CraftWorks at Cool Spring Cool Spring Blog

Come Do, Come Meet, Come See-- For Free in September!

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 20:33:20 GMT

September brings the routine back into life and CraftWorks brings the opportunity to spice it up with a creative outlet. David Lillard, executive director of CraftWorks believes strongly that among a few, "...one important ingredient to lifelong happiness is the joy of artistic creation..." and so CraftWorks invites everyone to get a taste of the creative juices that flow at the In Town Studio in September.

For starters, CraftWorks is offering a Free Drawing Class With Judy Bradshaw on September 4th, 10-11am, In Town Studio. In this one-hour crash course in drawing, participants will learn the basics of shape, value and texture--and leave with a new appreciation of what they can do. Participants must sign up on the web site to participate--without delay as the class is this Saturday.

Families with young children, are welcomed to join us for the Young Artists Program Open House held on Sunday September 19th from 1-4pm. The kids will get creative with paints, pastels and collages and will have the opportunity to meet our wonderful Teaching Artists, including Young Artist Studio Manager Emily Vaughn. Parents will learn about our fantastic programs, and can let the kids create and have fun! We have programs for children ranging from two years to late teens. Home school, after school and weekend programs are available and can be viewed on the CraftWorks web site CLASSES tab.

Do you know anyone who can solve the Rubik's cube, or wants to? Kids from ages 10 and up are invited to join the fun with Anthony, speed cuber extraordinaire, as they Solve the Cube at Craftworks every Wednesday afternoon from 4-5:30pm. Learn to solve the cube, practice techniques to solve fast, attend competitions, and impress friends, teachers and parents! The get together is supervised by CraftWorks staff.

Josef Beery For the Love of Printmaking

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:55:55 GMT

Don't Miss Out!!! September 11th and 12th.
Josef Beery is no ordinary human being. He loves books; designs, prints and binds them! In his hometown of Charlottesville Virginia, Beery is a founder of the Virginia Arts of the Book Center. Additionally, he is part of Ten Flavors Studios, a cooperative design studio in business since 1985. What's more Beery happens to be teaching one of our most exciting classes of the season; Woodcut Printmaking! If you are interested in signing up for the class click here! Don't forget,join CraftWorks and receive 10% off of all tuition for one year including this class.

Young Artist Program Offers Many Classes to Choose From

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:42:26 GMT

Join the Modern Masters and Mini Masters for a new series on Saturdays and Sundays starting September 18th. Artists being studied include George Seurat, Gustav Klimt, and Paul Cézanne. Teaching artists are Emily Vaughn and Miriam Sanders.
Home School Classes are every Wednesday Mornings subject matter ranging from ancient art to modern art history.
Art After School is a fun series on Wednesdays from 4-5:30pm starting on September 1st.
CraftWorks Comics, more then just funny pages! This unique series is a five week session beginning September 24th.
Stay connected with CraftWorks as we continue to schedule exciting classes such as film making for teeens!

Frida Kahlo, Andy Warhol and More!

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 17:00:16 GMT

Running out of summer activities for your kids? Looking for something to fill those last weeks before school starts? Have your kids Come Do with Emily Vaughn! Classes meet Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 10-11:30 for ages 6-9, and 1-3pm for kids ages 9-12. Kids learn about the lives and works of artists like Frida Kahlo and Andy Warhol, and then create work inspired by that artist’s subject matter and chosen medium. Individual classes are only $25, with discounts offered when you sign up for one or two whole weeks.

CraftWorks is Going to D.C.!

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 16:44:24 GMT

D.C!

Are your kids interested in having fun, being smart and going places?

This fall, CraftWorks will be representing West Virginia at the USA Science and Engineering Festival: "You Can Solve The Rubik's Cube!" Competition.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Rubik's Cube invention and the creator, Professor Erno Rubik will be honored at the festival in D.C.. Anthony Forcione a 15 year old resident of Jefferson county, attending Washington High School is eagerly heading the competition and is seeking recruits to form a team to represent West Virginia on October 21st. Anthony is a national competitor ranked 527 in the USA and is living proof that anyone can learn to solve the cube at incredible speed. For more info on the competition visit www.usasciencefestival.org/

Every Wednesday from 4-5:30PM starting August 18th high school aged kids will meet at CraftWorks in Town to prepare for the event. Please RSVP if you are interested, meet Anthony, make friends, and have fun!

Stop Thief!

Linda Case — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 15:29:35 GMT

Ah, why is the birdseed disappearing so quickly? We know it isn’t squirrels because these are squirrel proof feeders – too much weight on the feeding deck closes a cover over the seed. But did we figure on a thief that could sit on top and reach over to get the coveted seed?

Eggs as Art

Linda Case — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 15:24:40 GMT

Can’t resist posting this picture of just how beautiful fresh eggs can be when purchased directly from a farmer who cares about her flock of diverse chickens. It’s hard to use them instead of just looking at them. Fiona Harrison (Slaynt Vie Farm) farms an organic garden at Cool Spring and brings eggs and produce in exchange!

