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Ceramics made at Ely Folk School

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Spring Edibles foraged at Ely Folk School Nourishment class

Close Up of stitching on the Ely Folk School Birch bark canoe

The Ely Folk School
Birch Bark Canoe Project

From the Blog

Ely Folk School is Hiring!

Ely Folk School is Hiring!

The Ely Folk School is celebrating its tenth birthday this summer and is looking forward to embracing the future with abundance. We are...

To Be A Folk School

To Be A Folk School

The following text is adapted from EFS Executive Director Lucy Soderstrom's Tuesday Group presentation from February 4, 2025. Should you...

We Are Water Ely

We Are Water Ely

The Ely Folk School is excited to bring the We Are Water MN exhibit from the Minnesota Humanities Center to Ely this spring! We Are Water...

@elyfolkschool on Instagram

INSTRUCTOR HIGHLIGHT: Jess Edburg

Have you met the illustrious Jess Edburg?? She wears many hats, and enjoys sharing her knowledge with others. She teaches Norwegian Lefse (a delicious potato flatbread) classes here at the Ely Folk School, as well as root beer making classes.

Her day job is as the executive director of the Dorothy Molter Museum and she hosts the local History Happy Hour (ask her about it!) but she is also a sometimes adjunct natural resources instructor at MN North Community College-Vermilion campus, and a volunteer member of the Wolf Care Team at the International Wolf Center. However, most of her free time is spent with her spouse and two dogs exploring the Northwoods or playing on the Ely women's hockey team.

Catch Jess at the Folk School on Friday, April 11th at 1pm for her Norwegian Lefse class!

INSTRUCTOR HIGHLIGHT: Jess Edburg

Have you met the illustrious Jess Edburg?? She wears many hats, and enjoys sharing her knowledge with others. She teaches Norwegian Lefse (a delicious potato flatbread) classes here at the Ely Folk School, as well as root beer making classes.

Her day job is as the executive director of the Dorothy Molter Museum and she hosts the local History Happy Hour (ask her about it!) but she is also a sometimes adjunct natural resources instructor at MN North Community College-Vermilion campus, and a volunteer member of the Wolf Care Team at the International Wolf Center. However, most of her free time is spent with her spouse and two dogs exploring the Northwoods or playing on the Ely women's hockey team.

Catch Jess at the Folk School on Friday, April 11th at 1pm for her Norwegian Lefse class!

The Ely Folk School Community Survey ends April 1st! Thank you to everyone who has shared their opinions thus far. If you haven't, it's not too late!
Whether or not you’ve patronized the Ely Folk School recently, please help us better understand our reputation in Ely by taking 15 minutes to share your thoughts with us. All entries will be submitted into a random drawing; three winners will receive a $50 gift card to the Ely Folk School.

The Ely Folk School Community Survey ends April 1st! Thank you to everyone who has shared their opinions thus far. If you haven't, it's not too late!
Whether or not you’ve patronized the Ely Folk School recently, please help us better understand our reputation in Ely by taking 15 minutes to share your thoughts with us. All entries will be submitted into a random drawing; three winners will receive a $50 gift card to the Ely Folk School.

The final "Call of the Wild" poetry night, in collaboration with Northern Lakes Arts Association, will be held on Thursday, April 3rd at 5pm! The theme will be "Awakening the Wild Within" – write to explore the connection between personal growth and the blooming world. Please join us to read and/or listen.

And if you're worried about continuing your poetic journey without Call of the Wild this summer, fret not. "The Poet's Way" - a four part class series on poetry writing - begins Tuesday, April 8th. Save the date also for our Spring Storytelling event on May 3rd and our Summer Solstice Poetry Open Mic event on June 20th!

The final "Call of the Wild" poetry night, in collaboration with Northern Lakes Arts Association, will be held on Thursday, April 3rd at 5pm! The theme will be "Awakening the Wild Within" – write to explore the connection between personal growth and the blooming world. Please join us to read and/or listen.

