Finnish American Folk School
The Finnish American Folk School (FAFS) was founded in 2017 to promote Finnish folk arts and traditional skills and ensure that they thrive for generations to come. The Folk School is based in the Skyline Commons building and the Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock, Michigan. We welcome workshop requests or proposals. Scholarships or assistantships are available. Please contact FAFS director Clare Zuraw with all questions, suggestions, or scholarship requests: clare.zuraw@finlandiafoundation.org or 906-370-3722.
Upcoming Programs 2025
If you feel sick or have been exposed to COVID-19 before a class or other event, please stay at home and contact us to arrange a refund. If the FAFS must cancel an event, registrants will be notified, and refunds will be issued. Thank you for helping us to continue offering programs as safely as possible.
April 2025
May 2025
Ongoing
Friday, May 16, 2025
10am-5pm ET
Instructor: Alex Yerks
Location: Finnish American Folk School Wood Shop
Skyline Commons room 102
Class fee: $85
Materials fee: $25 paid directly to instructor
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Last day to register May 8 or when sold out
Sharp tools are a must if you want to carve safely and efficiently. Sharpening is also one of the last things on a craftsperson’s priorities.
“It’s the dull knife that cuts you.”
I always like to think it cuts you in many ways. For one a dull knife takes a lot more force behind the blade to make a cut, and when you’re pushing too hard accidents can happen. But a dull knife cuts into your carving time. It slows the process down, makes it frustrating, and using a sharp tool should make you feel good.
Learning tools and techniques of carving is only half the battle. To be a good carver you must also be a good sharpener. Most people beginning their carving journey think they know what “sharp” is but arrive at class surprised that their tools can slice paper but are still difficult to carve with. These tools need some care.
In this class you will learn to sharpen an edge to precision sharpness. Learn how to tell when a tool needs attention, or how to raise a burr, or even how to build your own low cost sharpening system. You will leave this class with the confidence to tackle any sharpening chore no matter what the tool is.
This is the perfect class if you have had a fear of sharpening. One of the highlights of the course is the legendary Tormek Swedish sharpening system. Learn to grind edges on a slow moving, wet wheel and have access to their really handy jigs that speed up edge maintenance and tool tune ups.
You will also learn how to make your own simple DIY sharpening kit (included in material fee).
- Wood strop (one side, other side is a sand paper block with rubber bands)
- Wood dowel strop
- Set of wet and dry sandpaper grits
- Stropping compound
Students are asked to bring any tools they are interested in sharpening, as well as any type of sharpening gear they have in the workshop or kitchen.
It’s highly recommended that students in the weekend spoon carving workshop also take this class regardless of your skill level. This will ensure that you will be sharp and ready for spoon class on the weekend.
This class is open to anyone interested in sharpening regardless if you are taking the weekend class or not. If you have a kitchen knife, garden pruners, or even your scissors this will be a great class for you.
Saturday + Sunday, May 17-18, 2025
10am-5pm ET
Instructor: Alex Yerks
Location: Finnish American Folk School Wood Shop
Skyline Commons room 102
Class fee: $190
Materials fee: $40 paid directly to instructor
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Last day to register April 8 or when sold out
The folk tradition from tree trunk to table! Come carve one of the first tools we come into contact with as a human, the ancient and glorious wooden spoon! Dive right into the world of spoon carving following the rich tradition of green woodworking. The process begins with the raw tree full of moisture with the bark still on. Utilizing the axe with tried and true techniques, you’ll learn to quickly shape blocks of wood into working spoon blanks. From there Alex will take you through the many different knife grips which allow you to carve beautiful sculpted shapes safely and efficiently. All while learning to read the grain to design durable and beautiful spoons.
This two-day workshop will include hands-on demonstrations such as sharpening, spoon designs & layout, wood choice, where to harvest, and how to finish your spoon. You’ll leave the class with confidence in the use of an axe and knife, and your new art of carving spoons.
Beginners and advanced carvers welcome! It’s highly recommended that students in this spoon carving workshop also take the tool sharpening workshop on Friday regardless of your skill level. This will ensure that you will be sharp and ready for spoon class on the weekend.
Please bring any spoons you’ve carved to class. Alex will be bringing a very large collection of some of the finest carved spoons from around the world.
