Duluth Folk School
Duluth, MN 55806 United States duluthfolkschool.com
Oct 2022
Book Launch: Linda LeGarde Grover Presents The Sky Watched
Zenith Bookstore hosts Linda LeGarde Grover for the launch of the new edition of her poetry collection The Sky Watched: Poems of Ojibwe Lives. Legarde Grover will be joined by writers from the Thunderbird Review, the literary and arts journal of Fond Du Lac Tribal and Community College. The launch will take place at Dovetail Café in the Duluth Folk School. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result in the past 72 hours, along with masking are required.…
Find out more »Jan 2023
Duluth for Clean Water Community Meeting
A meeting to discuss the Glencore/Polymet copper-sulfide mining proposal in the headwaters of the St. Louis River and Lake Superior. Light refreshments provided (with vegan and gluten-free options) and beverages for purchase until 3 p.m. Kid-friendly.
Find out more »Feb 2023
Crochet for Beginners
Join the Duluth Folk School in learning some basics of crochet. This class will be teaching the single chain, double chain and half double chain as well as how to start and end a crochet square. All materials and tools will be provided. To register, visit the Duluth Folk School Website; early bird registration ends on Feb. 27.
Find out more »Mar 2023
Hand Drumming for Beginners
Come to this class to discover the basics of playing hand drums with a focus on djembe-stye drums. There will also be some discussion on "drum circle etiquette," common hand drum notation, all the different sounds you can make on your drum and how to develop basic rhythms. For more information and to register visit the Duluth Folk School website.
Find out more »Apr 2023
One event on Jun 17, 2023 at 7:00 pm
One event on Aug 19, 2023 at 7:00 pm
One event on Oct 21, 2023 at 7:00 pm
One event on Dec 16, 2023 at 7:00 pm
One event on Mar 18, 2023 at 7:00 pm
One event on May 20, 2023 at 7:00 pm
One event on Jul 15, 2023 at 7:00 pm
One event on Sep 16, 2023 at 7:00 pm
One event on Nov 18, 2023 at 7:00 pm
Tamarack Folk Dancing
One event on Jun 17, 2023 at 7:00 pm
One event on Aug 19, 2023 at 7:00 pm
One event on Oct 21, 2023 at 7:00 pm
One event on Dec 16, 2023 at 7:00 pm
One event on Mar 18, 2023 at 7:00 pm
One event on May 20, 2023 at 7:00 pm
One event on Jul 15, 2023 at 7:00 pm
One event on Sep 16, 2023 at 7:00 pm
One event on Nov 18, 2023 at 7:00 pm
Tamarack Dance Association is hosting monthly folk dances with rotating live bands and callers. New dancers are invited to learn a new art form, and experienced dancers, musicians and callers will have the opportunity to continue developing their skills. These dances are free for members or $5 for a membership.
Find out more »Nordic Dance
Nordic Center and Tamarack Dance Association present an evening of musical performance by Paul Dahlin and Friends with a dance lead by Carol Sersland. A donation of $10 is suggested. For more information, contact Clifton Nesseth, the Arts & Cultural Events Coordinator at The Nordic Center at 218-340-4348 or [email protected].
Find out more »May 2023
Basics of Digital Photography
Looking to learn more about your digital camera without reading the 400-page beginners' manual? This class walks through digital photo taking 101 and includes lessons in the camera settings that matter most, tips on composition and all the basic technics that will improve your photography. For more information and to register visit duluthfolkschool.com.