And if you're worried about continuing your poetic journey without Call of the Wild this summer, fret not. "The Poet's Way" - a four part class series on poetry writing - begins Tuesday, April 8th. Save the date also for our Spring Storytelling event on May 3rd and our Summer Solstice Poetry Open Mic event on June 20th!

"Writing With Your Child, For Your Child" is a youth class designed for parent and child or grandparent and child pairs. Instructor John Kopp, who has had an over 40 year career working with families, will lead pairs through writing their own personalized children's book. Pairs will finish the class with a bound manuscript that imaginatively captures what your child values about your family.

There are no prerequisites or level of skill necessary to join, although an ideal age range might be 6 to 10 years of age.

Registrations will be accepted up until the course begins on Saturday, April 5th.

"Writing With Your Child, For Your Child" is a youth class designed for parent and child or grandparent and child pairs. Instructor John Kopp, who has had an over 40 year career working with families, will lead pairs through writing their own personalized children's book. Pairs will finish the class with a bound manuscript that imaginatively captures what your child values about your family.

There are no prerequisites or level of skill necessary to join, although an ideal age range might be 6 to 10 years of age.

Registrations will be accepted up until the course begins on Saturday, April 5th.

Another session of our Intro to Wheel Throwing class starts Thursday, April 3rd and runs for six sessions over seven weeks. This is a great introduction to clay if you're new pottery, or a perfect chance to refine your skills if it's been some time since you sat at a wheel. Students also get 24/7 access to our studio space during the class, so plenty of time to practice and create on your own!

Visit elyfolkschool.org/ceramics to learn more.

Another session of our Intro to Wheel Throwing class starts Thursday, April 3rd and runs for six sessions over seven weeks. This is a great introduction to clay if you're new pottery, or a perfect chance to refine your skills if it's been some time since you sat at a wheel. Students also get 24/7 access to our studio space during the class, so plenty of time to practice and create on your own!

Visit elyfolkschool.org/ceramics to learn more.

Looking for something to do during this last little bit of March? Check out some of our upcoming classes:

Gelli Plate and Fabric Paper
Wednesday, March 26th from 6-9pm

Sew a Necktie Purse
Friday, March 28th from 1-4pm

Meal Prepping Dinner (with wine)
Friday, March 28th from 6-9pm

Scrapmetal Jewelry: Earrings
Saturday, March 29th from 10am-12pm

Looking for something to do during this last little bit of March? Check out some of our upcoming classes:

Gelli Plate and Fabric Paper
Wednesday, March 26th from 6-9pm

Sew a Necktie Purse
Friday, March 28th from 1-4pm

Meal Prepping Dinner (with wine)
Friday, March 28th from 6-9pm

Scrapmetal Jewelry: Earrings
Saturday, March 29th from 10am-12pm

We want to hear from YOU!

The Ely Folk School 2025 Spring Survey is a chance for you to give your direct feedback to the organization about how we've been doing, and what you'd like to see from us in the future. Are there classes and events you really love that you want to make sure we continue offering? Gaps you think could be filled? Give us your feedback, and be entered in to a chance to win a $50 gift certificate, good for mercantile purchases or towards classes.

Click the link in our bio to take the survey now.

We want to hear from YOU!

The Ely Folk School 2025 Spring Survey is a chance for you to give your direct feedback to the organization about how we've been doing, and what you'd like to see from us in the future. Are there classes and events you really love that you want to make sure we continue offering? Gaps you think could be filled? Give us your feedback, and be entered in to a chance to win a $50 gift certificate, good for mercantile purchases or towards classes.

Click the link in our bio to take the survey now.

The Ely Folk School is a proud sponsor of the Ely Film Festival and this year we were psyched to partner with EFF to offer five events over Festival weekend. Pictured here are some scenes from the Improv workshop on Saturday, where we learned about the comedic theory of clowning. It goes without saying that we had tons of fun!
Big thank yous to Benji and the team leading this workshop and to Paula Thiessen, director of Kam Theatre Lab. Congratulations @elyfilmfestivalmn!