Audubon Discovery Camp

Wed, 26 May 2010 11:35:49 GMT

CraftWorks Partners: Audubon Camps and Green Homes
CraftWorks is proud host two weeks of Potomac Valley Audubon Society's Audubon Discovery Camp. The camp is designed for youth entering grades 1-6 and is a wonderful opportunity for a child to explore the natural setting at Cool Spring. Earth Artists, the week of June 28-July 2, still has some availability. Between hikes and explorations around the property, campers will create their own artistic masterpieces from the natural world using different media and techniques to create a picture, a tapestry, a special bandana, a nature journal, art from recycled materials, and more. The camp takes place from from 9am - 3pm Monday through Friday, and costs $125/child. For information contact Ellen Murphy at 304-676-8739 or pvasprograms@comcast.net. Register at www.PotomacAudubon.org.

Archeological Dig at Cool Spring This Week

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 22:07:26 GMT

Archeologist and Program Director for The Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship in Purcellville, Virginia, Jeffrey Alvey and a team of students from Roanoke College, are conducting an archeological survey of the land encompassing CraftWorks at Cool Spring this week. Alvey and crew will dig throughout the property hoping to expose interesting findings from the rich history which makes up Cool Spring. Because of the presence of Bullskin Run and its importance to Native Americans of the past, Alvey suspects various Native American artifacts will be found. In fact, after their first day at Cool Spring, Alvey's crew dug up an adze, a tool made of stone once used as a chisel.

An exciting discovery of the midden, also known as a compost pile of sorts, was discovered near Mrs. Thornton's cottage. The midden is a treasure to Alvey because as he puts it, "It's like uncovering a time capsule". Ceramic, glass,nails and pig bones have already been found. Alvey is enlivened by the presence of so many items unearthed after just one day. As he explains, " I am excited about this place, you never know with slave, or former slave quarters what you will find. Most of these people did not have many possessions. Finding the midden will tell us much about Mrs. Thornton and her family who lived here from 1869 to 1920."

The Roanoke College students are based at the Blue Ridge Center as part of a program to study the archaeology of sites near its Loudoun County, Va., preserve.

CraftWorks Expands Horizons at Shepherdstown!

Thu, 20 May 2010 01:17:04 GMT

Visit us this Saturday May 22nd between 10am-5pm

The CraftWorks crew has been busy remodeling and outfitting the place to serve the community as a multi-faceted venue. Classes will begin on May 25th. Along with the fantastic programs and classes offered at this new location, the CraftWorks In Town studio will be available as a rental facility for events, exhibits, and community outreach. Come Do with us!
Don't miss the free demonstrations throughout the day given by some of our talented teaching Artists.
Meet Judy Bradshaw, Sheila Brannan, Nancy McKeithen, Bradley Sanders, Linda Case and more!
219 South Duke Street in Shepherdstown

This Saturday May 22nd between 10am-5pm

Come See, Come Do!

Featured Teaching Artist:Judy Bradshaw, A Fundamental Artist

Sun, 09 May 2010 21:46:39 GMT

Judy Bradshaw, a local Harpers Ferry resident, is teaching our Fundamentals of Drawing class on June 19th. Judy Bradshaw comes with a wealth of perspective on drawing and life! Her work hangs in Dickenson and Wait Craft Gallery in Shepherdstown. She is known for her moody pencil drawings as well as her evoking acrylic landscape paintings. She has taught locally for years and we are proud to have her at CraftWorks this season. If you have ever thought of learning how to draw, or even if you have experience and want to spend the day improving on your skill, this class is sure to appease you. What's more, Judy is offering a critique session a few weeks after the class. Having your work critiqued by a professional artist is a great privilege and a wonderful opportunity to grow artistically, so come join the fun!

Still Spaces for SPIN Class May 22nd!

Sun, 09 May 2010 20:47:22 GMT

The Small Plot Intensive Gardening class slated for May 22 still has a few openings available. If you've ever dreamed of making part of your living from a low-cost farm business, this class is for you. Sign up now!

Advancing Artists

Sun, 09 May 2010 20:46:09 GMT

Responding to many requests, CraftWorks is launching a series of classes and networking opportunities to help elevate the business and marketing skills of local artists and artisans. The Advancing Artist series, managed by new studio manager Tara Sanders Lowe, kicks off soon. The first two workshops are Writing Killer Copy for your promotions and Building A Website for your art-based business. Jefferson County marketing consultant Nancy McKeithen will teach these classes. A multi-week intensive workshop covering topics like working with galleries, e-commerce, and writing a business plan will be announced soon.

Kids Classes are here!

Sun, 09 May 2010 20:44:43 GMT

The convenience of the CraftWorks In Town has already brought requests from parents for classes for kids and teens. We're answering the demand as fast as we can. We'll be adding classes all summer and into autumn. We have a program lined up for July, and more to come...See our calendar!

