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Shop Local at EFS! Visit the EFS Mercantile and view our Ely Art Walk display all month!

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From the Blog

Art Critique at Makers Morning at EFS

Art Critique at Makers Morning at EFS

Thursdays are regularly the best morning of the week at the Ely Folk School. Our Makers Morning takes place on Thursdays! Since 2022,...

Are you part of a club?

Are you part of a club?

The leaders and instructors of the new Ely Folk School Backyard Herbalism club meet regularly to plan the monthly class sessions. Ely has...

The Magic in Being Creative

The Magic in Being Creative

by John Kopp, originally published in April 2022 Creativity doesn’t come from a piece of us but from the whole of us. I find myself...

@elyfolkschool on Instagram

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.

The Ely Folk School is a gathering space. We take pride in being a space people enjoy stopping by, whether they're shopping, taking a class, or looking to discuss life and art philosophy.

This means we try to keep the doors to the building open as much as possible. This week, Lucy and Anna will be away from the school to get in some deep focus work. But we'll still be open! Kim, Isaac, John, and DJ (not pictured) will be here to welcome you in!

The Ely Folk School is more than a place - it's a whole community. Thank you to Kim, Isaac, John, and DJ for your time, dedication, and thoughtfulness!

(Photos from Ely Folk School Spring Bonfires and the Ely Folk School Creative Kids Sew program)

Want to learn about volunteering? https://www.elyfolkschool.org/volunteerinterest

The Ely Folk School is a gathering space. We take pride in being a space people enjoy stopping by, whether they're shopping, taking a class, or looking to discuss life and art philosophy.

This means we try to keep the doors to the building open as much as possible. This week, Lucy and Anna will be away from the school to get in some deep focus work. But we'll still be open! Kim, Isaac, John, and DJ (not pictured) will be here to welcome you in!

The Ely Folk School is more than a place - it's a whole community. Thank you to Kim, Isaac, John, and DJ for your time, dedication, and thoughtfulness!

(Photos from Ely Folk School Spring Bonfires and the Ely Folk School Creative Kids Sew program)

Want to learn about volunteering? https://www.elyfolkschool.org/volunteerinterest

What is more quintessential Ely Folk School than Bert and Mark's beaver hat class?

We have just a couple seats left in our most consistently popular class ever.

Bert Hyde and Mark Olson are skilled woodsmen who have experienced a lot of cold weather, undaunted. They are long-time friends, do-it-yourselfers, and Ely Folk School instructors and supporters, who get a kick out of showing other people how to do cool things.

Sign up now to secure your seat.

https://elyfolkschool.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/elyfolkschool/event.jsp?event=14456&

What is more quintessential Ely Folk School than Bert and Mark's beaver hat class?

We have just a couple seats left in our most consistently popular class ever.

Bert Hyde and Mark Olson are skilled woodsmen who have experienced a lot of cold weather, undaunted. They are long-time friends, do-it-yourselfers, and Ely Folk School instructors and supporters, who get a kick out of showing other people how to do cool things.

Sign up now to secure your seat.

https://elyfolkschool.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/elyfolkschool/event.jsp?event=14456&

Have you been looking to begin a hobby in wood carving?

Carving these simple, elegant butter knives is a perfect place to start. Join Instructor Amos Kolodji for an approachable, fun, and productive evening.

https://elyfolkschool.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/elyfolkschool/event.jsp?event=15118&

Have you been looking to begin a hobby in wood carving?

Carving these simple, elegant butter knives is a perfect place to start. Join Instructor Amos Kolodji for an approachable, fun, and productive evening.

https://elyfolkschool.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/elyfolkschool/event.jsp?event=15118&

Chip carving is a very old craft practiced by many cultures - This is a beautiful art form that almost anyone can practice! It just requires patience and a steady hand.

In this class, you will learn to lay out a pattern for cutting, how to make the various cuts and as you develop a feel for the wood, you will learn how to deal with mistakes - something good to practice for all arenas of life! You will leave with some new skills and, hopefully, a carved coaster.

