The Rocky Mountain Folk School was founded in 2022 to do more than teach craft. Community leaders in the historic mountain town of Grand Lake, Colorado—where the economy has primarily been seasonal—had long sought ways to create more consistent year-round activity. Inspired in part by North House Folk School in Grand Marais, Minnesota, organizers envisioned a craft school that could preserve traditional skills while supporting local businesses and the surrounding ranching communities.
Guided by a mission to “engage the hands, warm the heart, and stimulate the mind,” the nonprofit school now offers multi-day and weekend workshops in glass fusing, pottery, leatherworking, and silversmithing for makers of all levels.
What sets the school apart, says executive director Gillian Horne, is its long-term focus on Western trades. Students can begin with foundational leather working and progress into advanced workshops in silversmithing and metalwork, with the eventual goal of connecting dedicated students to working tradesmen seeking apprentices. “Few schools are intentionally building this kind of structured bridge between introductory classes and real-world apprenticeship within the western trades,” says Horne.
Located near Rocky Mountain National Park, the school today serves residents, regional ranchers, visiting artists, and travelers drawn to meaningful, hands-on learning in a mountain setting.
According to Horne, building awareness and infrastructure in a small town has been challenging, but seeing students discover new skills—and potential careers—makes the effort worthwhile.
Students setting stones during a silversmithing class.
