The Azule 

Newsletter

             Saturday July 19, the days before - and the week after - saw rain and rain and rain. The first APPALACHIAN HOMESTEAD SKILL "SET IN STONES" had to be canceled, despite the enrollment of sixteen people. It is now scheduled for this coming SATURDAY AUGUST 2nd (see more information below). If you wish to attend, let us know at AZULEart@gmail.com or call Camille at 828-622-3533. Rain may still be in the picture. We will keep in touch.

                 Saturday July 19 was nevertheless a wonderful time to be at Azule and participate in the "Freedom Summer School", an artist/activist retreat organized by Omari Fox that ended with a traditional open mic, featuring Rare Poet and Annie Lee. More on it in our next newsletter.

             Local stonemason Andrew Hesed will be joining us at Azule to instruct on the core elements of working with stone.  The class will focus on the traditional dry-stacked technique, used historically for creating barn and house foundations and retaining walls for gardens and pathways.  You will learn details from preparation and foundation work to proper drainage and backfilling, with hands-on experience using local stone as we work on a stone terrace here at Azule.
                  Other topics of discussion could include laying pathways and patios, different types of local stone, dry-stacked vs mortared work, stone stairs, fireplaces and chimneys, as well as carving and shaping techniques.
 

CLASS IS OPEN TO PEOPLE OF ALL AGES
AND SKILL LEVELS
CLASS FEE is $15 - $40 (choose a price that makes you feel good) 
and HALF PRICE for Madison County residents.
POTLUCK Lunch.
OVERNIGHT STAY is $20 a NIGHT
Payments arrangements are possible. EVERYONE DESERVES ART!
E-MAIL to AZULEart@gmail.com, ATTN APPALACHIAN
or CALL Camille at 828-622-3533
 

           From the rocky isles of Ireland, Scotland and England to the thick forests of the Appalachian Mountains, settlers brought with them all of the skills necessary for survival.  With the introduction of electricity, tractors and the industrial food revolution, many of these old skills were abandoned and all but forgotten.  While no longer necessary for survival, many of these historical crafts are still pertinent in modern day Appalachia, and offer the satisfaction of a more intimate connection with our work and surroundings.  In our Appalachian Homestead Skills Series, we hope to share skills and ideas to help people use local materials and traditional techniques to live more enjoyable, sustainable lives.
 

"Set in Stone" 

 
Next APPALACHIAN HOMESTEAD SKILLS offerings include:
- "Traditional Food Preservation Techniques" with Natalie Marsh
- "Hog Processing on the Farm" with Andrew Hesed.