Find out more »Jul 2023
Finnish Folk Dancing with Lauluaika
The Nordic Center of Duluth will present a workshop and dance with Lauluaika (Finnish for "Song Time").This is a group of musicians who share a passion for singing and playing Finnish folk tunes for audiences who enjoy listening or dancing. Their repertoire includes Finnish couples dances such as waltzes, polkas, humppa, jenkka, mazurkka, and hambo, as well as lively group dances for all ages to enjoy. Lauluaika musicians play a variety of instruments including mandolin, two row button accordion, violin,…
Find out more »Introduction to Community Rug Felting
Community Rug Felting is a tradition in cultures all over the world. The common thread is that people come together to make something of beauty to give away as celebration of different stages of life such as births, weddings, retirement and deaths. Working in teams of 2-4, each table will create a unique wet felted wall hanging, placemat or small rug using pre-felts (partially felted sheets of wool). Each team will make one wet felted piece using 3-5 different colors…
Find out more »Aug 2023
Nautical Charting
Prepare to navigate through an ocean of knowledge as we cover essential topics like understanding nautical charts, deciphering symbols, plotting courses, and calculating distances. Participants go home with their own nautical chart. Registration is required.
Find out more »Flower Essences for Self and Community Care
This session will provide an overview of what "flower essences" and "energetic plant remedies" are. Each participant will leave with a custom flower essence.
Find out more »Introduction to Spoon Carving
Duluth Folk School presents this a three-hour introduction to the craft of greenwood spoon carving. Participants will finish the class with their own hand-carved serving spoon. Registration is required.
Find out more »Artistic Nature Photography
The Artistic Nature Photography class provides tips for successful nature photography from an artistic perspective and teaches techniques to improve photographs. Registration is required.
Find out more »Pressure Canning 101
Attendees learn basic pressure canning procedures. Canning safety and equipment is emphasized. Hosts discuss the benefits of pressure canning over the hot bath method and about what equipment is needed for home canning, including canner selection and purchase tips. Registration required.
Find out more »Nautical Charting
This two-hour Duluth Folk School class covers topics like understanding nautical charts, deciphering symbols, plotting courses and calculating distances. Participants will go home with their own nautical chart. Registration is required.
Find out more »Steeks: What Are They And How To Make Them
What is a steek? In knitting, steeking is a shortcut used to knit garments such as sweaters in the round without interruption for openings or sleeves until the end. Students will learn when and where to steek and gain the confidence to cut their knitting. Practicing one or more steeking methods before steeking a ‘real’ garment. Registration is required.
Find out more »Sep 2023
Flower Essences For LGBTQIA2S+Liberation
Dovetail Café and Duluth Folk School host this two-hour class taught by Courtney Cochran of Alseth Acres Apothecary. It is part of the Duluth-Superior Pride celebration. The class focuses on herbalism for LGBTQIA2S+ people through the lens of flower essences or the vibrational healing power of North Shore flowers. How can a bioregional flower support the embracing of gender euphoria, finding self confidence, inviting chosen family love and support? That's what the class will explore.
Find out more »Facilitating Powerful Classes with the Duluth Folk School
A class within a class meant to explore and workshop the kinds of classes people might like to teach at Duluth Folk School. For beginning teachers and vets. Learn techniques to attain success as an instructor. Leave with some practical skills for carving kitchen tools and a homemade spoon. Registration is required.
Find out more »A Night with Gangspil
Enjoy a night of music, dancing and performance with Danish duo, Gangspil and the help of the Tamarack Dance Association. There will be Danish style dancing and contradances all called by Lisa Leedham. There is a suggested donation of $15-20 at the door.
Find out more »Gudbrandsdal Rosemaling
Participants in this three-hour class will be introduced to the Gudbrandsdal style of rosemaling. The class will go over the basic technique and history of this decorative style. Students will practice the fundamental painting process using oil paint on paper. All painting materials and basic Gudbrandsdal patterns will be supplied by the instructor. Registration is required.
Find out more »Oct 2023
Finding Your Flash: How to Tell a Story in 500 Words or Less
This two-hour class focuses on the fundamental building blocks of story by examining “story beats” in both literary classics and by reading flash fiction examples. The group will look at genre and literary fiction, allowing participants to find their voice within. After examining examples, participants will have a variety of prompts to craft a narrative (or they can come ready with their own ideas ready to edit). This class will provide the opportunity to work in pairs, editing and distilling…
Find out more »Carving a Female Face
Learn to carve a female face in relief out of a piece of basswood that is a little less than 1 inch in thickness but 14 inches wide and 11 inches tall. Go through several steps to learn about face proportions and how to remove the right amounts of wood in various places across the carving in order to make it look realistic. Registration is required.
