Mission: It is the mission of Maple Creek to provide and maintain a traditional arts education community with a focus on nature, fostering new artists and furthering the heritage of Appalachia.
Results: Over the last six years thousands of visitors have passed through our doors. Maple Creek has a rich history of several annual events, including spring and fall festivals which are an invitation for artists to show and sell their work while demonstrating their arts to the public. January has been when we gather local potters for a show and July we have dedicated to antique quilts. Then in December is our most popular event of a Christmas Open House. It revives memories of Christmases past and gives shoppers the opportunity of giving unique gifts while supporting local artists.
We have ongoing fundraising to support the construction of guest cabins, to provide housing to visiting artists and students alike, a seperate pottery studio, a painting studio perched high on a ridge at tree top level to inspire the painter by nature, and an amphitheater cut into the hillside, boasting natural and beautiful acoustics, and providing a unique venue for local musicians. We also are in the process of fundraising to acquire adjacent property which will give us the opportunity to build a glass program emcompassing all aspects of glass art, from flamework to blown glass. This property will at the same time open the door to begin education in organic farming, providing space for garden plots, orchards and vineyards.
Target demographics: Our target demographics include every member of the community, from the very young exploring their talents to the elderly enriching their lives and everyone in between. We provide art education at multiple levels allowing people from all walks of life to join in the experience.
Direct beneficiaries per year: Our beneficiaries are those in the community who elect to take advantage of the opportunity Maple Creek provides.
Programs: Amphitheater Completion
The Painting Studio
The Pottery Studio
The Glass Studio
Organic Gardening Project
Metal Workshop Project
Guest Cabin Project
Herb Garden Project
Donor & Volunteer Advisory
This organization's nonprofit status may have been revoked or it may have merged with another
organization or ceased operations.
We have heard the most wonderful things about Maple Creek and plan to go there to take the blacksmith course and some other classes. Some friends of ours have been several times and said the classes were wonderful and educational, the setting was lovely, and the meals were delicious! They gave such a glowing testimonial, that we have it on our bucket list for sure!
Beth and Bruce
As a fiber artist, I have participated in many seasonal events at Maple Creek over the past three years. The artisan school is a quiet jewel whose mission is to inspire enthusiasm for real handicrafts (such as weaving, pottery, ironwork, and basketry) as well asto support the artists who continue to explore these crafts. The Center is housed in an old barn that has been beautifully refurbished by the owner, Steve Herndon. An artist in his own right, Steve's vision for Maple Creek reaches beyond the current gallery and workspaces. It encompasses student dormitories and gardens as well. The amount of acreage owned by Maple Creek makes this both realistic and practical.
I first volunteered in 2007 and provided landscaping and labor through my company as well as helping with projects for the school .
Through this experience I have learned how to build a wood fired kiln, a gas fired kiln , how to throw pots on a wheel and I was able to help build a 150 seat amphitheatre using over 200 tons of local limestone.I recently started to try heat work with glass.
My involvement with the school has improved my life and enabled me to meet so meat wonderful people.
This school is in a rural area and provides a constructive and positive alternative for the people of the region.
