Blacksmith auction a folk school tradition
By KATHI OSBORNE

Auctioneer Tim Ryan spurs audience members to bid on a painting at last year's Blacksmith Auction at John C. CampbellFolk School. Photo:Keather Weideman

As part of a 20-year tradition, John C. Campbell Folk School will host its annual Blacksmith Auction, Saturday, November 4, at 2:00 p.m., in Brasstown.

Proceeds from the auction support the Folk School's craft programs. Historically called the Blacksmith Auction, the auction neither features only metal work nor benefits only the blacksmithing program. When the fundraiser began in 1986, it primarily featured items from the country's leading blacksmiths. Over time, the auction's scope expanded to include art from a variety of other disciplines such as pottery, basketry, woodturning, jewelry, weaving, and painting.

Jan Davidson, Folk School Director, and emcee for the auction, said, "Brasstown is known around the world as a center for

blacksmithing. The Folk School has inspired and fired up generations of smiths as the finest teachers have shared their knowledge. The auction is a part of this great tradition."

Veteran auctioneers Tim Ryan and Bob Grove will use their well-honed verbal skills to guide bidding on handmade craft donated by area artists, instructors or students at the Folk School. The auction will include many types of craft media, including, in part: a forged metal candlestick, turned wood vessel, clay vase, woven footstool, stained glass lamp, jewelry of various materials white oak basketry, photography, and quilting.

"People return to the Blacksmith Auction each year because they enjoy the entertainment of our talented auctioneers, and because they really enjoy finding one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted items. Whether the high bidders take their treasures home to enjoy themselves or to give as special holiday gifts,

people will enjoy their afternoon at the Blacksmith Auction," stated Marianne Hatchett, Business Manager.

An auction preview begins at 1:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the Keith House. The live auction begins at 2:00 p.m. A silent auction will also be held 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 828-837-2775 or 1-800-FOLK SCH.

Founded in 1925, the nonprofit John C. Campbell Folk School offers over 830 classes each year in traditional and contemporary craft, art, music, dance, cooking, gardening, nature studies, photography and writing. It features a Craft Shop and History Center and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.