Join Our Community

Named after the school’s co-founder Olive Dame Campbell, Olive’s Porch is a Folk School experience in downtown Murphy, North Carolina. Located at 27 Peachtree Street, Olive’s Porch features an educational studio for community workshops, a retail shop showcasing the work of local and regional Appalachian artists, and a studio space dedicated to the Artist in Residence Program.

Created by feedback from community listening sessions, Olive’s Porch provides year-round opportunities to explore and celebrate Appalachian heritage with community-focused events, workshops, discussions, demonstrations, and seasonal programs for school-age youth.

Hands-on community workshops for youth and adults are available throughout the week and on weekends. Designed for all skill levels, workshops are formatted to meet for one or two days or for multiple sessions over several weeks.

Teaching at Olive’s Porch 

Please note that all instructors must abide by Olive's Porch Covid-19 Safety Guidelines, including vaccination and mask requirements. Click here to read our updated Covid-19 Safety Guidelines.

If you’re interested in teaching at Olive's Porch, please submit your course proposal to olivesporch@folkschool.org. 

Become a Vendor at Olive's Porch

 You may apply to become a vendor at Olive’s Porch by contacting olivesporch@folkschool.org.

Artist in Residence

The Folk School Artist in Residence Program is a grant-funded opportunity for early to mid-career artists to spend four months in Murphy and Brasstown, North Carolina focusing on their craft while working within and building community. The residency will provide ample time for creative practice and opportunities to engage and inspire through demonstrations,
conversations, and collaborations.

Building on one of the original goals of our founders, Olive Dame Campbell and Marguerite Butler, this opportunity is focused on traditional Appalachian craft, music, and dance and aims to support the next generation of tradition bearers, keeping alive time-honored practices. We hope to foster a creative space where folks can build relationships that will carry beyond their time in the studio. 

Participants will live on the Folk School campus and have access to a studio at Olive's Porch in downtown Murphy. Artist in Residence Application