Finnish American Folk School Newsletter

Ribbon cutting ceremony, April 12, 2024. Photo by 2nd Sandbar Productions.

It has been a busy and momentous time here at the Finnish American Folk School. In April we celebrated the rededication of the Finnish American Heritage Center by the Finlandia Foundation National Board of Trustees and special guests. We're feeling hopeful about the future with FFN. Thank you to everyone who has worked hard to make this future possible.

We're also eagerly looking forward to summer programs, including some unique learning opportunities in Hancock this June: a Ryijy Weaving Workshop, our first Midsummer Jouhikko Gathering including Jouhikko Playing and a Bow Making Workshop, and Finnish language classes for children and adults (details coming soon). In July we'll be joining colleagues at FinnFest in Duluth. See you there?

The Finnish American Folk School is the place to be this summer if you’re interested in the jouhikko, the Finnish bowed lyre. Join us for 3 ½ days of jouhikko playing workshops, bow making, an instrument tune-up clinic, and even a performance opportunity. These sessions are open to students ages 16 and up. Jouhikko playing is open to beginner through intermediate students. No experience is necessary to participate in the bow making workshop. You don’t need to have your own instrument; there will be a small number of instruments available for rent during the event. Visit our website for more details and registration. If you're considering traveling to the area for this or other events, check out Visit Keweenaw for information about our region. Questions? Email clare.zuraw@finlandiafoundation.org

Instrument maker Alice Margerum (l) and musician Clare Zuraw (r) , bow making & jouhikko playing instructors

Lisa Wiitala, weaving ryijy

REGISTER NOW:

Click the blue titles to link to detailed information & online registration



Ryijy Weaving Workshop - Monday-Friday, June 17-21, 10am-5pm (Lisa Wiitala)

Midsummer Jouhikko Gathering - Bow Making, Playing Workshops, and more - Thursday-Sunday, June 20-23 (Alice Margerum & Clare Zuraw)

Beginning Weaving - Tuesday-Saturday, July 30-August 3, 10am-5pm (Phyllis Fredendall)

OTHER EVENTS:

Community Singalong - 1-2 Mondays per month - Free, RSVP requested

The Folk School at Midsummer - Finlandia Art Gallery exhibition reception - June 20, 2024, 7-8:30pm

Midsummer Dance with Whitewater - June 22, 2024, 6-8:30pm

Knitting Lunch Hour - Tuesdays - 12-1pm - Free, no registration required

Saturday, June 22, 2024 – 6-8:30pm

Mark your calendars! Dean and Bette Premo, Carrie and Susan Dlutkowski, and Dave Harmon will come together as the band White Water for a special performance at the Juhannus Dance at the Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock, Michigan. This event is "come as you are, pay what you can" so there are no ticket sales.

Get involved at the Folk School by volunteering your time and skills. We're building a list of volunteers we can call on when we need extra help. This could include physical support for projects like gardening and moving looms or other less physical tasks like serving as a greeter at an event. To sign up email clare.zuraw@finlandiafoundation.org or call 906-370-3722.

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