Stroll down ‘Folly Lane’: Timber Frame Folly celebrates 30 years of arts, community cohesion | News, Sports, Work

Timber Frame Folly waits last Tuesday, ready for the spring events to begin. Tabitha Johnston

SHEPHERDSTOWN — Over the past few decades, Timber Frame Madness has become one of Jefferson County’s best-kept secrets.

Located in a wooded area behind a home at 301 Big Oak Drive, Timber Frame Folly has made a name for itself as an art home unlike any other.

“It’s an unusual place because it doesn’t have a definition. Which is the point! No pay, no definition,” said owner Bradley Sanders, who lives on the property with his wife, Carol, where they raised their four children together. “It’s the backstage area for a lot of the players and musicians in the area, the clowns and what have you.”

This year marks its 30th anniversary, which Sanders plans to mark by launching a Patreon page online. People who purchase a Timber Frame Folly Patreon membership will receive some benefits, including access to a digital monthly magazine called Folly Lane.

“I’m currently starting a Patreon page to try and cover the costs [of maintaining this space] from the community. If I can get the community to pay a little, then we can continue as we are.” Sanders said. “It’s insanely expensive to live here and it’s prime real estate.

Paper cranes circle the ceiling of Timber Frame Folly last Tuesday afternoon. Tabitha Johnston

“We haven’t charged contractors to use this space, although sometimes contractors have charged a fee and then given us a gift [from the proceeds]. This business structure was created because I wanted to [avoid] the pay-for-play situation that every artist faces, where there is always a shortage,” Sanders said.

“Some of the best players in the region come here — they’re great!”

When the Patreon is launched, Sanders said it will be advertised on the Timber Frame Folly Facebook page.

“It’s not something you want to let go,” Sander said. “It’s so fantastic! It’s all about community. It’s a place where we can do whatever we want.

“Musicians, musicians and other artists must limit themselves to a definition. If they’re playing local, they have to perform to please themselves. Here they can do whatever they want. Sander said.

A wooden pole marked the entrance to the Timber Frame Folly Amphitheater last Tuesday afternoon. Tabitha Johnston

Thanks to Timber Frame Folly’s open concept performance space and amphitheater seating, it has hosted a wide variety of events including plays, weekly happy hours and group art projects.

“One of our events a few years ago was origami folding. We all gave up together for a few weeks. Every night we had folding – different people came and learned to make origami together. It was so wonderful and you can see how many are left to this day.” Sanders said as he pointed to a cell phone full of colorful paper cranes that circled the roof.

The only downside to the space is that it’s limited by winter and inclement weather, a problem Sanders hopes to one day see solved by building an enclosed lodge house for community members to gather nearby.

“It’s like church without proselytizing!” Sander said. “My Indian friend has a sweat lodge here. Some people come out here to a meadow to meditate. I don’t mind whatever people do as long as they treat me and my neighbors with respect.”

Those who wish to be kept informed of the 30th Anniversary of the Timber Frame Folly are encouraged to email [email protected] and request to be notified of updates through their email address.

An alligator head lay next to a log behind Timber Frame Folly last Tuesday. Tabitha Johnston