Finnish American Folk School Newsletter

December 2025

Folk means people, and we exist because of wonderful people like you. In 2025, we made birch stars together, danced together, wove together, sang together, and so much more. To all of our students, volunteers, instructors, and donors: thank you for another great year at the Folk School!

Looking ahead to 2026, we're excited to be a part of Hancock's Finno-Ugric Cultural Capital celebrations, starting with Heikinpäivä in January. Winter workshops are a great way to stay busy and connect with others. Whether it's in Michigan or online, we hope to cross paths with you in the year ahead. Happy New Year!

Chip Carving with Alice Margerum

Friday, January 16, 2026, 9am-5pm

Finnish Language Beginner & Refresher Course with Randy Karpinen

6 sessions: Wednesdays, January 7 - February 11, 2026, 5:30-7pm

*SOLD OUT* Inkle Band Weaving with Phyllis Fredendall

2 sessions: Tuesdays, January 13 + 20, 2026, 5:30-8:30pm

Optional 3rd optional session for pick up project: Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Put a Pocket on It! with Phyllis Fredendall
Friday, January 30, 1-5pm

Introduction to Pattern Weaving with Phyllis Fredendall
8 sessions: Mondays + Tuesdays beginning February 9, 2026, 5-8pm

ONGOING PROGRAMS:

Carving Club - Next meeting Saturday, January 17, 2026, 1-3pm. FAFS Wood Shop Skyline Commons Room 102. Free, no registration required.

Community Singalong - 1-2 Mondays per month 5:15-6:15pm in the Finnish American Heritage Center- Free, led by Alice Margerum and Oren Tikkanen. RSVP requested by email to copper.country.singalong@gmail.com

Knitting Lunch Hour - Tuesdays - 12-1pm - FAFS Fiber Studio Skyline Commons Room 105. Free, no registration required.

Questions about programming?

Contact FAFS Director Clare Zuraw by email or phone at 906-370-3722

Examples of chip carving taken at the National Museum of Finland by instructor Alice Margerum

There's still time to support our work at the
Finnish American Heritage Center (which includes the Folk School)
as part of the Making History Challenge. All donations through December 31, 2025 will be matched up to $100,000.

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