Junior Appalachian Musicians Series (JAM) Spring Registration
Feb
3
to Apr 28

Junior Appalachian Musicians Series (JAM) Spring Registration

We are delighted to continue our newest program, JAM! Students have the opportunity to learn fiddle, banjo, or guitar. Classes are every Monday from 5:30 to 7:30 and include a meal at 5:30. This program follows our South Arts Series and is great opportunity for children to participate in the arts! Students are provided with an instrument, if needed. The course is $15 per week for one student or $10 per week for multiple students in the same family. Classes begin on February 3rd and continue through April 28th.

This program is designed for students, typically ages 10 and up. Depending on the student, there may be some exceptions for a year or two younger. If your student is under the age of 9 please get in touch with us before registering. (606)558-3571

For students needing support to pursue lessons, please complete the scholarship form below. We want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to access traditional arts education. If you have questions, please contact Kiristen Webb at (606) 558-3571.

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Call For Artists - The Gloaming
Mar
13
to Sep 15

Call For Artists - The Gloaming

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We are thrilled to share our first interactive outdoor arts installation - The Gloaming - on October 11, 2025! As part of this event, we are requesting artwork from artists to be displayed along our system of trails. Artwork should be designed as an expression of the interaction of art, agriculture, and environment. The event will include local artists, vendors, and musicians to create a truly magical evening under the stars in the gentle darkness of the mountains. Interested artists should provide a description of their project and a timeline for completion to Kiristen Webb: kiristen@pinemountainsettlementschool.com

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South Arts Series - Wildflower Art
Apr
7
to Apr 28

South Arts Series - Wildflower Art

‘Tis the season…for WILDFLOWERS! Campus is bursting with color and beauty! Join Cyan Cox as she guides students through various techniques to capture and celebrate the resurgence of Spring! This workshop is for children 7-15. Students will learn sketching, natural dyes, creating natural inks, and paper-making. Classes are on Mondays, April 7th-28th at 4:30 PM in the Draper Building.

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Community Egg Hunt
Apr
13
4:00 PM16:00

Community Egg Hunt

Spring has Sprung and bunnies are on the loose! Come join us as we hunt for eggs and celebrate all the season has to offer! We will offer two hunts: one for younger children (toddler - 5 years) and another for older children (6-12 years). All hunts include prize eggs!

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Pass It On Series: Ceramics
Apr
29
4:30 PM16:30

Pass It On Series: Ceramics

Our Pass It On Series is designed to ensure everyone has the opportunity to learn the joy of traditional art and craft! We are thrilled to welcome Gerry Terry as he guides children and adults in the joy of making ceramics. This workshop is offered to youth at 4:30 pm and adults at 6:00 pm.

The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, provides operating support to Pine Mountain Settlement School with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

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The Bridge Dinner Series: The Power of Place with Mandi Fugate Sheffel
May
27
6:00 PM18:00

The Bridge Dinner Series: The Power of Place with Mandi Fugate Sheffel

This free dinner series is designed to celebrate, share, and connect with what it means to be Appalachian and how we can mold the narrative of our region by connecting with others. We welcome thinkers and movers to share in a meal, discussion, and craft. Join Appalachian author and small business owner, Mandi Fugate Sheffel as she discusses how place informs identity. Mandi Fugate Sheffel was born and raised in Red Fox, Ky. She is a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University and is currently the Sycamore Fund Project Coordinator at the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky. Additionally, she owns and operates Read Spotted Newt, an independent bookstore in the coalfields of eastern Kentucky. Her personal essays and opinion pieces can be found in Still: The Journal, Lexington-Herald Leader, and the Courier Journal. Her forthcoming personal essay collection, The Nature of Pain, will be released in 2025 through The University Press of Kentucky. 

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Authentically Unplugged Retreat Weekend
Jun
13
to Jun 15

Authentically Unplugged Retreat Weekend

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Our Authentically Unplugged Retreat Weekend is designed to celebrate solitude and rest.  With just enough structure to keep curiousity piqued and a tranquil landscape to invite rest and contemplation, Pine Mountain Settlement School is the perfect room with a view.  While we encourage folks to disconnect, we do have Wi-Fi!  Registration includes lodging in our dorm, West Wind, all meals, and any workshops you might choose to experience.  All workshops are optional as this weekend is meant to be a slower pace than our traditonal education retreat weekends.  We will have a watercolor painting workshop, yoga, and acupuncture sessions as optional workshops during the event.  We also offer special Group Getaway registration that provides a more private experience in our historic cottages or cabins. To book a Group Getaway Experience, please contact Kiristen Webb at (606) 558-3571.

