Join the Swannanoa Valley Museum for its fourth year of Winter Workshops, taking place on Saturdays for three consecutive weekends at the end of February and beginning of March. This year, the museum is focusing on traditional song, dance, and craft of Southern Appalachia with workshops taught by experienced and entertaining instructors who are highly respected in their fields. Stefani Priskos will begin the workshop series on February 25th on Introduction to Shape-Note Singing. Participants will learn the basics of this traditional rural Appalachian way of singing while learning the history and origins of the shape-note practice. In the second workshop, taking place on March 4th, taught by renowned quilters Sara Hill and Sharron Armel, participants will learn how to make their own quilted coasters while Sara tells stories about quilting traditions in the South. In the last workshop of the series, taking place on March 11th, professional dance performer and teacher of Appalachian dance Rodney Sutton will teach his Introduction to Flatfooting workshop. Participants will learn the ins and outs of flatfooting while Rodney weaves in stories of his Appalachian dance days and why traditional dance is so important. Whether you want to learn a new musical skill like shape-note singing or flatfooting, or learn some basic quilting practices, take this opportunity to increase your knowledge of Southern Appalachian traditions in a fun and interactive learning environment!

Cost per Individual Workshop: $35 for museum members, $45 for non-members. Some fees apply.

Locations: Stefani Priskos’ workshop will be held at Thomas Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church (300 Cragmont Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711). Sara Hill and Sharron Armel as well as Rodney Sutton’s workshops will take place in the Community/Education Room at the Black Mountain Public Library (105 N Dougherty St., Black Mountain, NC 28711). See individual workshop descriptions for more details.

Time: Workshops take place Saturdays, starting at 1:30pm on February 25th, March 4th, and March 11th and last approximately 2-3 hours. Check our events calendar or individual workshop descriptions for more details.

THIS YEAR, WE WILL NOT BE SELLING WINTER WORKSHOPS AS A SERIES. USE THE LINKS BELOW TO PURCHASE TICKETS FOR INDIVIDUAL WORKSHOPS.

February 25th: Introduction to Shape-Note Singing

March 4th: Crafting Quilt Coasters

March 11th: Introduction to Flatfooting