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.
June 2025
Ongoing
Saturday, June 14, 2025
10:30am-1:30pm
North Wind Books
No registration required
Every year on the second Saturday in June, World Wide Knit in Public Day encourages knitters to come together and enjoy one another’s company. It’s also a day for experienced knitters to teach others how to knit.
Join the Finnish American Folk School Knitting Circle as they debut North Wind Books’ new venue. A redesigned space, and the addition of yarn, which complements the great assortment of knitting and Nordic craft books. We welcome all visitors to knit in public from 10:30-1:30 on Saturday, June 14th. The space will be available for knitters to meet up on Saturday’s throughout the year.
Saturday, June 21, 10:30-11:30am
Location: North Wind Books (outdoors if weather permits)
No registration required
Join a group of animal friends who come together on the Solstice to celebrate the wonder of summer! Author Kelsey Gross brings her book Summer: A Solstice Story to North Wind Books as we celebrate midsummer with storytelling, songs, and crafts for kids and their families.
After story time, make yourself a flower crown and head over to Quincy Green for the Midsummer pole raising ceremony followed by family friendly events in the Finnish American Heritage Center.
Saturday, June 21, 2025
12pm-2pm
Finnish American Heritage Center
No registration required
Find the schedule of other festival events here
Paper Window Star Making (FAHC Hall, 12-2pm)
Learn to make folded paper window stars with basketry artist and Folk School instructor Karen Tembreull. No experience necessary, kid-friendly activity.
Stitching Circle (FAHC Gallery, 12-2pm)
Bring your knitting, crochet, or other needlework and join us to sit and stitch.
Weaving Demonstrations (FAHC Gallery, 12-2pm)
Learn about handweaving and give it a try yourself!
Carving Demonstrations (outside FAHC, 12-2pm)
See green wood carving demonstrations by Alex Yerks and friends.
Heritage Finn Table (FAHC Hall, 12-2pm)
Stop by and share your memories of growing up with Finnish, either as a speaker or hearing others speak. Share phrases, words for food, places, sports or crafts, holidays, music, fishing, travel—whatever you like. Shared memories bring back more memories. Pictures, cards, maps, crayons and magazines available to help you remember those long-gone days. Learn new words, or remember what you heard or learned from Finnish speakers. This activity will be led by Dr. Marlene Broemer, a university English professor who has studied Finnish in Finland.
Copper Country Singalong (FAHC Upper Lobby, following outdoor pole raising ceremony)
Join singers from the Finnish American Folk School’s singalong group to sing or simply listen and enjoy local singers sharing Finnish folk songs. No singing or Finnish language experience necessary. Led by Oren Tikkanen and Alice Margerum.
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Dance Lessons: 5-6pm
Instructors: Hannu Leppanen & Phyllis Fredendall
Dance: 6-8:30pm
Music by the Backroom Boys
No registration required
Donations welcome: come as you are, pay what you can
Put on your dancing shoes and celebrate the longest day of the year! If you’re new to social dance, join us from 5-6pm for an introductory dance lesson with Hannu Leppanen and Phyllis Fredendall. Then stick around for an evening of dance with live music provided by the Backroom Boys. No experience necessary, all ages welcome.
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, June 25-27th, 2025
10:30am-12pm ET
Instructor: Becky Luoma of Language Clubhouse
Location: Finnish American Heritage Center
Class fee: $45 per child
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Registration closes June 22 or when sold out
Questions? Contact clare.zuraw@finlandiafoundation.org
Join us for an enjoyable journey exploring the Finnish language across various activities, tailored for learners of all skill levels, ages 5-10. Each day, we will discover Finnish words and expressions relevant to your daily life. With a new theme daily, we will delve into it through music, games, and art. Additionally, each session will include a traditional Finnish game for everyone to participate in. Remember to bring your water bottle and wear comfy attire for our interactive sessions. Caregivers must attend with their children.
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.