We’re Growing – Apply now to join our team!
The Ely Folk School is growing! We’re hiring a full-time Program Director. The ideal candidate will be someone who is inspired by the Ely Folk School mission, is curious, and understands the importance of lifelong learning. Ely Folk School Program Director Job Description Job Summary The Ely Folk School Program Director works in collaboration with […]
Upcoming Fall 2024 Retreat Opportunities
Written by Anna Heil, Program Director The Ely Folk School’s mission has always been about providing community through learning experiences – what that looks like in practice can vary widely. Just this summer I’ve seen wide-eyed kids behind a sewing machine for the first time, curiously creating clothing and toys from thread and fabric. I’ve […]
2024 Letter from the Executive Director
In this spring season of awakening, the Ely Folk School is taking inspiration from nature. We are clarifying where we have been and where we are going. Where we have been: planting seeds for sustained joy and freedom within a strong, resilient community. Where we are going: A vibrant garden of interconnected blooms that make […]
2024 Summer Youth Classes
Written by Alexia Springer The Ely Folk School is excited to announce our third annual year of summer youth classes! This year, Kids Makers Morning serves Pre-K and Kindergarten children. The Creative Kids class series serves elementary aged kids. Each of these programs forge community and connection to place through craft and offers opportunities to […]
Snow Sculpting at the Ely Folk School
A filmmaker who came to Ely from Florida for the 2nd Annual Ely Film Festival remarked that nearly everyone he has met has apologized to him for the “unseasonable heat” The most popular small talk conversation starter is the tragedy of this year’s Snow Sculpting Symposium in Whiteside Park. “At least the sidewalks are clear […]
Get Involved with the Ely Winter Festival
Written by Lucy Soderstrom, Program Director The Ely Winter Festival is right around the corner! The ten biggest days of winter in Ely may have a bit less snow than last year, but there are infinite things to do both outside and inside! Sew a beaver hat, learn the basics of blacksmithing, bead a snowflake, […]
The Naughty List: Coal, Creation, and the Coniferous
Ely is a busy place – people are always thinking, learning, scheming about something. This doesn’t necessarily slow down during the holiday season. There’s a lot of collaboration, idea sharing, and inspiration in the air. One such example is the Call of Wild Poetry Evenings hosted by the Northern Lakes Arts Association are held at […]
November Newsletter
Give to the Max Starts Today!Can you give $5+? The Ely Folk School depends on the statewide Give to the Max campaign for our annual budget! Can you help us reach 150 donors between now and November 16th? The Ely Folk School offers diverse programming that focuses on working with your hands, sharing your stories, […]
October Newsletter
October…this transitional month between warm fall colors and stark moving landscapes of winter. Here at the folk school, our staff have been really doing some wonderful things. We are excited about some new classes and products! On Saturday, October 7, Alexia taught Basswood Basket. Baskets are woven from the fibers of the bark, which can be dyed […]
Cranberry Picking
Written by Lucy Soderstrom It seems to have been a personal, informal mission of sorts in the last couple years to become more intimately acquainted with the abundant wild edibles the Northwoods has to offer us. It makes sense, in some ways. I have always sought understanding and connection with land in order to feel […]