Required Tools:
- Sloyd Knife (Mora 106 or better)
- Spoon Knife, Hook Knife, or Gouge for hollowing (one of these)
- Pencil
- Paper or notebook
- pruning saw (if you have one)
Alex will be bringing some extra tools for the class to use, as well as extra spoon blanks that can be purchased.
Fridays – January 10 | February 7 | March 7 | April 11 | May 9
6-8pm
Instructor: Lindsey Heiden
Skyline Commons Room 103
$40 per couple for one date night
FEBRUARY 7 – SOLD OUT
MARCH 7 – SOLD OUT
APRIL 11 – SOLD OUT
MAY 9 – SOLD OUT
Questions? Email clare.zuraw@finlandiafoundation.org or call 906-370-3722
For those who want to go out on a Friday night and have some fun this night is for you. A twist on what a date night can be. Bring a date and work on a pottery wheel together to make a mug, cup or bowl. Your date can be anyone, a spouse, partner, friend, family. Folks will be able to pick out a glaze color and the work will be glazed and fired for them. Though you certainly can just come for the fun and not the finished piece. For the couples that think wheel throwing is not for them, hand building is an option. Date night clothes are not recommended – everyone should wear clothes that they do not mind getting a little dirty. Though couples will be working with clay maybe for the first time, this night is about having fun and not necessarily learning or becoming proficient in working with clay. There will be some guidance from the instructor.
8 sessions: Sundays March 30-June 1, 2025
No classes on Easter Sunday (Apr 20) or Mother’s Day (May 11)
1:35-3:00pm ET (Please check your local time zone!)
Instructors: Becky Luoma & Laura Kurkinen of Language Clubhouse
Location: ZOOM (link provided following registration)
Class fee: 150,00 € (~ $163)
Registration is now closed.
Registration is open until March 26 or when sold out.
Welcome to our Beginner Finnish Course! Language Clubhouse and Finnish American Folk School in joint partnership are offering a Basics of Finnish online course for adults. This course is the A0-A1 Level 1 Part 1 of the Language Clubhouse Finnish course for beginners. This course unit includes 8 lessons spread over 8 weeks. Online classes are conducted via Zoom, with each session lasting 1.5 hours. The duration of the course is eight weeks. Online group lessons take place via zoom on Sundays at 1:35 pm-3:00 pm ET (1,5 hrs).
Online classes on the following Sundays during March 30th – June 1st, 2025
- March 30th
- April 6th
- April 13th
- April 27th
- May 4th
- May 18th
- May 25th
- June 1st
No classes on Easter Sunday (Apr 20) or Mother’s Day (May 11)
Throughout the course, you will find language exercises on our platform to reinforce the lesson content, along with weekly homework assignments to submit. The teacher will provide personalized feedback every week to students who complete their assignments. Students may take their own learning path and choose to be as active as they like. We understand students have different agendas and learning goals, so please feel free to adjust your activity accordingly. We are here to help you succeed in your objectives.
Once you register, you will receive credentials to log in to the website and access your course materials and Zoom meeting link.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Handle daily situations and ask relevant questions.
- Understand basic expressions from slow, clear speech.
- Introduce themselves briefly and share personal information, even if speech is slow and pronunciation is not perfect.
- Display knowledge of numbers, the alphabet, the verb “to be,” and personal pronouns in their basic forms.
- Gain insight into Finnish culture and society.
- Topics covered: alphabet, self introductions, days of the week, numbers, colors, food words, partitive, genitive (I), adhesive (I have) Verb types 1-5 (practice verb types 1-3), weather, seasons, family, adjectives, working life vocabulary and much more!
Welcome to learn the basics of Finnish with the Language Clubhouse program in a fun, interactive and engaging online learning environment with us!
Wednesdays & Thursdays, April 2-June 4, 2025
9-10am ET (check your local timezone!)
Instructors: Becky Luoma & Laura Kurkinen of Language Clubhouse
Location: ZOOM (link provided following registration)
Class fee: 120,00 € (~ $130)
Registration is now closed.
Registration is open until March 26 or when sold out.
Language Clubhouse and Finnish American Folk School in joint partnership are offering a Finnish Language conversation online course for adults. The duration of the course is ten weeks.