The Ely Folk School is a proud sponsor of the Ely Film Festival and this year we were psyched to partner with EFF to offer five events over Festival weekend. Pictured here are some scenes from the Improv workshop on Saturday, where we learned about the comedic theory of clowning. It goes without saying that we had tons of fun!
Big thank yous to Benji and the team leading this workshop and to Paula Thiessen, director of Kam Theatre Lab. Congratulations @elyfilmfestivalmn!

Have you ever lamented the fact that you can't be in Ely to join us for our classes in person? The good news is we do offer some virtual and hybrid classes as well! In Dy Korda's writing classes, creatives from all over can share their original works. Cooking classes with Lacey Squire allow you to whip up pie dough and more in your own kitchen. Fiber arts classes with Laura Berlage allow you to learn about needle felting and sewing from her farm in northern Wisconsin. Here are some upcoming classes you should check out!

Nature Writing for Women: Welcoming Spring (live online)
Saturday, March 22nd from 1-3pm

Felt a Loon (virtual teacher)*
*Students can join online or in-person at the Ely Folk School
Saturday, April 12th from 3-6pm

Hand Pie Class (live online)
Saturday, April 19th from 9am-12pm

Stash Busters: Stitch a Flower Pin Cushion (virtual teacher)*
*Students can join online or in-person at the Ely Folk School
Saturday, April 26th from 2-4pm

Have you ever lamented the fact that you can't be in Ely to join us for our classes in person? The good news is we do offer some virtual and hybrid classes as well! In Dy Korda's writing classes, creatives from all over can share their original works. Cooking classes with Lacey Squire allow you to whip up pie dough and more in your own kitchen. Fiber arts classes with Laura Berlage allow you to learn about needle felting and sewing from her farm in northern Wisconsin. Here are some upcoming classes you should check out!

Nature Writing for Women: Welcoming Spring (live online)
Saturday, March 22nd from 1-3pm

Felt a Loon (virtual teacher)*
*Students can join online or in-person at the Ely Folk School
Saturday, April 12th from 3-6pm

Hand Pie Class (live online)
Saturday, April 19th from 9am-12pm

Stash Busters: Stitch a Flower Pin Cushion (virtual teacher)*
*Students can join online or in-person at the Ely Folk School
Saturday, April 26th from 2-4pm

We're excited to share that the Ely Folk School will be partnering with the Steger Center again this summer to offer stone masonry classes, with priority given to local students who plan on continuing to use masonry skills in their own personal and professional futures. Two of the courses will focus on the Center's Shackleton Hut replica project (one of which will be exclusively for women-identifying students) and the third is a Dry Stone Course.

We are very excited to be helping run these programs again this summer, and so grateful to the Steger Center for helping to provide knowledgeable instructors, camping opportunities, and meal plans in the name of accessibility and community-based educational growth.

All three courses are now accepting interest form applications, which will be reviewed by our teams--the first round of invitations to register will go out on Friday, May 9th. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more, check out the link in our bio for course descriptions.

We're excited to share that the Ely Folk School will be partnering with the Steger Center again this summer to offer stone masonry classes, with priority given to local students who plan on continuing to use masonry skills in their own personal and professional futures. Two of the courses will focus on the Center's Shackleton Hut replica project (one of which will be exclusively for women-identifying students) and the third is a Dry Stone Course.

We are very excited to be helping run these programs again this summer, and so grateful to the Steger Center for helping to provide knowledgeable instructors, camping opportunities, and meal plans in the name of accessibility and community-based educational growth.

All three courses are now accepting interest form applications, which will be reviewed by our teams--the first round of invitations to register will go out on Friday, May 9th. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more, check out the link in our bio for course descriptions.