Find out more »Norwegian Rosemaling Rogaland Style
Learn about the basic strokes of the art form, paint flowers, scrolls and leaves and complete a Rogaland pattern. Paint, brushes and woodenware are supplied.
Find out more »Introduction to Handplanes
During this course, students learn to sharpen, adjust, and put planes to work. Students use a Bailey-pattern bench plane and a block plane to dimension and shape stock to make a simple sandwich board. Registration at duluthfolkschool.com is required.
Find out more »Beginner Spinning Wheel
Participants in this Duluth Folk School class will learn to spin wool fiber and make yarn with a spinning wheel. The class covers: – Basic principles of the spinning wheel – Wool characteristics and how to draft wool – Spinning a ‘single’ yarn – Winding yarn off on a niddy-noddy – Learning to make a 2-ply yarn (if time permits) Registration is required at duluthfolkschool.com.
Find out more »Quick Breads for Beginners
During this class, attendees can review the main concepts and techniques involved in the process of making quick breads. Attendees make banana bread together, but use it as a vehicle to learn about ingredients, equipment, baking methods, and other key information for successful quick-bread baking. Registration at duluthfolkschool.com is required.
Find out more »Nov 2023
Knit a New Favorite Winter Hat
Using Nancy Lindberg’s Hats That Fit pattern as a base, this two-part class helps participants design and knit a winter hat for you or to keep someone else warm. The first class goes over inspiration materials, determine what yarn(s) to use, and draw out a design. The second class is used to problem solve, work on projects, and do some show-and-tell with those who have completed projects. Students work in the round and learn how to read a chart, choose…
Find out more »Minnesota-Swedish Bonad Folk Painting
In this four-hour introductory workshop, participants will gain new skills in Swedish figurative folk painting. The group will take coffee upstairs to the workshop for a slide show about Swedish folk painting, followed by a demonstration and composition building on paper and canvas. Then more coffee, or chai, if needed, and more painting. An optional hour lunch break will happen from 11 a.m. to noon. From noon to 1 p.m. students will complete their painting and share their work in…
Find out more »Beginning Tatting
In this three-day class, participants will learn the two steps to the one knot that will make a chain and ring using a tatting shuttle and tatting thread. How to read the different types of patterns will also be covered. Participants will end the class not with a finished project, but with the skillset needed to create their own projects. Registration at duluthfolkschool.com is required.
Find out more »Make Your Own Foraged Tea
This hands-on Duluth Folk School class teaches the "sacred and sensual" tasting of tea, sustainable foraging and how to make tea from ingredients found in nature (even in the middle of winter). There will be a section on sustainable foraging with samples of locally foraged materials. Registration at duluthfolkschool.com is required.
Find out more »Birch Bark Stars
This two-hour Duluth Folk School class offers instruction on how to weave a star ornament from strips of birch bark. Participants will learn about sustainable birch bark harvest and how to prep weaving materials and what can be accomplished using this weaving technique. There are two course times available -- 9 a.m. and noon. Registration at duluthfolkschool.com is required.
Find out more »Birch Bark Stars
This two-hour Duluth Folk School class offers instruction on how to weave a star ornament from strips of birch bark. Participants will learn about sustainable birch bark harvest and how to prep weaving materials and what can be accomplished using this weaving technique. There are two course times available -- 9 a.m. and noon. Registration at duluthfolkschool.com is required.
Find out more »Chaga Mushroom: Minnesota’s Medicinal Treasure
This hands on lecture is all about the medical treasure of the chaga mushroom. There will be opportunities for students to feel different chaga and birch pieces to study for identification and to taste chaga extracts and tea. Each student will make their own tincture in class to take home with them to care for, harvest and use. Students will also take home a manual to that includes everything gone over in class. Registration at duluthfolkschool.com is required.