Do you want to improve your Finnish speaking skills in a relaxed and supportive environment?
Our Finnish Conversation Course is designed for learners who already have some basic knowledge of Finnish and want to practice real-life conversations.
In this course, you will:
- Build confidence in speaking Finnish through guided discussions
- Discuss the topics that interest you
- You’ll have the chance to suggest conversation subjects that are relevant and useful for you.
- Expand your vocabulary and improve pronunciation
- Learn useful phrases for everyday situations
- Get personalized feedback and tips to sound more natural
This is a great opportunity to practice Finnish in a friendly group setting, ask questions, and overcome the fear of speaking. If you want to feel more comfortable using Finnish, this course will help you take the next step.
Who is this for?
Anyone with basic Finnish skills (A1-A2 level) who wants to improve fluency and gain more confidence in speaking in a fun and positive online environment.
Join us, have fun and start speaking Finnish with more ease!
5 Wednesdays: April 2-30, 2025
5:30-7pm
Instructor: Randy Karpinen
Location: Finnish American Heritage Center
Class fee: $50
Registration is now closed.
Last day to register March 31 or when sold out
This in-person Beginning Finnish Language course is designed for beginners and those who are returning to learning Finnish and seeking a refresher. The curriculum will focus on learning the basics of written and spoken Finnish by beginning with pronunciation, acquisition of vocabulary, and exploration of grammar, with the goal of empowering the learners with a solid base from which to further enhance their language skills.
For the class the instructor asks that students purchase Beginner’s Finnish with Online Audio by Agi Risko, which is available in person or online at North Wind Books in Hancock.
This class is open to students ages 18 and up. No prior experience in Finnish is required, only an attitude and desire to explore one’s aptitude for language learning. Bring a notebook or digital device to take notes. If you’ve already been using learning materials, please bring those with you in addition to the textbook listed above.
6 Wednesdays: April 2-May 7, 2025
1-4pm
Lead designer: Rick Loduha of R&B Design
Workshop fee on a sliding scale from $50 to $150 / student
Registration is now closed.
Last day to register March 31 or when sold out
Questions? Email clare.zuraw@finlandiafoundation.org
This is our second design studio offering. Design thinking, noetic skills and creative problem solving are all at the heart. This round the studio workshop invites you to join this six-week journey with a focus on Inventive Reuse design.
The first hour of most sessions will explore the design process, design thinking, right brain/left brain balance, kinetic hands-on learning and how to apply intuition and creative insight (optional if you have attended previous studios). The remaining time will be action. We’ll create a trial and error playground where your inventive reuse ideas can dance with reality. You may come away with an inventive reuse object, something you reclaimed from the waste stream and transformed by way of inventive reuse design.
There may be optional follow-up sessions for an additional fee. Design studios may be continually repeated.
- If you are excited about the idea of reclaiming cast-offs of consumer culture to create a new inventive reuse design but you’re not sure how to go about it, this Inventive Reuse Studio IS for you.
- If you are interested in integrating mind, body and spirit in a way that harmonizes with
mother Earth this reusable resource design studio IS for you.
- If you want hands-on reusable resource design experience this studio IS for you.
- This Design Studio might NOT be for you if you already know what you want to make
4 Saturdays: April 12-May 3, 2025
1-3pm
Instructor: Phil Morgan
Location: Finnish American Folk School Wood Shop
Skyline Commons room 102
Class fee: $75
Registration is now closed
Last day to register April 7 or when sold out
Questions? Contact clare.zuraw@finlandiafoundation.org
Participants will learn to restore and then sharpen old chisels and planes. These tools are often rusty but high quality. We will look at how these tools were traditionally used and how to tune them for best performance. The school has planes and chisels to restore but please bring your own old or new tools if you have them. Students should also bring a pair of work gloves. Safety goggles are available for student use, but bring your own if you have them. This class is open to students ages 18 and up.
Photo of Emmi Kuittinen by Sini Suomi
Saturday + Sunday, April 5-6, 2025
11am-2pm EST (Please check your own local timezone.)
Instructor: Emmi Kuittinen
Class fee: $60
Registration is now closed.
Registration closes April 2 or when sold out.