Join us for Makers Morning every Thursday from 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Join other makers and crafters weekly at the Ely Folk School for a relaxed morning of creativity and sharing. Whether you crochet, quilt, solder, write, or weave, any project is welcome. This space is also excellent for students who did not finish a project during their class.

All are welcome, no matter skill level or (reasonable) project type. Drop in whenever as you like, for as long as you like.

Our equipment is available for you to use and select materials are available for purchase. You must clean and return any equipment used. Registration is not required, but welcomed.

Join us for Makers Morning every Thursday from 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Join other makers and crafters weekly at the Ely Folk School for a relaxed morning of creativity and sharing. Whether you crochet, quilt, solder, write, or weave, any project is welcome. This space is also excellent for students who did not finish a project during their class.

All are welcome, no matter skill level or (reasonable) project type. Drop in whenever as you like, for as long as you like.

Our equipment is available for you to use and select materials are available for purchase. You must clean and return any equipment used. Registration is not required, but welcomed.

We've had some wonderful new instructors teach with us recently--so this is a reminder that the Ely Folk School is always looking for skilled craftspeople to teach a class!

We are looking for folks who are passionate and eager to share their wisdom and talent with others. Experienced educators make excellent instructors, but our staff is also available to help people for whom teaching would be a new and exciting challenge. Ultimately we are seeking instructors with an ability to scale instruction to multiple skill levels, even within the bounds of a single class.

If you're interested in teaching a class, start by filling out the "New Class Proposal" form on our website, and our program staff will reach out with next steps.

We've had some wonderful new instructors teach with us recently--so this is a reminder that the Ely Folk School is always looking for skilled craftspeople to teach a class!

We are looking for folks who are passionate and eager to share their wisdom and talent with others. Experienced educators make excellent instructors, but our staff is also available to help people for whom teaching would be a new and exciting challenge. Ultimately we are seeking instructors with an ability to scale instruction to multiple skill levels, even within the bounds of a single class.

If you're interested in teaching a class, start by filling out the "New Class Proposal" form on our website, and our program staff will reach out with next steps.

#ThrowbackThursday to some of our wonderful February classes! We had yet another busy month of creating and community here. The past month was filled with learning, making, and connecting. We're grateful to everyone who joined us--here's to more inspiring together this spring!

Want to be part of the fun? Check our upcoming classes and sign up today at the link in our bio.

#ThrowbackThursday to some of our wonderful February classes! We had yet another busy month of creating and community here. The past month was filled with learning, making, and connecting. We're grateful to everyone who joined us--here's to more inspiring together this spring!

Want to be part of the fun? Check our upcoming classes and sign up today at the link in our bio.

The 2025 Ely Film Festival is coming up quickly, and the Ely Folk School is happy to be a sponsor and partner again this year! Be sure to catch a few movies at the Ely Historic State Theater from Wednesday, March 12th to Thursday, March 20th, then join us across the street for a class, discussion, or workshop. Check out the link in our bio for all the details about the action that's part of the fest.

The 2025 Ely Film Festival is coming up quickly, and the Ely Folk School is happy to be a sponsor and partner again this year! Be sure to catch a few movies at the Ely Historic State Theater from Wednesday, March 12th to Thursday, March 20th, then join us across the street for a class, discussion, or workshop. Check out the link in our bio for all the details about the action that's part of the fest.

From water storage and filtration, to wildfire protection, to habitat creation, to carbon sequestration, and of course biodiversity, beavers are extremely valuable to our ecosystems. Their fur is also highly valuable! On top of being incredibly soft and warm, it is highly durable and water repellent.

Learn more about beavers, their fur, and its benefits with the Ely Folk School and instructor Kaitlin Ostlie in March's Make Your Own Beaver Musher Mittens class. Scheduled to be accessible for working adults, we'll spend four evenings working with fur. By the end, you'll walk away with a high quality pair mitts.

