scale, making this opportunity available to everyone in our local community.

Participants can enjoy a 6-hour studio experience to explore their craft, learn new techniques, or simply connect with others who share their passion. We’ll enjoy a delicious lunch of sandwiches and sides to celebrate our time together!

Curious how kaleidoscopes come to life? Spend a creative day learning the essentials of making kaleidoscopes, no experience needed. You’ll explore mirrors, color, and pattern while building a scope from start to finish. Along the way, you’ll gain hands-on skills and a deeper appreciation for light and reflection. You’ll leave with a kaleidoscope that is uniquely yours and the joy of having made it yourself.

One Day, Infinite Wonder: Build Your Own Kaleidoscope
Instructor: TBD

Learn to turn a bowl on the lathe! We’ll discuss lathe safety, wood orientation, which tools will get the results you want and how to use them, along with finishing techniques. This is a foundations workshop geared toward novice turners, however those with experience can explore and “sharpen” their techniques.

Woodturning: Delightful Bowls
Instructor: Scarlette Rouse

Collaborate with nature by gathering plants and natural materials from campus. Choosing our subject from gathered plants we will explore drawing approaches, getting to know our subject. The principals from our drawing exercises (shape, value, edges) will inform our paint applications. We will work with nontoxic drawing mediums and acrylic paint to bring our drawings to life.

Drawing & Painting from Natures Wonders
Instructor: Pam Beagle-Daresta

Explore the woodcarving traditions of The Brasstown Carvers. Subject is carver’s choice based on carving experience. Carve animals or angel or Santa ornaments, practicing knife work to better grasp the intricacies of forms, tools, and techniques. Along with technical instruction in three-dimensional and relief carving, Helen will share her experiences growing up and developing as an artist within the carving community, sharing a unique oral history that explores the aesthetic and background of this tradition.

Brasstown Carving: A Day for Details
Instructor: Helen Gibson

Discover the historical craft of hand carding and spinning on a spinning wheel. Beginning spinsters will strive to “get the feel” for the simple act of creating yarn. Those with some prior experience will work to improve their techniques. Discuss many topics, including sheep and wool, raw wool preparation, washing raw wool, hand carding and spinning basics, and the all-important question, on what part of the wheel did sleeping beauty prick her finger? The adventure includes spinning on a point spindle/wheel. Students are encouraged to bring their own wheel in working order or for a tune up. The Folkschool has all tools and equipment necessary for student use including spinning wheels, hand carders, and oil.

Beginning Spinning: Spindle and Wheel
Instructor: Jason Ebinger & Martha Owen

Introducing a Sliding Fee Scale:

There are three different fees for each workshop. Pick the price that best fits your budget. Standard Rate, Sponsorship Rate, or Scholarship Rate.

Standard Rate ($125): Participate at regular price.

Sponsorship Rate ($175): Give the gift of craft and help cover the cost for someone else to be in class.

Scholarship Rate ($75): Select this rate if you are unable to attend at the standard tuition rate. This tuition is half of the standard rate and is supported by our sponsorship rate registrations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this event priced with a sliding scale and priced above traditional Olive’s Porch programming?

We have heard from our community that they would love to learn a craft that we don’t have the facilities or equipment for at Olive’s Porch or that they would love to be on campus and are unable to attend a full weekend class. The sliding fee scale is also built for accessibility.

What ages are welcome to participate?

Those aged 18 & up are welcome to participate in Community Workshop Days.

Where do I park?

The gravel lot outside of the Keith House loop on campus.

Where do I check in on the day of the event?

After parking in the gravel lot outside of the Keith House proceed to the red tent with the Olive’s Porch Logo to check in. From there you will head to your assigned studio and can move to park closer to the studio.

How do Materials fees work?

Materials fees are a separate charge, specific to each workshop or studio. They will be paid upon check-in on the day of the event. Cash, check, or card will be accepted as forms of payment. Materials fees are listed in the workshop description.

What’s for lunch?

Our wonderful Executive Chef Terra Ciotta and the Dining Hall staff will be preparing a delicious lunch of sandwiches and sides to celebrate our time together! Held at the pavilion next to Davidson Hall and across from the Craft Shop parking lot.

Lunch is at 12:15 p.m. located next to Davidson Hall around the wood-fired pizza oven. Lunch is covered in the price of your tuition.

About Olive's Porch

Olive’s Porch is an extension of the Folk School in downtown Murphy. The location at 27 Peachtree Street features classroom space, a retail shop showcasing the work of Appalachian artists and providing high quality art supplies. Named after the Folk School’s co-founder Olive Dame Campbell, Olive’s Porch offers Community Workshops focused on traditional Appalachian crafts, music, dance, and community events and demonstrations designed for locals and visitors.

For any questions please contact Olive’s Porch at 828-837-1885 or visit olivesporch.org