Find out more »Printmaking: Seasonal and Holiday Cards
In this class, you will learn basic linoleum block printing techniques by carving note card sized blocks (3X4 inch) and hand-printing on A2 folded note cards. Your friends and family will be thrilled to get these little hand-made, frameable treasures. If you are an emerging print-maker, the instructor will also give a demonstration on how to print with 2 colors, which you will be welcome to do! Registration is required.
Find out more »Ukrainian-Style Egg Decorating for Christmas
Ukrainian eggs, or pysanky, are created using a wax batik method. This three-hour Duluth Folk School class examines traditional design elements, what the colors symbolize, and some of the stories associated with the eggs. During the class, participants will learn to use a kistka (tiny funnel on a stick) to draw with melted wax on egg shells. Once they’ve drawn the initial design, they will dye the egg in a light color, add more wax, and dye again in the…
Find out more »Beginner Spinning Wheel
Join the Duluth Folk School for Beginner Spinning Wheel Classes. The class will cover the basics of the spinning wheel, wool characteristics, how to spin a 'single' yarn, how to wind your yarn off a niddy-noddy and how to mane a two-ply yarn (if time permits). Visit duluthfolkschool.com to sign up for one (or both) of the time slots being offered for this class.
Find out more »18th Century Folding Stand for a Book, Tablet or Phone
Participants in this three-hour Duluth Folk School class will craft by hand a classic bookstand design from Andre Roubo’s L’Art du Menuisier. Students will learn to layout and form a knuckle joint using chisels. The group will then open the stands by hand, sawing down the length of the boards. Students will then shape, smooth or carve the stand and prepare it for finish. Registration at duluthfolkschool.com is required.
Find out more »Dec 2023
Fabric Scandinavian Stars
This class will teach you how to make those darling Scandinavian stars out of fabric. It’s a great way to use up your scrappy pile or personalize a gift. Registration is required.
Find out more »Introduction to Spoon Carving
Duluth Folk School presents this a three-hour introduction to the craft of greenwood spoon carving. Participants will finish the class with their own hand-carved serving spoon. The first part of class covers safety, knife grips and traditional techniques for carving. For the rest of the class applies what students have learned to transform the spoon blank provided into a completed spoon. Registration at duluthfolkschool.com is required.
Find out more »Gudbrandsdal Rosemaling
Participants in this Duluth Folk School class will be introduced to the Gudbrandsdal style of rosemaling. We will go over the basic technique and history of this decorative style. We will practice the fundamental painting process using oil paint on paper. All painting materials and basic Gudbrandsdal patterns will be supplied by the instructor. Registration is required. Participants in this three-hour class will be introduced to the Gudbrandsdal style of rosemaling. The class will go over the basic technique and…
Find out more »Ms. Knit It: Knitting Assistance
Do you enjoy knitting and need help with the pattern, a stitch, or just need some help? Finish your Christmas knitting with an experienced knitter at the Duluth Folk School! Don’t forget to bring your pattern, needles and notions with you.
Find out more »Ukrainian-Style Egg Decorating for Christmas
Come learn a centuries-old craft found throughout Eastern Europe! Ukrainian eggs, or pysanky, are created using a wax batik method. Examine traditional design elements, what the colors symbolize and some of the stories associated with the eggs. During this class, you will learn to use a kistka (tiny funnel on a stick) to draw with melted wax on the egg shells. After dyeing the egg is complete, melt off the wax to reveal your colorful design. Visit duluthfolkschool.com for registration…
Find out more »Baking Night at the Folk School
The Duluth Folk School hosts a night baking a simple loaf of bread. While waiting for it to rise, attendees can make some chocolate chip cookies. This is a beginner class aimed at exposing participants to the world of baking. Registration at duluthfolkschool.com is required.
Find out more »Make a Macramé Plant Hanger
This Duluth Folk School class teaches the basic macramé knots and how to apply them to make a custom chunky cotton plant hanger. Registration at duluthfolkschool.com is required.