Please register by January 24th to allow time to order materials and knives for the projects.

Chip carving is a very old craft practiced by many cultures - This is a beautiful art form that almost anyone can practice! It just requires patience and a steady hand.

In this class, you will learn to lay out a pattern for cutting, how to make the various cuts and as you develop a feel for the wood, you will learn how to deal with mistakes - something good to practice for all arenas of life! You will leave with some new skills and, hopefully, a carved coaster.

Please register by January 24th to allow time to order materials and knives for the projects.

Over the last two days, these home bakers were put to work, learning artisan baking and sourdough techniques from lawyer and Brainstorm Bakery baker, Hudson Kingston. We think they did quite well!

Making your own, high quality bread doesn't have to be intimidating. We learned this weekend to have patience and how to read the dough! Stay tuned for future Nourishment classes at the Ely Folk School kitchen.

Over the last two days, these home bakers were put to work, learning artisan baking and sourdough techniques from lawyer and Brainstorm Bakery baker, Hudson Kingston. We think they did quite well!

Making your own, high quality bread doesn't have to be intimidating. We learned this weekend to have patience and how to read the dough! Stay tuned for future Nourishment classes at the Ely Folk School kitchen.

Curious about winter in Ely? Visit www.ely.org/adventure

Curious about winter in Ely? Visit www.ely.org/adventure

On Tuesday evening, Lacey Squier, of Boundary Waters Connect, and I hosted a screening of the documentary film, Join or Die. Chronicling Robert Putnam’s research into American civic infrastructure, the film lays out why, according to Putnam, our individual engagement with group or club infrastructure is crucial to the function of democracy.

While watching the movie, I found myself wishing the filmmakers gave us more time with the groups across the country they highlighted. How are the people living out Putnam’s research....

Keep reading this blog post at www.elyfolkschool.org! Link in comments

On Tuesday evening, Lacey Squier, of Boundary Waters Connect, and I hosted a screening of the documentary film, Join or Die. Chronicling Robert Putnam’s research into American civic infrastructure, the film lays out why, according to Putnam, our individual engagement with group or club infrastructure is crucial to the function of democracy.

While watching the movie, I found myself wishing the filmmakers gave us more time with the groups across the country they highlighted. How are the people living out Putnam’s research....

Keep reading this blog post at www.elyfolkschool.org! Link in comments

Let's get to the heart of the matter, yes?

In last night's Backyard Herbalism class led by Jaime Brenna, we focused on hawthorn - an herb that promotes healthy blood circulation and a strong heart! It also grows abundantly around Ely!

Everyone went home with a hawthorn tincture that will be ready to serve in time for Valentine's Day - a holiday of the heart - and got to taste hawthorn tea and cordial.

Next month in Backyard Herbalism, Sue Larson will be leading a class about usnea. You won't want to miss it! There's still time to sign up for the full year membership or you can always sign up for each individual month's herb.

Please note: Herbalism classes taught through the Ely Folk School are led by instructors who have sought out training or education about herbal medicine and are not intended to replace care from medical professionals. These classes are strictly educational, and do not provide treatment, diagnosis, or medical guidance. Attendees acknowledge their responsibility for personal choices.

Let's get to the heart of the matter, yes?

In last night's Backyard Herbalism class led by Jaime Brenna, we focused on hawthorn - an herb that promotes healthy blood circulation and a strong heart! It also grows abundantly around Ely!

Everyone went home with a hawthorn tincture that will be ready to serve in time for Valentine's Day - a holiday of the heart - and got to taste hawthorn tea and cordial.

Next month in Backyard Herbalism, Sue Larson will be leading a class about usnea. You won't want to miss it! There's still time to sign up for the full year membership or you can always sign up for each individual month's herb.

Please note: Herbalism classes taught through the Ely Folk School are led by instructors who have sought out training or education about herbal medicine and are not intended to replace care from medical professionals. These classes are strictly educational, and do not provide treatment, diagnosis, or medical guidance. Attendees acknowledge their responsibility for personal choices.

