Another “Neckdown” Week is in the books! “Neckdown” is a week where the thinking caps come off and the gloves go on for a week of physical tasks working in the community and on the Rural Studio campus.

Our students and faculty got the opportunity to work on multiple projects on our campus and around the community. We did lots of digging: students dug the CLT Core House foundations and more digging at the Bathhouse as well! With the help of our friend, “Crane Shane,” we removed most of the roof panels from the Fabrication Pavilion in preparation for its renovation.

At Smith Park, we started deconstructing—taking down old chain-link fence, barbed wire, and an old basketball court—so the team can start renovation work.

We also helped with a few community projects: cleaning the Newbern tornado shelter, repairing Perry Lakes Park boardwalks, and more. Now with sore muscles and some new inspiration, everyone is excited to continue on with the semester!