Villages Folk School

06/05/2026

So you want to hang out and make cool art in a casual setting in Van Buren County? Here is your chance.
There are still openings for Jessica's "Rural Sketcher" class on Saturday June 20th.
Details and option to register online: https://villagesfolkschool.com/classes.html?class=107

05/28/2026

Soap Making Class - Saturday June 13th with Tonya from 9am to Noon.
Take the guess work out of your ingredient label by joining this class and making your own soap. While using high quality ingredients you will get to experience a hands-on experience of measuring, mixing, and curing your own soap.
Space is limited.
Students must register in advance. here:
https://villagesfolkschool.com/classes.html?class=56

05/27/2026

Basket Weaving Class - Saturday, June 13th with instructor Linda Chmelar. Students will be instructed on how to create this stunning Market Basket measuring 12" x 10" with 6" high walls. This beautiful basket gives a nod to nature with its contrasting smoked and natural reed.
Class fee is $99 and class runs from 9am to 4pm.
Class is held at the Stonehouse in Bentonsport, Iowa.
Students must register in advance since Linda travels from "The Basket Weaver Shop" in Dubuque to Van Buren County. Linda will have basket kits for sale.
Register Here: https://villagesfolkschool.com/classes.html?class=148
Class is limited to 10 students.

05/23/2026

A big thanks to all who came out last night and supported the folk school and enjoyed a fun night of bbq, live music and good friends at the Hotel.
VillagesFolkSchool.com

05/21/2026

Upcoming Classes:
June 6: Blacksmithing: Tong Making w/Mark Heisdorffer
June 13: Soap Making w/ Tonya Tedrow
June 13: Basket Weaving w/Linda Chmelar
June 13: Blacksmithing: Tool Making w/Mark Heisdorffer
June 20: Rural Sketchers: Outdoor Drawing/Painting Workshop w/Jessica Kirby
June 20: Spoon Carving for Beginners w/Doug Gatton *FULL*

Many of our classes have just one spot left, register soon if interested. View the Class Calendar with option to register online here:
https://villagesfolkschool.com/calendar.html

05/14/2026

Villages Folk School is proud to present the 2026 Art Scholarship to Van Buren County High School senior, Audrey Smith. This $1000 scholarship is part of the Folk School’s annual youth program and is funded by the William M. and Donna J. Hoaglin Foundation, Inc.
Audrey has shown outstanding artistic talent and dedication throughout all four years of high school. She earned numerous top honors at the Southeast Iowa Conference Art Shows and the Van Buren Student Art Shows. She contributed her design skills and painting ability to community murals and the elementary playground, and demonstrated leadership and professionalism through her work on the yearbook and most recently, as President of the Art Club.
Congrats to Audrey and all of the graduating seniors!!

05/07/2026

Plan to join us on Friday, May 22nd at 6pm for locally smoked pulled pork BBQ supper at the Hotel Manning back patio. Live music by Good Ol' House Band starts at 7pm.
Grab your friends and family and kick off Memorial Weekend in Style!
Any proceeds support the Villages Folk School, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

05/04/2026

Check out our Class Calendar at VillagesFolkSchool.com to view the upcoming classes, including Glass Blowing with Tim at Bloom and Bark Glass Blowing.

05/04/2026

Only one spot left in the June 6th Tong Making Blacksmithing class.
Click here to register: https://villagesfolkschool.com/classes.html?class=58
Three spots left in the June 13th Tool Making class.
https://villagesfolkschool.com/classes.html?class=14

05/03/2026