Non-Competitive, Intergenerational, Learning for Life

..

Find a class today. www.elyfolkschool.org

Non-Competitive, Intergenerational, Learning for Life

..

Find a class today. www.elyfolkschool.org

Boundary Waters Connect & the Ely Folk School are hosting a free community movie night. Join us in viewing a documentary film at Ely's Historic State Theater about the important of club and organization involvement. We'll facilitate a discussion for those who'd like to engage following the film.

Join or Die is a film about why you should join a club. In this feature documentary, follow the half-century story of America's civic unraveling through the journey of legendary social scientist Robert Putnam, whose groundbreaking "Bowling Alone" research into America's decades-long decline in community connections could hold the answers to our democracy's present crisis.

Boundary Waters Connect & the Ely Folk School are hosting a free community movie night. Join us in viewing a documentary film at Ely's Historic State Theater about the important of club and organization involvement. We'll facilitate a discussion for those who'd like to engage following the film.

Join or Die is a film about why you should join a club. In this feature documentary, follow the half-century story of America's civic unraveling through the journey of legendary social scientist Robert Putnam, whose groundbreaking "Bowling Alone" research into America's decades-long decline in community connections could hold the answers to our democracy's present crisis.

Last weekend's Meal Prepping Brunch... with Mimosas! class proved that meal prepping nourishing meals to freeze for later doesn't have to be intimidating, difficult, or boring!

Instructor Valerie Jedlicki led a full class through preparing three take and bake brunch meals. We hope that those meals will be shared with loved ones the next time there's simply not enough time to cook!

Last weekend's Meal Prepping Brunch... with Mimosas! class proved that meal prepping nourishing meals to freeze for later doesn't have to be intimidating, difficult, or boring!

Instructor Valerie Jedlicki led a full class through preparing three take and bake brunch meals. We hope that those meals will be shared with loved ones the next time there's simply not enough time to cook!

Have you heard? Each month this year, EFS will be taking a deep dive into a new herb, getting a holistic picture of the plant, how it's used traditionally, how herbalists here in Ely use it, and how we can work with it in our home and garden.

These classes occur the third Thursday of EVERY month in 2025! And we get started on our backyard herbalism 2025 journey in just one week! Join Jaime Brennan, the backyard herbalists, and the Ely Folk School on Thursday, January 16th to explore the world of hawthorn.

Learn more and sign up here https://elyfolkschool.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/elyfolkschool/event.jsp?event=14480&

Have you heard? Each month this year, EFS will be taking a deep dive into a new herb, getting a holistic picture of the plant, how it's used traditionally, how herbalists here in Ely use it, and how we can work with it in our home and garden.

These classes occur the third Thursday of EVERY month in 2025! And we get started on our backyard herbalism 2025 journey in just one week! Join Jaime Brennan, the backyard herbalists, and the Ely Folk School on Thursday, January 16th to explore the world of hawthorn.

Learn more and sign up here https://elyfolkschool.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/elyfolkschool/event.jsp?event=14480&

Ely's Dark Sky Festival is this weekend! Join us in celebrating our incredible dark night skies. The Ely Folk School is proud to be offering a myriad of aurora and astral themed photography and painting classes. You can also join us for other classes this weekend, like making your own sauna hat or making your own pair of fire tongs. Both saunas and bonfires are great activities on a beautiful starry night!

View our upcoming event calendar here. https://www.elyfolkschool.org/classes

Ely's Dark Sky Festival is this weekend! Join us in celebrating our incredible dark night skies. The Ely Folk School is proud to be offering a myriad of aurora and astral themed photography and painting classes. You can also join us for other classes this weekend, like making your own sauna hat or making your own pair of fire tongs. Both saunas and bonfires are great activities on a beautiful starry night!

