MPCHS art students learn life skills from an earlier time

BENTONSPORT ? Each year, the Villages Folk School of Van Buren County offers a free day of classes to area high schools.

Recently, 45 art students from Mt. Pleasant Community High School experienced classes at the Villages Folk School.

Students were allowed to choose two of the following classes to attend ? stained glass, pottery, blacksmithing, sculpture, paper making, pastels or rug weaving. Classes were hosted in various historic buildings and studios throughout Bentonsport.

During the day, students learned new art processes and the importance of preserving them as well as the opportunity to discuss art as a career.

Villages Folk School?s class roster exceeds 130. The classes include hands-on learning in arts and crafts, fine arts, nature study and traditional time-honored skills relating to the home.

The school specializes in providing learning experiences in traditional arts and skills while drawing upon the uniqueness of each of the scenic and historic villages of Van Buren. The setting allows individuals to return to a simpler time and witness the importance of the artisan in village life.

?Day of Classes? is a portion of the VFS Youth Program that offers scholarships to area teams wanting to attend any of the classes that the folk school offers year-round.

The VGS Youth Program receives financial support from the William M. and Donna J. Hoaglin Foundation Inc., Community Foundation of Van Buren County and varioius local sponsors. Youth scholarships and field trips are still available for 2014. For more information call 319-288-0047 or go to register@VillagesFolkSchool.com.