The class runs March 17-20th, 6 pm - 9 pm daily. Learn more and register here: https://elyfolkschool.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/elyfolkschool/event.jsp?event=15156&

From water storage and filtration, to wildfire protection, to habitat creation, to carbon sequestration, and of course biodiversity, beavers are extremely valuable to our ecosystems. Their fur is also highly valuable! On top of being incredibly soft and warm, it is highly durable and water repellent.

Learn more about beavers, their fur, and its benefits with the Ely Folk School and instructor Kaitlin Ostlie in March's Make Your Own Beaver Musher Mittens class. Scheduled to be accessible for working adults, we'll spend four evenings working with fur. By the end, you'll walk away with a high quality pair mitts.

The class runs March 17-20th, 6 pm - 9 pm daily. Learn more and register here: https://elyfolkschool.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/elyfolkschool/event.jsp?event=15156&

Have you been wanting to dip your toes into wood carving but have been a little nervous about where to begin? We have two spots left in Wednesday's Butter Knife Carving class with Amos Kolodji!

This class will allow you to learn how to use and become comfortable with a sloyd knife, Carving axe, and various other carving tools. We will use these tools in a safe way to make a simple but effective Butterknife. Additionally we will explore the design of simple tools such as spoons and knives.

Amos Kolodji has been a canoe and winter guide in Northern Minnesota for several years. From these trips a love for making tools was born. Those tools have included paddles bowls knives and yes spoons and butter knives. Anything that could be used in the woods. His day job is teaching math in the Babbitt school district and his full time passion is sharing skills and stories about learning, woodworking, and more.

Have you been wanting to dip your toes into wood carving but have been a little nervous about where to begin? We have two spots left in Wednesday's Butter Knife Carving class with Amos Kolodji!

This class will allow you to learn how to use and become comfortable with a sloyd knife, Carving axe, and various other carving tools. We will use these tools in a safe way to make a simple but effective Butterknife. Additionally we will explore the design of simple tools such as spoons and knives.

Amos Kolodji has been a canoe and winter guide in Northern Minnesota for several years. From these trips a love for making tools was born. Those tools have included paddles bowls knives and yes spoons and butter knives. Anything that could be used in the woods. His day job is teaching math in the Babbitt school district and his full time passion is sharing skills and stories about learning, woodworking, and more.

With that the 2025 Ely Winter Festival has come to an end! We had some fabulous classes ranging from traditional Saami bracelet making with instructor Diane Thomson to Beaver Hats with instructors Bert Hyde and Mark Olson... We'd like to say a big thank you to the festival organizers, and to everyone who stopped in either to participate in a class, support our local artists in the mercantile, or just folks looking to check out what it is we do and say hello!

With that the 2025 Ely Winter Festival has come to an end! We had some fabulous classes ranging from traditional Saami bracelet making with instructor Diane Thomson to Beaver Hats with instructors Bert Hyde and Mark Olson... We'd like to say a big thank you to the festival organizers, and to everyone who stopped in either to participate in a class, support our local artists in the mercantile, or just folks looking to check out what it is we do and say hello!

The first meeting of our Backyard Herbalism Club was very successful, and this month our focus is on usnea! You might recognize the light-colored, bushy lichen growing on the branches of northwoods trees in this area. But what is usnea all about from an herbalist's perspective? You'll just have to come to February's class with local expert Sue Larson.

Backyard Herbalism Club meets the third Thursday of every month at 6pm. Classes are $20 plus a materials fee that is paid the day of class to instructors. Join us in learning more about the bounty of the plant world that's hidden in plain sight all round us!

The first meeting of our Backyard Herbalism Club was very successful, and this month our focus is on usnea! You might recognize the light-colored, bushy lichen growing on the branches of northwoods trees in this area. But what is usnea all about from an herbalist's perspective? You'll just have to come to February's class with local expert Sue Larson.

Backyard Herbalism Club meets the third Thursday of every month at 6pm. Classes are $20 plus a materials fee that is paid the day of class to instructors. Join us in learning more about the bounty of the plant world that's hidden in plain sight all round us!