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The Gloaming - The Intersection of Art, Environment, and Agriculture
Oct
11
6:00 PM18:00

The Gloaming - The Intersection of Art, Environment, and Agriculture

Join us for our first interactive outdoor experience - an intersection of Art, Environment, and Agriculture. Enjoy interactive art displays along our trails - illumination, inspiration, and community - dance under the stars to the whimsical melodies of the night, shop with local artists, dine on locally sourced food, and get lost in the gloaming at Pine Mountain Settlement School.

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Blacksmithing with Fred Loving
Mar
29
9:00 AM09:00

Blacksmithing with Fred Loving

Our ever popular blacksmithing class IS BACK! Register quick as space is limited! This is a FREE all day workshop beginning at 9 am at the Draper building with Fred Loving. Participants should plan to bring lunch and any snacks preferred. The workshop will focus on beginner skills.

This class is free to the public thanks to the generous support of the Berea College Appalachian Fund

The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, provides operating support to Pine Mountain Settlement School with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

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Pass It On Series: Woodcarving
Mar
20
3:30 PM15:30

Pass It On Series: Woodcarving

After a huge response, we are happy to announce another installment of our popular woodcarving workshop! This class is designed for children ages 8-17 beginning at 4:30 pm with an adult class to follow at 6:00 pm.

The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, provides operating support to Pine Mountain Settlement School with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

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The Bridge Dinner Series - Stories Behind the Quilt with Ms. Emily Hudson
Mar
18
6:00 PM18:00

The Bridge Dinner Series - Stories Behind the Quilt with Ms. Emily Hudson

We are delighted to launch our Bridge Dinner Series with our guest, Ms. Emily Hudson! This free dinner series is designed to celebrate, share, and connect with what it means to be Appalachian and how we can mold the narrative of our region by connecting with others. Ms. Hudson will share her work, Stories Behind the Quilt. Participants will enjoy a dinner and special craft, creating a quilt oven mitt. Emily Jones Hudson is a native of Hazard, Kentucky, graduate of Berea College, a journalist and freelance writer. She is a pastor and poet, the author of four books: two inspirational-Water-Walking Faith and Touch the Hem; two works of poetry-Soul Miner, and Home, A Collection of poetic thoughts and things. She is the founder of CommonBond Christian Fellowship Ministries and Southeast Kentucky African-American Museum and Cultural Center.

Inspiration behind Stories Behind the Quilt series: We know that quilting is a tradition in the Appalachian Culture. But it is also a tradition in the African American culture and community. Growing up watching my mother quilt, I wanted to explore the commonalities in the quilting traditions found in both cultures. One thing we recognized is the place that sharing stories has while women come together to quilt. Thus, the birth of Stories Behind the Quilt. The series has taken on a life of its own and is growing more and more every day.

 

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Wellness Weekend Retreat
Mar
14
to Mar 16

Wellness Weekend Retreat

Spring forward from the winter doldrums and enjoy a weekend to refresh your body and spirit! Choose from a variety of workshops including edible and medicinal plants, acupuncture, tea blends, and yoga! The registration fee includes the workshops, lodging, and meals for the weekend.  Lodging is dorm-style, with each participant having his/her own room but sharing community spaces such as bathrooms and living rooms.

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Blacksmithing with Fred Loving
Mar
1
9:00 AM09:00

Blacksmithing with Fred Loving

Blacksmithing with Fred Loving is one of our most popular classes! Be sure to register now - space is limited to 5 participants. This is a full-day workshop, so participants should pack a lunch and any preferred snacks. The workshop will be at the Draper Building.

