Duluth Folk School
Aurora Photography 101
In this two-hour class, participants learn everything from A-to-Z about aurora photography, including how to use a full frame camera, set up, initial settings and understanding the data on SpaceWeatherLive. If time permits, beginning editing and Lightroom will be covered.
Invasive Color: Using Invasive Species as Natural Dyes
Many of the plants we now consider invasive species were brought to this country for a purpose. This workshop explores several invasive plants which can be used as natural dyes. There’s no guilt about peeling off the bark or pulling up the whole plant to make these dye baths.
Students learn plant identification, a bit of natural history, methods to prevent spread of invasive species and how to use these otherwise undesirable species to create beautiful colors. Go home with a minimum of eight different dyed skeins, approximately 25 yards each. The instructor will provide yarn and all dye materials. Students should bring a plastic bag for samples.
Introduction to Watercolor
Watercolor paint is a flexible medium to work with, but many people do not know where to start. In this class, students learn how to mix pigments with water, how to apply paint and 9 foundational watercolor techniques breaking down each step along the way. Students apply brand new skills in a floral painting.
This class has about 1.5 hours of instructional time with 30 minutes at the end for students to experiment and play with materials.
Lake Superior Surfing
This two-hour class offers an overview of surfing history, methods, safety, locations and gear. The instructor explains the parts of a surfboard and what gear is needed for lake conditions. The course is classroom based and presents the basics of how to get started with surfing on Lake Superior.
Registration is available at duluthfolkschool.com.
Make Your Own Ginger Ale
Students can learn how to make lightly fermented ginger ale using ingredients purchased from the local co-op and home brew store, the ins and outs of fermentation and how to apply this knowledge to concoct an infinite array of beverages.
Cattail: From Plant to Basket
This is a 3-day course. In the first class, learn honorable harvest practices, explore how to gather, and the many uses and versatility of cattail. In the second class, students bring their own previously harvested materials and begin weaving. By the end of the course, students leave with a handmade basket and the skills needed to continue weaving journey on their own.
Cattail Harvest and Cordage
This outdoor class invites students to learn directly from the landscape while working with cattail. Students explore where cattail grows, how to identify healthy stands and how to harvest with care using principles of honorable harvest. There will be time to twist cattail cordage provided by the instructor.
Flower Arranging and Watercolor
Students can learn how to arrange flowers and then paint them with watercolors in this class.
Dovetail Cafe to open in October
Duluth Folk School Director & Co-Founder Bryan French outside Dovetail Cafe – Photo by Lissa Maki
If all goes as planned, Dovetail Cafe and Marketplace will open in the second week of October. The unique eatery, housed within the Duluth Folk School at 1917 W. Superior St., will serve up meals made from scratch, products from local vendors and a side of education for those inclined to learn. (more…)
Bubbling up in the craft district: Duluth Kombucha
Duluth’s Lincoln Park craft district has gained another fermented beverage maker. But this one won’t be competing with Bent Paddle and Lake Superior Brewing. Duluth Kombucha set up shop at the Duluth Folk School on Aug. 1. (more…)
Duluth Folk School finds home; plans to open Dovetail Café
Since offering its first class a year ago, Duluth Folk School has been largely nomadic. Appropriately enough, it recently found a home in the burgeoning Lincoln Park Craft District. A teaching kitchen and café are among the many plans for the massive space at 1917 W. Superior St. (more…)
Duluth Folk School on The PlayList
The May 4 episode of WDSE-TV‘s The Playlist featured this segment about Duluth Folk School and how it plans to teach skills in the community. Co-founder Bryan French explains the purpose and many options for students in this interview with Karen Sunderman.
Duluth Folk School
The Duluth Folk School has been a long time in the making, but it is open for business.
What: Duluth Folk School’s mission is to teach skills, arts and crafts that enrich personal lives and the community, while having a load of fun!
Who: Bryan French and Tim Bates have been planning the Duluth Folk School for the past few years.
Where: The Duluth Folk School is operating with the Nomad Model. There isn’t a single home – yet. For now, classes will be offered at Hartley Nature Center, First Presbyterian Church of Duluth and the Lester Amity Chalet. As the capital fund is developed, a permanent home will eventually be bought or built.
When: The first class is on May 3. Over time, classes will be offered every week, in multiple locations.
Why: People want to be able to create with their hands, to connect with others, and have fun.
Classes currently available on the calendar include Springtime Bike Maintenance and Beginner Beekeeping, and several more will be added soon.
People interested in becoming an instructor can visit the Become an Instructor page.
Duluth Folk School – Create with your hands, build community and have fun!