Happy Valentine's Day! This holiday we're celebrating the love that grows in our town through lifelong learning and strong community 💖 Whether it’s an instructor guiding a student, neighbors coming together to share a meal, or the power of curiosity (for each other and for the world) that connects us all—these acts of love make a lasting impact. Let’s keep spreading the love that empowers, educates, and uplifts!

Happy Valentine's Day! This holiday we're celebrating the love that grows in our town through lifelong learning and strong community 💖 Whether it’s an instructor guiding a student, neighbors coming together to share a meal, or the power of curiosity (for each other and for the world) that connects us all—these acts of love make a lasting impact. Let’s keep spreading the love that empowers, educates, and uplifts!

Stop by the Ely Folk School this afternoon between 1pm and 4pm to see local artist Kim Garrett give a free demonstration of Scandinavian style folk painting! With a background in both Norwegian and Swedish traditional folk art, this is sure to be a great way to connect to culture and get out of the cold as you enjoy the start to the second weekend of the Ely Winter Festival!

Stop by the Ely Folk School this afternoon between 1pm and 4pm to see local artist Kim Garrett give a free demonstration of Scandinavian style folk painting! With a background in both Norwegian and Swedish traditional folk art, this is sure to be a great way to connect to culture and get out of the cold as you enjoy the start to the second weekend of the Ely Winter Festival!

Dancing with others isn’t just about the steps—it’s about connection. In Northern Minnesota, the tradition of polka dancing brings people together, strengthening bonds and celebrating community. It’s a way to share joy, pass down culture, and create memories that last generations! Whether you're a pro or just learning, every step is a reminder of how we move together.

Join us for a Polka Dancing class with LynnAnne Vesper this Saturday, February 15th from 4-6pm.

Dancing with others isn’t just about the steps—it’s about connection. In Northern Minnesota, the tradition of polka dancing brings people together, strengthening bonds and celebrating community. It’s a way to share joy, pass down culture, and create memories that last generations! Whether you're a pro or just learning, every step is a reminder of how we move together.

Join us for a Polka Dancing class with LynnAnne Vesper this Saturday, February 15th from 4-6pm.

We've got some upcoming youth program we think you should know about!

Tomorrow (Tuesday, February 11th) instructor LynnAnne Vesper is teaching "Swedish Paper Hearts Making" from 4-5pm. Come check it out!

At the beginning of March we have two more classes: Woodburning Workshop (all ages friendly) with instructor Kelly Cramer on Saturday, March 1st from 1-4pm and our final Creative Kids Sew class: Zipper Pouches! That class will be with instructor Alexia Springer on Saturday March 8th from 1-4pm.

Sign up now at elyfolkschool.org

We've got some upcoming youth program we think you should know about!

Tomorrow (Tuesday, February 11th) instructor LynnAnne Vesper is teaching "Swedish Paper Hearts Making" from 4-5pm. Come check it out!

At the beginning of March we have two more classes: Woodburning Workshop (all ages friendly) with instructor Kelly Cramer on Saturday, March 1st from 1-4pm and our final Creative Kids Sew class: Zipper Pouches! That class will be with instructor Alexia Springer on Saturday March 8th from 1-4pm.

Sign up now at elyfolkschool.org

Where can you go to learn about upcoming classes and events at the Folk School? There are a few different spots. If you're digitally inclined, you can find information on our new website's (elyfolkschool.org) class calendar, where we try to have programs listed out 2-3 months in advance. Search by month or by program area. All our programs are also listed on our Facebook page, which has direct links to our registration system. You can also find information virtually through our bimonthly newsletter! Sign-up in person or online to be in the know.

We also try to post our upcoming programs in person as well--come inside the school to see our monthly chalkboard of events (pictured here) or brave the weather to peruse the class flyers in the west window. We often have class flyers in the box outside the School that you can take with you, or you can poke your head inside to grab one!

