On the first weekend in October, John C. Campbell Folk School hosts its 50th annual Fall Festival, an event that draws thousands of visitors each year to the historic campus during early autumn days. The festival takes place Saturday, October 3, and Sunday, October 4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, and features more than 230 craft vendors, 27 food vendors and nearly 75 makers demonstrating traditional and contemporary crafts. Music and dance performances round out the festivities.
Artist Jada Patterson
Potters Karen and Brant Barnes began showing their work at the festival more than 20 years ago. Their daughter Zan grew up in their Dillsboro studio and has an MFA in Ceramics. “John C. Campbell is such a special spot, so beautiful and friendly and full of creative energy,” Karen says. “I can’t imagine a sweeter place to be! We love being a part of celebrating our region’s history and culture, and all three of us are teaching here now, helping carry on those traditions.”
Karen and Brant make their demonstration a day-long affair. “Brant goes down in the morning and demonstrates wheel-throwing by making a big whiskey jug,” she says. “In the afternoon after the jug has firmed up, I go down and put a face on it, with the audience helping decide what features and expressions to use. When our face jug is finished and fired, we donate it to the school’s fundraising auction each year.”
Brant’s roots in Western North Carolina go back six generations. He earned a degree in Ceramics from Western Carolina University, became a member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and is a co-founder of the WNC Pottery Festival which will be held in Sylva in November. Karen apprenticed in Brant’s studio, and she and Zan are also Guild members.
“Fall Fest is a wonderful time to visit and explore the Folk School,” Karen says. “There are performances and activities all over the campus, and we’ve always enjoyed participating in the craft demonstrations. A class here is a gift: enjoying the beautiful Brasstown Valley while sharing the challenge of mastering a new skill with a community of new friends.”
For a complete schedule of events, visit FolkSchool.org/fall-festival or call 800.365.5724. Regular admission tickets are $15 for adults (18 and up), $12 for ages 12-17, $12 for Seniors (65+) and veterans, and free for children 12 and under. Tickets purchased in advance are $12 for adults (18 and up), $10 for ages 12-17, $12 for Seniors (65+) and veterans. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the festival gates. Check the website for opportunities to volunteer.
