Yesterday, I was informed that I have been awarded a $500 woodturning educational scholarship from my local club.  I feel so lucky and honored! The scholarship is to be used at any woodturning school and then I am to file an article for our newsletter outlining what I learned or provide a demo to the group relative to what I learned.  There are several relatively close to my area.  They include: Appalachian Center for Crafts in Smithville, TN, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gattlinburg, TN, and John C. Campbell Folk School in North Carolina.  MY QUESTION IS THIS:  Have any of you taken a week long workshop at any of these schools?  If so, could you share your experience?  Is there another school that I should be considering?  I have the flexibility to use the scholarship at any facility.  Any help you folks could offer will be greatly appreciated.   

Thanks, Jerry

First off Jerry, congratulations on the scholarship!  What a deal!

You're very lucky to be within a short distance of so many places to spend that money.  I have not had the pleasure of taking classes anywhere, so sorry, no direct help from me.  But from all the forum reading I've done, any of the schools you mention can offer you a fine education.  I would decide whether I wanted to solidify an existing skill or take on something new, then see which school offers that course. 

Either way, let us know what you decide.  I'm sure you're in for a grand time.

Don't know anything about ACC, but the other two have most excellent reps.  You also have many of the "names" who are AAW teachers.  You can look in the book to get their contact information.  Outside of Atlanta, GA is Terry Daniel.  PA has both Bill Gumbine and David Ellsworth.  So many others are possable.  Get the book out, follow a few links on the internet, have some fun as you study and make your decision. 

Congratulations     8)