New Classes, New Teaching Artists

Sun, 09 May 2010 20:43:25 GMT

Have you ever dreamed of writing a song? You can learn the foundations of songwriting with Steve Warner this summer. He will teach a four-week workshop for teens and adults and one for kids. How about creating a Woodcut and a Block Printing? Josef Beery is an artist working primarily in book arts and printmaking. He is a professional book designer and cofounder of the Virginia Arts of the Book Center in Charlottesville, Virginia, he can show you how. Bradley Sanders, known to many locals for The Folly, joins CraftWorks to teach a 6-session class in jewelry that includes Lost Wax Casting- a must do! Anne Bowers another well-known Jefferson County artisans who will teach at CraftWorks in the early fall. Check out our Calendar to register for these exciting classes!

Building Plans Submitted

Sun, 09 May 2010 20:18:51 GMT

CraftWorks has submitted planning and permit documents to Jefferson County in anticipation of breaking ground on a new studio at Cool Spring in June. The two-story barn will have a roomy craft studio at the garden level and a light-filled "clean studio" and meeting room in the loft. Stay tuned for news on our new space.

CraftWorks Opens Shepherdstown Studio

Sun, 09 May 2010 20:17:56 GMT

Speaking of new studios, CraftWorks has opened a new studio at 219 South Duke Street in Shepherdstown. The CraftWorks "In Town" Studio will enable us to offer classes this summer while construction is underway at Cool Spring. The convenient location will also enable us to offer many more classes. Take a look at the schedule now! The lovely studio also will be available as a rental space for special events. Please stop by our "In Town" Studio on Shepherd U commencement day, May 15, or during the weekend of Shepherdstown's Back Alley Garden Tour. Stop in and say "Hi"!

SPIN into Spring with CraftWorks!

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 13:19:28 GMT

Are you interested in growing organic vegetables for your family and for market? Or perhaps you are a farmer looking to downsize or diversify your operation. In any case, you won't want to miss Andy Pressman's hands-on SPIN class at CraftWorks on May 22nd! Read more...

SPIN-Farming stands for S-mall P-lot In-tensive Farming. It is an organic-based, non-technical, easy to understand, commercial farming system for land bases that are less than one acre in size. Whether you are a beginning or experienced farmer, this hands-on workshop will demonstrate how small gardens can achieve high levels of productivity through the SPIN method of farming. The class focuses on how yards, farms, community gardens, and urban plots can be designed for maximum efficiency. Participants will learn how to plant, grow, harvest and sell organic vegetables using the SPIN model. Pressman will demonstrate techniques and exhibit many of the tools unique to SPIN-Farming. In addition the class is informative on helping you establish a marketing campaign for your sellable goods.

Featured Teaching Artisan; Andy Pressman

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 04:54:51 GMT

Andy Pressman is passionate about farming and he enjoys sharing his wide knowledge and experience relating to sustainable and organic gardening practices with others. Currently residing in Northeast Pennsylvania, when Pressman isn't busy with his urban farm, raising crops or tending to his chickens and honey bees, he is typically

assisting farmers by providing expertise on organic crop production, market farming, season extension, local foods, urban agriculture, and farm energy. Teaching comes naturally to Andy, and SPIN Farming techniques incorporates important aspects and elements to organic and sustainable farming, which is why Andy chooses to work and teach using this method.

For us new to the term, SPIN-Farming stands for S-mall P-lot In-tensive Farming. It is an organic based, non-technical, easy to understand, commercial farming system for land bases that are less than one acre in size. SPIN-Farming is entrepreneurial in spirit and makes it possible to earn significant income from sub-acre land bases by capitalizing on minimal infrastructure and overhead costs. It relies on hand labor to accomplish most farming tasks, utilization of existing water sources to meet irrigation needs, and situating close to markets-- all to keep investment and overhead costs low.

CraftWorks is offering Andy Pressman's exciting SPIN class on May 22nd! This hands-on workshop will focus on SPIN-Farming’s organic-based processes and techniques for growing and marketing high-quality vegetables. Don't miss your chance to meet and learn from Specialist Andy Pressman as he demonstrates how SPIN-Farming makes agriculture accessible to anyone, anywhere they happen to live!

The House and Garden Tour 2010

David Lillard — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:53:54 GMT

The 55th Annual House and Garden Tour will feature Cool Spring Farm in this year's event. This is a wonderful opportunity to visit the home of owner Linda Case, founder of CraftWorks at Cool Spring.
The property and structures are filled with historical significance, and charm. Be inspired and uplifted as you walk through the halls and rooms of these restored spaces. Enjoy a self guided nature walk on the beautiful protected marshland and along Bullskin Run after you have toured The Griggs Farmhouse, the Old Stone Barn, The Patent House and Mrs. Thornton's Cottage. Members of the CraftWorks team will be present and feature samples of projects and art of upcoming classes. Attendants will tour up to seven residences of historical and unique value over the weekend of April 24th and 25th. The Garden Clubs in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties host the event and tickets can be purchased at the Shenandoah-Potomac Garden Council. This fantastic event will raise funds for beautification projects in their communities.