Find out more »Jan 2024
Cultural-Patterns: A Creative Collage and Painting Workshop
Bring paper copies of photos of your ancestors, their textiles and cultural artifacts to collage into a unique composition. Join Alison Aune as she shares her paintings as inspiration for you to create your own artwork and to celebrate your family heritage in colorful pictures and patterns. Registration is required.
Find out more »Make Your Own Cold Process Soap
Although it may seem complicated when you are first starting out, making your own soap from scratch using all-natural ingredients can be both fun and rewarding —not to mention extremely addicting! In this class, we will make a two-pound batch of soap (about 8-10 bars) using the cold process method. Registration is required.
Find out more »Flower Magic for Deep Winter Survival
This Duluth Folk School class teaches the basics of the energetic properties of flowers. Participants will leave with a custom flower essence to support their or their loved ones in surviving and thriving in deep winter. Registration at duluthfolkschool.com is required.
Find out more »Make a Felted Scarf
Learn to marry wool fibers and silk fabric with soap and water and a rubberized drawer liner. Registration is required.
Find out more »Make a Macramé Plant Hanger
Participants in this Duluth Folk School class will learn basic macramé knots and apply them to make their own custom chunky-cotton plant hanger. Registration at duluthfolkschool.com is required.
Find out more »Beginner Spinning Wheel
Learn to spin wool fiber and make yarn with a spinning wheel in this introductory class.
Find out more »Finding Your Flash: How to Tell a Story in 500 Words or Less
This two-hour class focuses on the fundamental building blocks of story by examining “story beats” in both literary classics and by reading flash fiction examples. The group will look at genre and literary fiction, allowing participants to find their voice within. Registration required.
Find out more »Feb 2024
Birch Bark Stars
Learn how to weave a star ornament from strips of sustainably-harvested birch bark in this class. Materials provided. Registration is required.
Find out more »Create a Signature Lip Balm
Class attendees can learn how to make handmade lip balms (which can also become: lotion bars, body balms and butters) using natural, food-grade ingredients. Facilitators have a selection of organic butters and oils that you can choose from. Registration is required.
Find out more »Finding Your View: How to Leverage Points of View
This two-hour Duluth Folk School course examines first, second and third-person points of view in literature, as well as omniscient. Through reading examples of each, the group seeks a better understanding of what works, what doesn’t and why. Through imagery and writing prompts, participants have an opportunity to tell the same story from a variety of viewpoints. Registration at duluthfolkschool.com is required.
Find out more »Make Your Own Cold Process Soap
Although it may seem complicated when you are first starting out, making your own soap from scratch using all-natural ingredients can be both fun and rewarding —not to mention extremely addicting! In this class, we will make a two-pound batch of soap (about 8-10 bars) using the cold process method. Registration is required.
Find out more »Mar 2024
Northern Light Felts
Learn the process of felt making at the Duluth Folk School. Using a wet felting technique, create northern light-inspired pieces while learning a little of the science of the auroras along the way. Registration is required and can be done at duluthfolkschool.com.
Find out more »Herbal Remedies for Immune System Support
The "Herbal Remedies for Immune System Support" includes information about different herbs that can support your immune system, samples of some herbal remedies, and a recipe book to dive in deeper. Registration is required.
Find out more »Introduction to Spoon Carving
A three-hour introduction to the craft of greenwood spoon carving. Students finish the class with their own hand-carved serving spoon. For the first part of class, students study safety, knife grips and traditional techniques for carving. For the rest of the class, students apply what they have learned to transform the spoon blank provided into their completed spoon. Registration is required.
Find out more »Embroidered Needle Case Class
Learn the basics of embroidery including different materials, different stitches and even create a needle case for your embroidery needles. Registration is required and can be done at duluthfolkschool.com.
Find out more »Beginner Spinning Wheel
The Beginning Spinning Wheel class covers the following skills: – Basic principles of the spinning wheel – Wool characteristics and how to draft wool – Spin a ‘single’ yarn – Wind your yarn off on a niddy-noddy – Learn to make a two-ply yarn (if time permits) Registration is required.
