The John C Campbell Folk School Philosophy: "I Sing Behind the Plow"
My brother, David, taught leather craft at the John C. Campbell Folk School back in the 1970s. Thinking back on those times, I'm reminded of the magic of that place and I'd like to share a bit about it with you.
Nestled in the mountains of western North Carolina, the John C. Campbell Folk School is a truly unique educational haven. It's a place dedicated to preserving and teaching traditional crafts, music, art, and dance, but it's not a school in the traditional sense. You won't find grades, credits, or competition here. Instead, its focus is on fostering a vibrant sense of community, hands-on learning, and the joy of self-discovery.
A Philosophy of Purposeful Learning
The school's roots go back to 1925, when it was founded by Olive Dame Campbell and Marguerite Butler. Olive's husband, John C. Campbell, was an educator who, along with his wife, traveled the Southern Appalachians to document mountain life. He believed in the power of education to improve quality of life. After his passing, Olive studied the Danish folk high school model, a concept known as folkehøjskole that emphasizes communal living and lifelong learning. She brought this experiential, non-competitive approach back to Brasstown, North Carolina, dedicating the school to her late husband.
The school's motto, "I sing behind the plow," speaks to its origins in agriculture and the belief that all of life's work holds educational value. While the focus has expanded from farming to a wide array of crafts, the core philosophy remains—the belief in learning by doing and growing together as a community.
A Campus That Inspires
The 270-acre campus, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a destination in itself. It’s a collection of beautiful historic buildings, studios, and serene natural spaces. You can meander along Little Brasstown Creek or visit the studios where new creations are taking shape. The campus also features a Craft Shop that showcases work from over 300 regional artists and a History Center that tells the story of the school's role in Appalachian history.
A World of Hands-On Creation
The Folk School offers a vast curriculum of weeklong and weekend classes for adults of all skill levels. With over 50 subject areas, there is a class for everyone, from traditional Appalachian crafts to modern art forms. The core principle is that you don't need to be an expert to begin; the true focus is on the journey of creation and the joy of discovery.
The diverse course offerings include:
Metalwork & Blacksmithing: Learn to forge and shape metal into beautiful and functional art.
Fiber Arts: Explore weaving, quilting, spinning, and dyeing.
Woodworking: From fine furniture to whimsical carvings, including the famous Brasstown Carvers tradition.
Music & Dance: Participate in old-time music jams, learn traditional instruments, or join a community square or contra dance.
Other Crafts: The curriculum also covers pottery, cooking, photography, and writing.
The school’s programs, such as the Student Host and Work Study programs, offer participants an opportunity for even deeper immersion into the community.
A Community That Endures
The John C. Campbell Folk School is much more than a place to take a class—it's a shared, immersive experience. Students and instructors live and eat together on campus, sharing meals and building friendships. This non-competitive environment fosters connections and encourages a sense of mutual support.
This community spirit is a core part of the experience, extending to daily "Morningsong" sessions and weekly community dances. These events, along with a shared passion for creating, build a sense of belonging that is truly life-changing for many who visit.
You can learn more about the school's history and its founders in this video about the John C. Campbell Folk School.
Marc Staples
Lago Luna Metal Art Studio and Gallery