This class is free to the public thanks to the generous support of the Berea College Appalachian Fund

The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, provides operating support to Pine Mountain Settlement School with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

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Grow Appalachia Garden Program
Feb
18
6:00 PM18:00

Grow Appalachia Garden Program

Pine Mountain Settlement School is delighted to host the Grow Appalachia Garden Program. This program supports families in learning strategies to grow, harvest, and preserve food. We will have monthly meetings with guidance, guest speakers, and garden goodies! This is a free program that meets twice a month.

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South Arts Series: Nature Art with Jill Robertson
Feb
3
to Mar 10

South Arts Series: Nature Art with Jill Robertson

Jill is back with a new and exciting class - nature art! Participate in this amazing opportunity to create art that will be showcased on our campus! Participants will be designing and constructing large mushrooms to be presented during our Fall event - The Gloaming. This extended course is for children ages 7-17. The class will be on Mondays (February 3, February 10, February 17, March 3, and March 10th) beginning at 4:30 pm in the Draper Building.

Funding to offer this free traditional arts program is provided by SouthArts.

The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, provides operating support to Pine Mountain Settlement School with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts

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Jan
28
4:30 PM16:30

Pass It On Series - Woodcarving

We have had several folks asking for whittling and we are happy to announce our next Pass It On Series: Woodcarving/Whittling! This free class is offered to both youth and adults. Children 8-17 will begin at 4:30 pm and Adults will begin at 6:00 pm in the Draper Building.

The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, provides operating support to Pine Mountain Settlement School with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

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Blacksmithing with Fred Loving
Jan
25
9:00 AM09:00

Blacksmithing with Fred Loving

This much sought after class starts the new year off with a clang! This free workshop is a full day, so participants should expect to bring lunch and any preferred snacks. Space is limited to 5, so be sure to register today!

This class is free to the public thanks to the generous support of the Berea College Appalachian Fund

The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, provides operating support to Pine Mountain Settlement School with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

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Community Christmas
Dec
12
5:00 PM17:00

Community Christmas

The holidays are all about traditions and we are so happy to celebrate our Community Christmas as one of the many traditions at Pine Mountain Settlement School. Beginning at 5 pm, we will host the children’s program. Each child will choose a gift and participate in holiday craft activities. Supper will be served at 6 pm - come share in the warmth and joy of the season!

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Pine Mountain Settlement School Nativity Play
Dec
8
2:30 PM14:30

Pine Mountain Settlement School Nativity Play

Our Nativity Play is the longest-standing tradition of Pine Mountain Settlement School! The first play was performed in 1913, the year Pine Mountain Settlement School was established. The play was written by Katherine Pettit and Ethel deLong Zande. Originally performed outdoors, the play is a compilation of passages of scripture, hymns, carols and carols. We offer two shows on December 8th:

Doors open at 2:30 pm and the play begins at 3:00 pm to be followed by a reception at Laurel House

Doors open at 6:30 pm and the play begins at 7:00 pm to be followed by a reception at Laurel House.

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Writing Workshop for Women Gardeners
Nov
16
to Nov 17

Writing Workshop for Women Gardeners

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The incredible women who cultivate the land in Eastern Kentucky are invited to join our special writing workshop designed just for you! Whether you're growing vegetables or nurturing your garden, your stories of resilience and dedication deserve to be heard.

Amy, with her unique blend of experience in both agriculture and writing, will lead the way in helping you share your journey. Over several engaging sessions, you'll have the chance to explore writing prompts, receive feedback on your work, and share your stories with others.

Our goal is to honor and capture the rich experiences of mountain women farmers and gardeners, celebrating your vital contributions to Appalachian foodways and expanding the conversation about agricultural life. Come share your voice and be a part of this enriching experience! We can't wait to hear your story.

Your registration includes lodging for one night in West Wind dormitory and three meals throughout the event. The workshop is limited to 15 people and costs $15 per person.

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Pass It On Series - Woodworking (Cutting Boards with Curtis)
Nov
7
4:30 PM16:30

Pass It On Series - Woodworking (Cutting Boards with Curtis)

Woodworking is a longstanding tradition among Appalachian crafters. Join Curtis as you design, cut, sand, and oil your very own cutting board - perfect for holiday charcuterie boards or as a gift! This workshop is limited to ages 8+

The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, provides operating support to Pine Mountain Settlement School with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

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Pine Mountain Settlement School Halloween Spooktacular!
Oct
31
4:00 PM16:00

Pine Mountain Settlement School Halloween Spooktacular!

