Get crafty in this church–turned–folk art collective.
Morgantown’s art scene is ever-growing, and one recent addition housed in a former church is emphasizing traditional Appalachian crafts. Maple & Spruce Folk Arts Collective celebrated its soft opening back in May and has since been open to the public on Wednesdays and Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m.
Owner Katie McCoy has been an active member of the old-time jam scene and previously apprenticed under the late Richard Eddy, learning fiddle repair through the West Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship program. So she understands the importance of nurturing traditional skills that could otherwise fade away in today’s society.
“I’m not in it for profit—I’m in it to build something that supports the community and the arts, and artists and musicians,” McCoy explains. “Take oak basket weaving, for instance. It’s an absolutely wonderful and amazing skill, but it might take 100 hours to weave. There’s no profit in it, which means that skill is going to die out unless people specifically care about it.”
Keep an eye out for a grand opening—and all the exciting new things to follow, like macrame jewelry and pottery classes—this summer, but in the meantime, there are plenty of things you can learn at Maple & Spruce:
- Hammered Copper Jewelry—Bangles, earrings, necklaces—and maybe an outlet for hammering away your stress?
- Old-Time Music—Learn to play the fiddle or guitar, then join in on Old-Time Jams held on certain Saturdays.
- Silk Painting—A silk neckerchief is chic no matter what, but imagine you could respond to compliments with, “Thanks, I painted it.”
- Stained Glass—Previous classes have created wall hangings in the shapes of bees, blackberries, butterflies, dogs, leaves, mountains, mushrooms, and more—the possibilities are basically endless.
Take a one-time TryIt Class for a lower cost and less commitment, or take a Workshop Class to really hone your skills. Browse the calendar and register online, or drop in during open hours to see what’s happening at Maple & Spruce this summer.
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