Find out more »Beginner Beekeeping
During the course of this three-day class, build a complete Langstroth beehive and learn the basics of keeping honeybees in Northern Minnesota, so that you are ready to put some bees in your hive later this spring! You will learn what it takes to keep your bees healthy and happy, a little bit of honeybee biology and of course basic beekeeping skills. All registrations must be completed by March 4 so there is time to order supplies – don’t delay!
Find out more »Ostara Egg Dyeing Party
Ostara, also known as the spring equinox, is celebrated with an egg dyeing class taught at the Duluth Folk School. Attendees learn how to use flowers and leaves to imprint designs on eggs and how to make and use natural dye from common kitchen items. The class will also teach about the symbolism and tradition of Ostara. Registration is required.
Find out more »Linoleum Block Printing
In this class the instructor will teach the basic steps of the printmaking process and assist students in learning new techniques that push beyond the basics. Registration is required and can be done at duluthfolkschool.com.
Find out more »Urban Herbal
Have you dabbled in herbalism and are now ready to take a deeper dive into learning and doing? Urban Herbal is a full day course for city folks serious about herbs, wellness and being happy urban dwellers during these stressful times. Each section of this class includes solid foundational botanical medicine info and a make-n-take where you’ll hand craft several herbal products to bring home for personal use. • Emotional ER: Flower Essences to the Rescue • Environmental Health: Herbs…
Find out more »Apr 2024
Beginner Beekeeping
During the course of this three-day class, build a complete Langstroth beehive and learn the basics of keeping honeybees in Northern Minnesota. Learn what it takes to keep your bees healthy and happy and even a little bit of honeybee biology. Each session will include a presentation to deliver important information and then there will be time to paint and assemble your own hive bodies and frames. Registrations must be completed by March 22 at duluthfolkschool.com and is required.
Find out more »Norwegian Telemark Rosemaling
Learn to paint Norwegian Telemark and the basic strokes, flowers, linework and color palette for this style of rosemaling. At the end of the class, bring home your nice finished piece. Registration is required and can be done at duluthfolkschool.com.
Find out more »Altar Box Painting Jam Session
Duluth Folk School hosts an altar box painting workshop. Participants will create their own altar box in two phases: on the new moon they will pick out and paint their alter box. Then, on the full moon, participants will gather again to finish their creations. Registration is required.
Find out more »Nature Journaling and the Art of Observation
Be guided in developing a practice of nature journaling using words and sketches to record observations, reflections and questions about nature. Each class will start indoors with discussion and practice of basic sketching techniques, then move outdoors for making observations and recording them in a journal. Registration is required at duluthfolkschool.com — this class will meet on Tuesday mornings for three consecutive weeks.
Find out more »Learn to Knit Two-Sided Cables
Learn how to create two-sided cables that are just as pretty on the front as the back. Work with a swatch to practice on and go home with an original pattern for a cable and lace scarf. Also learn how to convert almost any cable pattern to the two-sided version with simple pattern modifications. Registration is required and can be done at duluthfolkschool.com.
Find out more »Chaga Mushroom: Minnesota’s Medicinal Treasure
Herbalist Allison Austin is teaching an in-depth class about all things Chaga. Learn how to ethically harvest chaga mushroom in order to promote more chaga growth, while helping to protect our birch forests. Each student will make their own tincture in class to take home with them to care for, harvest and use. Registration is required and can be done at duluthfolkschool.com.
Find out more »Beginner Sewing Class Featuring Organizer Pouches
Participants will become familiar with and learn how to sew on a basic tabletop sewing machine and make a zippered organizer pouch to take home with them. Registration is required.
Find out more »Altar Box Painting Jam Session
Duluth Folk School hosts an altar box painting workshop. Participants will create their own altar box in two phases: on the new moon they will pick out and paint their alter box. Then, on the full moon, participants will gather again to finish their creations. Registration is required.
Find out more »