Online video link provided to students after registration. Students should have a reliable internet connection and a device that can support Zoom. Questions? Email clare.zuraw@finlandiafoundation.org
In this online workshop you will get to know the lament tradition of Karelia and Ingria. Laments were sung in parting situations and in the most important rites of human life, like marriage and death. They were used to convey feelings of grief and yearning, and occasionally even those of gratitude. There were also laments for everyday life situations to relieve sorrow.
This two-day workshop will include a lecture on the lament tradition and the opportunity to learn to lament yourself with exercises. You will also write a small lament of your own that can be written in English. No experience with lamenting, singing, or Finnish or Karelian language is required. Please bring some paper and pen for notes and a cloth or a tissue to support your lamenting. Students should have access to an internet connection and a device that can support Zoom.
Emmi Kuittinen is a folk musician, singer and songwriter, who specializes in the Karelian and Ingrian singing styles and also laments. Emmi’s main instrument is her voice and she also plays keyboard instruments, accordion, ukulele and the Finnish-Karelian instrument kantele. She performs both solo and with various ensembles. She also teaches and offers courses on lamenting and folk singing. Emmi is educated as a Master of Music and Music Educator, and has trained extensively as a Community Musician, concentrating primarily on making music in hospitals and care taking environments. She has instructed and worked with people from all ages ranging from small babies to senior citizens.
Saturday, April 5, 2025
10a-12p
Instructor: Lindsey Heiden
Class fee: $25
Registration is now closed.
Registration closes April 2 or when sold out
Questions? Contact clare.zuraw@finlandiafoundation.org
Students will learn how to make a whistle out of clay. Each handmade whistle will sound different depending on shape, size and the amount of holes added. This is a great way to spend two hours relaxing while making noise! Once the whistles are made folks will be able to pick out a glaze color. Lindsey will glaze and fire all of the work. An email will be sent out once worked is fired and ready for pick up.
Open to students ages 8 and up. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a participating adult guardian.
The Road to Korsnäs: Unraveling the Iconic Sweater
Online Lecture by Gail DeMeyere
Tuesday, April 8, 9am PT/12pm ET
Location: Zoom
No cost to participate
Click here to Register
Discover the fascinating story behind the Korsnäs sweater with textile historian Gail DeMeyere. This masterful Finnish garment, known for its intricate design, durability, and cultural significance, has been passed down through generations. Gail will take us on a journey through its origins, construction, and the efforts to preserve its legacy.
Join us for this insightful talk and learn about the artisans and historians working to keep the Korsnäs sweater tradition alive!
14 sessions: Mondays & Thursdays, April 14 – May 29, 2025
6-8pm
Instructor: Kenyon Hansen
Location: Finnish American Folk School Ceramics Studio
Skyline Commons 102 @ 200 Michigan St. Hancock
Class fee: $290
Registration is now closed.
Last day to register April 9 or when sold out
Questions? Contact clare.zuraw@finlandiafoundation.org
This class is for individuals who have some experience working with clay on a pottery wheel. Think of it as wheel throwing 2. This is an opportunity to bring your wheel thrown pottery to the next level. In addition to throwing vessels we will also cover a variety of ways to make handles, spouts, and lids. Six weeks of making and one week of glazing.
Kenyon Hansen is a full-time studio potter and educator in the Keweenaw Peninsula. He has been a resident artist at the Archie Bray Foundation and Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts. In 2013 he was selected as an Emerging Artist by Ceramics Monthly. Kenyon has taught at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Arrowmont School of Crafts, Penland School of Crafts, and Greenwich House Pottery in New York City. He has led workshops at numerous universities and art centers throughout the country. His pottery has been exhibited nationally and internationally and can be found in homes all over the world. Solo shows include Jane Hartsook Gallery, Schaller Gallery, Morean Center for Clay, Red Lodge Clay Center & CLAY AKAR.
WHO: Potters who have taken at least one FAFS ceramics class and are interested in accessing the studio for independent work. Open to ages 18+.
Before attending, open studio participants must complete a studio orientation with studio manager Lindsey Heiden. After making work, open studio potters will glaze their work as part of a guided glazing session led by studio manager and scheduled as needed. This guided glazing is aimed at protecting kiln equipment and everyone’s work.
