At Old Time & Gee’s Bend, painting, ceramics, and blacksmithing students pursue their work in an encouraging atmosphere while music students fully immerse themselves in Old-Time workshops, their days and nights filled with instruction from master musicians and community jam sessions. Mary Ann Pettway and China Pettway will simultaneously host their famous quilting retreat. This year, we’re excited to have Sami Braman returning to teach a new Fiddle III workshop, as well as Kay Justice returning for Guitar and Harmony Singing. We are also excited for the return of painting workshops with Howard Rains and to introduce Brian Cooley to the AFS community with his introductory ceramics workshop.

The Alabama Folk School's Creative Retreat offers a restful weekend with the beautiful backdrop of Camp McDowell in the fall. Bring your personal projects and join us for a long weekend of focused time to rest and create. In the past, participants have brought sewing, woodworking, and writing projects or have simply spent their time reading, hiking, and resting. The time is your own! We’ll provide all your meals, access to wifi, nature trails, quiet spaces to work and rest, and evening refreshments.

Lodging for this event will be in Bethany Village. Participants will have the option to stay in a Parsley Commons lodge room or a dorm style cabin. All lodging options include refreshments on opening night and nine meals throughout the weekend starting with Thursday supper and ending with Sunday lunch.

Save the Date!

Workshops and details coming soon.

Save the Date!

Workshops and details posted fall of 2025

Save the Date!

Workshops and details coming fall of 2025.