Ocrafolk School Returns This Fall
Even though we are just dipping our toes into summertime Ocracoke activities, Ocracoke Alive is also hard at work looking towards fall and the return of the Ocrafolk School Fall Retreat, October 20-25. This amazing gathering gives fans of Ocracoke an insider’s guide to the island, and a golden opportunity for personal renewal while exploring new frontiers through one of six courses (listed below).
Small class sizes allow for individualized attention from teachers and a one-of-a-kind opportunity to expand horizons. Participants will enjoy great local food, inclusive tours, and unique activities as they make new friends and meet some of the most fascinating residents of this remote Outer Banks Island.
For more details on courses, housing, and activities, visit our webpage at www.ocracokealive.org.
Proceeds from Ocrafolk School support student and community programming on Ocracoke Island.The historic Berkley Manor is our home base for the 2019 Ocrafolk School.
Ocrafolk School 2019 Classes
This class will be taught by Jason Daniels, an Eastern North Carolina native who has been living on Ocracoke Island for 17 years. Students will learn how to craft a finished decoy using traditional and modern techniques. Starting from a block of wood, Jason will cover defining details like feather features, side pockets, primaries, tertials and elements of the duck’s bill.
Students will learn a variety of techniques to help them “see” like an artist. Don’t worry if you “can’t draw a straight line,” that’s what rulers are for! This class offers a non-judgmental, practical, and spiritual approach to drawing. Participants will learn a variety of “drawing on the right side the brain” techniques and will try different kinds of mediums. There will be practice in proportions, shading, perspective and foreshortening. The class will feature studio work and plein-aire drawing around our beautiful island, weather permitting.
This class will begin by exploring Ocracoke’s fascinating maritime past. These were times of early settlers and pirates who fished and lived from the land. Students will get to meet some of the descendants of these original historic families. This portion of the course features a visit to the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum, a trip to nearby bird islands and Portsmouth, a historical 19th century sea-coastal village. Moving into Ocracoke’s present, Ann will guide the group on a tour of island infrastructure, with visits to the Water Plant (est. 1977) and the Tideland Electric Cooperative. Expanding to consider Ocracoke’s future, the class will talk with the National Park Service and other islanders about challenges and possible life changes ahead. This class will be experiential, including group discussions, food tastings, and on-site visits.
This class will encompass a wide range of jewelry techniques including beading, leather wrap, wire wrapping, and ring and rosette creation. Students will work with a variety of materials like gemstones, wood, bone, glass beads, and leather. Robin will be teaching many of the universal jewelry skills such as wire wrapping, attaching clasps, combining findings, and connecting headpins to chain. No experience necessary. Class participants will be able to WOW their friends with the pieces they bring home from their week!
The cooking class for 2019 is going to bring some great Ocracoke chefs together! Both Ruth and Daphne have played critical roles in the development of the Ocracoke food scene, providing dynamic food to their loyal and devoted customers over many years. Ocrafolk School is honored and thrilled to have them for a full day each, leading the cooking class. Together, students will spend some quality time in the kitchen, learn basic techniques, explore new ingredients and experience some traditional island fare. Class time is fun and creative with everyone having their hands in the action.
Ocracoke is rich with residents who practice various forms of wellness, from meditation and yoga to massage and Reiki, herbalism and aromatherapy to nature intelligence and meridians of TCM. This is a rare opportunity to explore authentic practices to allow you a chance to find what resonates with you. Taught by local professionals, this course will touch on several methods of mind and body wellness so that students may gain a deeper knowledge of practices for a healthier and more integrated life. Students of this class will participate in a wide range of learning techniques including movement and hands-on experience, as well as seminars and self-practice.