WHAT: Scheduled times when community members can use the studio outside of classes. Open Studio benefits:
- Access to shared community work space
- Access to studio tools and materials
WHEN: The current Open Studio schedule is Tuesdays 9am-1pm, Wednesdays 5-9pm, Saturdays 12-4pm. This is subject to change based on studio monitor availability.
Open Studio access will begin Friday, February 7 when Lindsey Heiden will host the first studio orientation 5-6pm on February 7. As interest develops we will schedule additional orientation times.
COST: $10 per 4 hour session plus $3/lb for clay. In addition to use of the studio, this cost includes the cost of glaze and firing. Payment and registration in advance is required for the session fee. Clay payments can be made as needed while working in the studio.
All potters working in the the FAFS Ceramics Studio must use the clay and glaze provided. Outside clay and glazes are not permitted. Firing arrangements will be coordinated with Lindsey Heiden, studio manager, who is the only person permitted to use the kilns. All members must sign a waiver and participant agreement before beginning work. All questions should be directed to Clare Zuraw clare.zuraw@finlandiafoundation.org 906-370-3722.
Steps for Signing up for Open Studio:
- Email clare.zuraw@finlandiafoundation.org to express interest and find out when the next studio orientation will happen.
- Attend studio orientation.
- Complete paperwork (liability waiver, studio guidelines doc).
- Schedule and pay for studio time.
WHO: Experienced potters who can work independently. Open to ages 18+.
WHAT: A limited number of monthly memberships are available to experienced potters seeking regular access to the studio. Members benefits:
- Reserved semi-private studio space with table and shelving
- Access to studio tools and materials
- Discounted price on clay/glazes/firing
- Extended access hours to the studio
- Early registration access to upcoming clay classes
WHEN: Members can access the studio Monday through Saturday, 9am-9pm.
Memberships are available starting March 1, 2025. New members must participate in a studio orientation before beginning work.
COST: $100 per month plus $2/lb for clay. In addition to use of the studio, this cost includes the cost of glaze and firing. Monthly payment must be received before the 1st of the month.
All potters working in the the FAFS Ceramics Studio must use the clay and glaze provided. Outside clay and glazes are not permitted. Firing arrangements will be coordinated with Lindsey Heiden, studio manager, who is the only person permitted to use the kilns. All members must sign a waiver and participant agreement before beginning work. All questions should be directed to Clare Zuraw clare.zuraw@finlandiafoundation.org 906-370-3722.
Steps for Signing up for Membership:
- Email clare.zuraw@finlandiafoundation.org to express interest. Members must be approved by the studio manager.
- Attend studio orientation.
- Complete paperwork (liability waiver, studio guidelines doc).
- Schedule and pay for monthly membership.
Next meetings: Mondays April 7, April 28, May 19, June 2
5:15-6:15pm ET
Finnish American Heritage Center
No cost to participate
RSVP required by email: copper.country.singalong@gmail.com
Oren Tikkanen and Alice Margerum have a vision for re-seeding old songs in the community, one singalong at a time. Join them to learn or re-learn songs and sing as a community. The group will begin by singing songs in Finnish (with English translations when available). Each meeting the group will focus on a new song, eventually building a shared repertoire we can sing together. The organizers will share song lyrics and audio with participants digitally before each gathering. No formal music or language training is necessary to participate. Please do not bring instruments for this gathering as we will be focused on learning words and melodies from recordings and each other. Initially this group is open to singers ages 13 and up. Questions? Email copper.country.singalong@gmail.com or call the FAFS at 906-370-3722
Tuesdays 12pm-1pm
Skyline Commons (formerly Jutila Center)
Fiber Studio Room 105
Call 906-370-3722 or email clare.zuraw@finlandiafoundation.org for more information
Do you like to knit? Need feedback on your yarn choices? Want to learn new knitting tips and tricks socially from other knitters while on your lunch break? Join Finnish American Folk School director Clare Zuraw for a weekly knitting circle in our fiber studio. This is not a workshop! We’ll knit together, and Clare will be available for some light feedback during the hour, but there’s no lesson plan. Registration isn’t required – just show up with your knitting, a lunch, and maybe a friend. There’s no fee to participate, though if you find this to be an enriching experience donations the Folk School are always appreciated.
The Finnish American Folk School is a proud member of the Folk Education Association of America.