The fields and forests of Pine Mountain are the perfect back drop for spooky season! Join our FREE celebration on Thursday, October 31st! We will have trick our treat from 4 to 6 pm and our first PUMPKIN GLOW TRAIL from 5 to 8 pm. Warm up with coffee or hot cocoa from our newly renovated coffee shop and share the fun of Halloween in the mountains!

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Crochet presented by South Arts
Oct
28
to Nov 18

Crochet presented by South Arts

Crochet is enjoying a revival as a fun and beginner friendly craft! Join Kristen Adams as you learn to make adorable animal plushies! This is a FREE workshop for children ages 6 to 18. All materials will be provided. Classes are on Mondays (October 28th, November 4, November 11, and November 18) from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm in the Draper Building.

Funding to offer this free traditional arts program is provided by SouthArts.

The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, provides operating support to Pine Mountain Settlement School with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts

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Fall Arts Weekend
Oct
25
to Oct 27

Fall Arts Weekend

Celebrate the beauty of autumn in the mountains and engage with some of the regions most talented artists during our all-inclusive Fall Arts Weekend. Participants will receive 2 nights stay in our historic lodging, 6 meals sourced from our farm and local producers, and workshops led by eclectic and talented artists. Sign up today as space is limited. Register for ONE of the workshops below:

 

Blacksmithing with Fred Loving and Broom Making with David Lewis

Gather around the forge and anvil to learn basic blacksmithing while creating a decorative broom handle that will attach to your handmade broom.

Basketry with Jenn Noble

Traditional art is the epitome of form and function - and baskets are a beautiful and accessible gateway into creating functional art. Participants will learn the Cherokee Double Walled Baskets.

Foraging with the Whitney Johnson

Join Appalachian of The Year and TikTok star, Whitney Johnson, the Appalachian Forager, as you learn the tradition, history, and skill to forage for edible and medicinal plants. You’ll be in the woods and in the kitchen making salves, tinctures, and who knows what else!

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Streambank Management Workshop
Oct
24
5:00 PM17:00

Streambank Management Workshop

We are delighted to bring you the Streambank Management Workshop presented by Hindman Settlement School! In collaboration with Hindman Settlement School, Community Farm Alliance, Grow Appalachia, and UK, we will be live-streaming the event for anyone interested in learning more about strategies to manage streambank erosion - which is an ongoing issue as our region struggles with consistent flooding. This a FREE event that will take place from 5 to 7 pm in Laurel House. Light refreshments will be available.

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Pass It On Series - Jewelry Making with Jill Robertson
Oct
3
5:00 PM17:00

Pass It On Series - Jewelry Making with Jill Robertson

During this FREE workshop, participants will work with a variety of tools to create their very own unique pendant. This workshop will include metal cutting and soldering and is restricted to ages 13 years and older.

The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, provides operating support to Pine Mountain Settlement School with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

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JAM - Junior Appalachian Musicians
Sep
30
to Dec 2

JAM - Junior Appalachian Musicians

We are delighted to partner with Junior Appalachian Musicians to offer children the opportunity to learn how to play traditional instruments. Mondays 5:30 - 7:30 Starting September 30, 2024

This program is designed for students, typically ages 10 and up. Depending on the student, there may be some exceptions for a year or two younger. If your student is under the age of 9 please get in touch with us before registering. (606)558-3571

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Pine Mountain Explorers
Sep
26
4:30 PM16:30

Pine Mountain Explorers

Pine Mountain Explorers is a free outdoor/environmental education program open to children 8-14 years old. This once a month workshop will introduce children to the wonder of nature and the science we use to better understand and manage our world.

Explorers will be held on the third Thursday of the month: September 26th, October 24th, November 21st

Register HERE - Registration limited to 15 children

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Pottery presented by South Arts
Sep
16
to Oct 21

Pottery presented by South Arts

Open to youth 8 through 18, this 6-class series explores the pottery as a functional art. Classes will take place on Mondays from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm in the Draper Building. The dates for pottery: September 16, September 23, September 30, October 7, October 14, and October 21

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