‘Tis the season of fresh fruit pies, and the Ely Folk School is poised for a fresh start. We are hopeful, we are excited, and we are prepared for a safe and busy summer. We have received a pledge for a $10,000 matching donation from an anonymous donor! Please help us secure these funds by […]
Archive | Sisu
“Sisu” – A Finnish concept described as stoic determination, grit, optimism, tenacity of purpose, resilience, hardiness.
This blog is dedicated to sharing stories from our community, based on this concept. Please email to write a story.
How does it feel to paddle a birch bark canoe?
Find out! Help the Ely Folk School (EFS) to finish building their 20-foot canoe. The first class will start on Sunday, June 20th at 1:00pm. Master Birch Bark Canoe Builder Erik Simula is continuing the Birch Bark Canoe Project (BBCP). This summer, he is teaching a 10-week course designed with the goals of finishing and […]
Family Classes: Beaver Hat Story
Now is a good time to think about setting up a class with friends or family for a reunion in the coming months. Students have really enjoyed sharing time and learning with friends and relatives, and we can custom design a class for you! Just read this story below for a little inspiration! I was […]
Favorite Memory at EFS
We tried something new this month and offered a free EFS t-shirt to one lucky winner. To enter we asked social media followers who took a class or attended an event at Ely Folk School to leave a comment and tell us what their favorite memory was. As we plan for the busy summer months […]
Welcoming Growth
Written by: Stephanie Hibdon I have always enjoyed being out in nature and the outdoors. I am a Missouri native and have long enjoyed the natural resources the beautiful state provided. However, when my partner, Paul, introduced me to Minnesota, it was virtually love at first sight. The natural beauty, abundant waterways, and fishing opportunities […]
Ice Tribe
Written by: Alexia Springer As the year ends, it’s important to take some time to reflect. The full Moon coincides perfectly with the last few days of our calendar year, adding to the benefits this reflection process gives us. Going into 2020 some of my goals included developing friendships, getting involved in the community, and […]
A Special Message to our Ely Folk School community, near and far
Following the Governor’s recommendations, we have been closed to the public. Betty Firth, our Program Coordinator, has been working from home primarily, writing grants to fund new programs and support existing ones. We’ll keep in touch with you regarding plans to reopen. We are developing ideas for how to stay connected in a meaningful way. […]
Celebration & Challenge
Happy Birthday to Us! Our Ely Folk School is entering our 5th Season! Please join us for our Celebration and our Challenge. Our Celebration: Join us for our special event 3-5pm Sunday, June 9, and share highlights of our first half decade, updates on new classes, lots of yummy cakes (& other treats) Our Challenge: We’ve […]
Slovenian Sweetness
Ely woman turns her kitchen into a potica factory for Folk School fundraiser Keith Vandervort in The Timberjay Wednesday, June 27, 2018 WHITE IRON LAKE –A faded and tattered recipe, produced on a manual typewriter, complete with stains and a few handwritten notes, has a simple heading “Walnut Potica.” That recipe is the basis of Mary […]
Canoe Country Traditions
The second weekend in August brings Canoe Country Traditions, a three-day celebration of classes featuring the importance of canoes in our region’s history as well as traditional crafts such as caning, carving and cooking. Canoes have been a primary form of transport throughout the region’s history. You can even participate in helping to build […]