View our upcoming event calendar here. https://www.elyfolkschool.org/classes

Join us the first Monday of every month for game night! Meet new friends and connect with old ones in a casual and fun environment. Bring a snack or a game--all experience levels welcome. Our next Game Night is this Monday, January 6th at 6:30pm. See you there!

Join us the first Monday of every month for game night! Meet new friends and connect with old ones in a casual and fun environment. Bring a snack or a game--all experience levels welcome. Our next Game Night is this Monday, January 6th at 6:30pm. See you there!

One of our intentions at the Ely Folk School for this new year is to invest intentionally in HOW we're growing our community and how we can strengthen new and old connections alike.

If your resolutions also include community care, we encourage you to join us next Wednesday, January 8th at 5:30 pm for a Community Conversation about Restorative Justice.

When someone’s actions harm you, what do you need? What about when your actions cause harm – what do you need then? The philosophy and lifeway sometimes referred to as restorative justice helps individuals and communities address those questions and figure out what to do about the answers. As part of the Minnesota Department of Corrections Restorative Justice Program, people whose actions have caused severe harm can participate in an apology letter process that requires accountability, remorse, amends, empathy, change, and other practices that a lot of people say they need when they cause or experience harm. DOC Apology Letter Bank co-coordinator Chris Godsey will share some restorative justice and apology basics, answer questions, and do his best to foster dialogue that risks keeping folks too late.

https://elyfolkschool.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/elyfolkschool/event.jsp?event=14446&

One of our intentions at the Ely Folk School for this new year is to invest intentionally in HOW we're growing our community and how we can strengthen new and old connections alike.

If your resolutions also include community care, we encourage you to join us next Wednesday, January 8th at 5:30 pm for a Community Conversation about Restorative Justice.

When someone’s actions harm you, what do you need? What about when your actions cause harm – what do you need then? The philosophy and lifeway sometimes referred to as restorative justice helps individuals and communities address those questions and figure out what to do about the answers. As part of the Minnesota Department of Corrections Restorative Justice Program, people whose actions have caused severe harm can participate in an apology letter process that requires accountability, remorse, amends, empathy, change, and other practices that a lot of people say they need when they cause or experience harm. DOC Apology Letter Bank co-coordinator Chris Godsey will share some restorative justice and apology basics, answer questions, and do his best to foster dialogue that risks keeping folks too late.

https://elyfolkschool.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/elyfolkschool/event.jsp?event=14446&

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the school,
Crafts were packed up, no misplaced equipment or tool;
Class flyers were hung by the window with care,
In hopes that Elyites would walk by and stare;
Sewing machines in their boxes and stained glass in its place;
Students all in their beds, peaceful looks on their face;
The kitchen wiped down, ceramics studio clear;
All winded down from their month of good cheer;
With a turn of a key, the place is locked up tight...
So here at the Folk School, we can wish you goodnight!

Merry Christmas!

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the school,
Crafts were packed up, no misplaced equipment or tool;
Class flyers were hung by the window with care,
In hopes that Elyites would walk by and stare;
Sewing machines in their boxes and stained glass in its place;
Students all in their beds, peaceful looks on their face;
The kitchen wiped down, ceramics studio clear;
All winded down from their month of good cheer;
With a turn of a key, the place is locked up tight...
So here at the Folk School, we can wish you goodnight!

Merry Christmas!

Are you looking for a class to awaken your creativity and spur your imagination? Well look no further than local writer and poet Dy Korda's online class "The Poet's Way". This four session series of 2-hour classes starting Saturday, December 28th and running through Saturday, January 18th is perfect for folks who want to practice writing in an accessible and supportive environment. Register now by visiting elyfolkschool.org/classes

Are you looking for a class to awaken your creativity and spur your imagination? Well look no further than local writer and poet Dy Korda's online class "The Poet's Way". This four session series of 2-hour classes starting Saturday, December 28th and running through Saturday, January 18th is perfect for folks who want to practice writing in an accessible and supportive environment. Register now by visiting elyfolkschool.org/classes

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