Be sure to keep an eye on our updating sandwich board for upcoming highlights, and stay on the lookout for print posters in local businesses that advertise for bigger community events. You can always visit ely.org as another space to see upcoming events, and occasionally local publications like the Ely Summer and Winter times or the Ely Echo and Timberjay newspapers.

Where can you go to learn about upcoming classes and events at the Folk School? There are a few different spots. If you're digitally inclined, you can find information on our new website's (elyfolkschool.org) class calendar, where we try to have programs listed out 2-3 months in advance. Search by month or by program area. All our programs are also listed on our Facebook page, which has direct links to our registration system. You can also find information virtually through our bimonthly newsletter! Sign-up in person or online to be in the know.

We also try to post our upcoming programs in person as well--come inside the school to see our monthly chalkboard of events (pictured here) or brave the weather to peruse the class flyers in the west window. We often have class flyers in the box outside the School that you can take with you, or you can poke your head inside to grab one!

Be sure to keep an eye on our updating sandwich board for upcoming highlights, and stay on the lookout for print posters in local businesses that advertise for bigger community events. You can always visit ely.org as another space to see upcoming events, and occasionally local publications like the Ely Summer and Winter times or the Ely Echo and Timberjay newspapers.

Are you enthusiastic about making and sharing? The Folk School is always looking for craftspeople to teach a class. Experienced educators make excellent instructors, but our staff is available to help folks for whom teaching may be a new and exciting challenge! Consider joining our very talented team and share your knowledge with Ely. Reach out to our Program Director at anna@elyfolkschool.org for more information.

Are you enthusiastic about making and sharing? The Folk School is always looking for craftspeople to teach a class. Experienced educators make excellent instructors, but our staff is available to help folks for whom teaching may be a new and exciting challenge! Consider joining our very talented team and share your knowledge with Ely. Reach out to our Program Director at anna@elyfolkschool.org for more information.

Next Tuesday we'll be hosting writer, scientist, and policy expert Anna Farro Henderson after her Tuesday Group event with Boundary Waters Connect (where she'll be discussing her book "Core Samples").

Join us afterwards at the Ely Folk School from 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM for her zine making workshop. Students should come prepared to write, create, help each other brainstorm, and have fun! Zines are handmade books made with a single sheet of paper (plus some colored pencils/pens/or markers)--perfect for all ages and ability levels.

The workshop is $5 for participants to cover materials fees, but with our sliding scale payment option folks are welcome to participate free of charge as well. Pre-registration not required. See you there!

Next Tuesday we'll be hosting writer, scientist, and policy expert Anna Farro Henderson after her Tuesday Group event with Boundary Waters Connect (where she'll be discussing her book "Core Samples").

Join us afterwards at the Ely Folk School from 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM for her zine making workshop. Students should come prepared to write, create, help each other brainstorm, and have fun! Zines are handmade books made with a single sheet of paper (plus some colored pencils/pens/or markers)--perfect for all ages and ability levels.

The workshop is $5 for participants to cover materials fees, but with our sliding scale payment option folks are welcome to participate free of charge as well. Pre-registration not required. See you there!

The Ely Winter Festival is starting soon, and we've got a wide range of classes for you to explore. There's something for everyone... Just take a look at our offerings below that all take place between February 6th and 16th:

Taste of Blacksmithing (multiple sessions)
Animal Tracking in the Snow
Saami Bracelets (beginner and advanced)
Story Circle (free storytelling event)
Winter Zine Making
Youth Swedish Paper Hearts Making
Ceramics Skill Building: Large Bowls
Relationships with Others (class 1 of 3)
Scandinavian Folk Art Painting (free demonstration)
Make Your Own Beaver Hat
Nature Writing for Women: Winter in the North
Polka Dancing
Wooden Spoon Carving: An Introduction

Take advantage of this packed schedule and learn something new!

