Villages Folk School’s Creative Escape program brings together Van Buren County’s seasoned artisans with emerging and upcoming artists to help preserve traditional arts through hands-on learning. Selected participants will retreat to a rural acreage just 4 miles from the historic village of Keosauqua.

Folk school instructor and world renowned painter, John Preston, will take the participants under his wing as he gives an in-depth and up-close two-day class (Monday/14 and Tuesday/16) on plein air painting.  Participants will then have three days to practice their newly discovered tips and tricks as they compete in the county-wide “Paint The Fair” plein air contest. Wednesday will be a plein air workshop with other contestants and Thursday evening will host an artists gathering. Works must be submitted for the final exhibit on Friday at 4pm. Awards and cash prizes given during the reception at 5:30pm.

WHEN: Mentorship starts Monday July 14th with a final exhibit on Friday July 18th at the Van Buren County Fairgrounds.

WHO: Beginner plein air painter (3 years experience or less) looking to focus on creative exploration and inner reflection in a quiet rural setting. Two participants will be selected.

• 21 years and older
• Has a passion for painting outdoors
• Able to follow directions and accept constructive criticism
• Has complete knowledge of the painting process, whether it be oil, watercolor, acrylic, or pastels.
• Looking to improve their process and/or career as a plein air painter.

DEADLINE: Application deadline is 9am CST on Friday June 20, 2025. Selected participants will be announced Wednesday, June 25th.

TUITION: Tuition fee is paid in full by Villages Folk School with no expense to the selected participants. Contest fee and workshop fee for the Paint The Fair competition is also covered, at no expense to the participant.

HOUSING: Lodging is provided during the duration of the mentorship. Participants will share a 3 bedroom rural home which will host the painting workshop and a casual evening meal with the other artists. Participants must be comfortable with having their own bedrooms and bathroom, but the rest of the house being used by other artists.

TRANSPORTATION: You will need to provide your own transportation and meals. Van Buren County is very rural with 10 miles between villages and only a few villages offer gas and food. You absolutely need a car.

MATERIALS:  Participants must bring their own painting set up.. easel, canvas, paints, brushes, etc. along with clothing and any protection (bug spray, umbrella, chair, etc) needed. You will also need to bring frames and hanging supplies for your entries into the Paint The Fair final exhibit.

For more details, please visit the website link or contact the folk school at 319-288-0047 or register@VillagesFolkSchool.com