4th Annual Piedmont Earthskills Gathering

April 6th-10th, 2016

Silk Hope, NC - The Shakori Hills Community Arts Center is proud to host the Piedmont Earthskills Gathering (PEG), now in its 4th year. PEG is a 5 day 4-night  hands on workshop in the heart of the Piedmont where people come together and learn the skills and traditions of our ancestors. Together, we will recreate an ancient village reminiscent  of our ancestors, gather around the fires in the evening for community and experience the power of a deeper connection with the Earth and each other.  

As defined, this is a skills based event.  You will have the opportunity to delve into some of the skills that you really want to learn.  There are over 30 different workshops offered each day, over 120 classes during the event!   This educational/enrichment program will focus on Primitive Living Skills, Homesteading, wilderness survival and scientific exploration of the natural world. Instructors will teach dozens of ancestral and heritage primitive skills such as matchless fire making, edible and medicinal plants, stone tool creation and use, ancient weaponry and basket making, just to name a few.  This is an opportunity for people seeking to expand their connection with the natural world and develop community in the North Carolina Piedmont. 

Earthskills is not a spectator experience!  You get to learn how to do the skills yourself, with master level instructors.  

We have a rich culture of storytellers, dancers, heritage craftsmen and musicians. The nature of Earthskills Gatherings lends itself to spontaneous community activities that include trade blankets, games, music and storytelling.  The gathering becomes a village in the best sense, and creates a safe, positive environment for learning and growing.   There will be events each evening around the fire which are inspired by ancient cultures of music, song, stories, dance and celebration.

The Piedmont Earthskills Gathering is a family friendly event.  We offer an opportunity people of all ages to find community and connect with the earth in a safe environment.  Some classes and events will be open to children and some will be adult-only. All are welcome to come and be a part of our community - no previouse experience needed!  

The Piedmont Earthskills Gathering begins on Wednesday April 6th when people arrive to set up camp and get to know the area.  An opening Circle starts on Thursday April 7th and classes begin on that day and continue through Sunday morning.  Breakfast and Dinner are offered as hospitality Thursday morning through Sunday morning.  

For  more information and registration, go to the Piedmont Earthskills website below.
Click here for daily schedule in detail.