The Ely Winter Festival is starting soon, and we've got a wide range of classes for you to explore. There's something for everyone... Just take a look at our offerings below that all take place between February 6th and 16th:

Taste of Blacksmithing (multiple sessions)
Animal Tracking in the Snow
Saami Bracelets (beginner and advanced)
Story Circle (free storytelling event)
Winter Zine Making
Youth Swedish Paper Hearts Making
Ceramics Skill Building: Large Bowls
Relationships with Others (class 1 of 3)
Scandinavian Folk Art Painting (free demonstration)
Make Your Own Beaver Hat
Nature Writing for Women: Winter in the North
Polka Dancing
Wooden Spoon Carving: An Introduction

Take advantage of this packed schedule and learn something new!

The Ely Art Walk is coming to town again, which means we'll have more beautiful local artist's work displayed in our windows. Set up is happening next week (and here's a hint... This year's display will include work from one of the Ely Folk School's own staff!) so be sure to stop by and check it out.

Follow @elyartwalk for the most up to date information and visit elyartwalk.org for event information, area map, and more.

Wood sculpture art by Peter Kess, Ely Art Walk 2024.

The Ely Art Walk is coming to town again, which means we'll have more beautiful local artist's work displayed in our windows. Set up is happening next week (and here's a hint... This year's display will include work from one of the Ely Folk School's own staff!) so be sure to stop by and check it out.

Follow @elyartwalk for the most up to date information and visit elyartwalk.org for event information, area map, and more.

Wood sculpture art by Peter Kess, Ely Art Walk 2024.

Winter in Ely swings between frigid and delightful, and this week we're feeling thankful that we're back in above zero!

If you're enthusiastic about embracing the seasonal spirit, we'd recommend checking out a couple fun upcoming classes: Intro to Snow Sculpting (Saturday, February 1st from 2-5pm) and Scandinavian Ice Candle Lanterns (Tuesday, February 4th from 2-6pm). They're great ways to channel your creativity, take advantage of the weather, and are timely for showing off as folks visit Ely for the annual Winter Festival!

Stop by the Ely Folk School or register online at elyfolkschool.org/classes

Winter in Ely swings between frigid and delightful, and this week we're feeling thankful that we're back in above zero!

If you're enthusiastic about embracing the seasonal spirit, we'd recommend checking out a couple fun upcoming classes: Intro to Snow Sculpting (Saturday, February 1st from 2-5pm) and Scandinavian Ice Candle Lanterns (Tuesday, February 4th from 2-6pm). They're great ways to channel your creativity, take advantage of the weather, and are timely for showing off as folks visit Ely for the annual Winter Festival!

Stop by the Ely Folk School or register online at elyfolkschool.org/classes

Our ceramics studio's ongoing class "Wheel Throwing" has been busy learning the basics of creating on a pottery wheel with Studio Manager Wade Pharr, while our ongoing studio members have been creating their own projects.

One of the fun things about our ceramics studio is that it's a great place for anyone, regardless of experience, to learn how to work with clay. With both full Studio Memberships and limited Glazing Memberships, folks with previous experience can utilize our facilities and equipment to create at their own pace. Ceramics "Skill Building" classes are great for those who have some level of comfort with clay and are looking to up their game: like how to perfect a large bowl or a lidded vessel.

Learn more about ceramics at the Folk School by visiting our website.

Our ceramics studio's ongoing class "Wheel Throwing" has been busy learning the basics of creating on a pottery wheel with Studio Manager Wade Pharr, while our ongoing studio members have been creating their own projects.

One of the fun things about our ceramics studio is that it's a great place for anyone, regardless of experience, to learn how to work with clay. With both full Studio Memberships and limited Glazing Memberships, folks with previous experience can utilize our facilities and equipment to create at their own pace. Ceramics "Skill Building" classes are great for those who have some level of comfort with clay and are looking to up their game: like how to perfect a large bowl or a lidded vessel.

Learn more about ceramics at the Folk School by visiting our website.

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