Have you heard about Fall Craft Week? This special Montreat conference welcomes over 100 people each September for a time focused on making art and enjoying the beauty of fall in the mountains. This year, as in years past, both novice makers and skilled artisans came together to create beautiful works of art. They quilted, carved, soldered, and sketched, in addition to many other forms of craft, all guided by skilled professionals during twice daily classes for their chosen medium.
We are now in the process of preparing for next year’s event, and we would like to invite you to join us! Registration will open to the public on Monday, November 17, at 10:00 am EST.
As we’ve mentioned, classes are open to everyone at every level, beginners to advanced. Participants select one option from the list below which they will participate in for the entire week. Here are all of the class offerings that you can choose from:
The Art of the Handmade Book led by Pat Brown
Construct the cover, pages, and embellishments for at least four books including a simple notebook, a blank journal, a reliquary, and an accordion book.
Beginning Metalsmithing led by Deb Guess
Learn to saw, shape, texture, and transform simple sheets of metal and coils of wire into expressive, wearable art.
Clay, Wheel, and Hand led by Becky Garrity and Nat Scott
Explore the range of both hand built and wheel thrown pottery. We’ll provide the tools, you just bring a desire to learn something new!
Creating with Stained Glass led by Brian Maness and Roger Maness
Build your own stained glass creations that you can take home and hang right on the wall!
Drawing Life led by Ann Laird Jones
Learn the language of seeing as you draw the world around you using pencils, pens, pastels, and ink.
En Plein Air Watercolor Painting led by Virginia “Ginny” Sorsby Fergus
Complete a variety of watercolor paintings inspired by scenes both inside and outside the studio.
Fostering Creativity Through Silk Painting led by Grace Evans
Create beautiful designs on silk using techniques similar to watercolor painting. Finished designs can be worn or used as hangings to display in your home or church.
Hand Sewing with Everything but the Kitchen Sink! led by Leslie McCarthy
Spend a relaxed week hand stitching a variety of fabrics such as cheesecloth, silk sari, wool, batiks, and lace. No sewing machine required!
Mountain Landscapes in Felt and 3-D Felted Objects and Animals led by Rachel Nicholson
Explore the creation of handmade felted designs as you learn to mix colored fleece into beautiful mountain images.
Photography (Instructor TBD)
Learn camera basics and photography techniques as you capture images that tell a story.
Traditional Basket Making (Instructor TBD)
Explore the ancient craft of basket weaving and create functional, beautiful pieces to take home.
Working with Wood: Personalized Walking Sticks led by Carlisle Willard
Carve a personalized walking stick that reflects your interests.
Wood Carving Kitchenware, Critters, and Folk Figures led by Frank Boyd
Experience the simple pleasure of hand-carving wooden kitchenware and figures.
Writing for the Soul led by Julie Hester
Draft journal entries, devotions, poems, and essays using various prompts.
All classes are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t wait to register! We would love to welcome you to the mountains next fall. Use the link below to find out more about the event or reach out to Sarah Skinner (sarahs@montreat.org) or Justin Kyremes-Parks (justinkp@montreat.org) with questions.
This article was originally published in the November edition of Montreat Conference Center’s email newsletter Engaging Grace which highlights conference and event opportunities for adults. Sign up to receive Engaging Grace directly in your inbox by clicking here.