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 2026
April
May
June
Ongoing
Saturday, May 9, 2026
10am-1pm
Location: Finnish American Folk School studios
Skyline Commons @ 200 Michigan St. Hancock
Questions? Email clare.zuraw@finlandiafoundation.org
Join us for our second annual open house and fundraiser at the Finnish American Folk School. Visit our studios, learn more about what we do, and support our work by shopping our rummage sale of yarn, clothing, books, and crafty treasures.
Friday, May 15, 2026
6-8pm ET
Instructor: Lindsey Heiden
Location: Folk School Ceramics Studio (Skyline Commons Room 103)
Class fee: $50 per couple
Registration closes May 13 or when sold out
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Questions? Contact clare.zuraw@finlandiafoundation.org
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.
Saturday, May 16, 2026
10am-12pm ET
Instructor: Lindsey Heiden
Location: Folk School Ceramics Studio (Skyline Commons Room 103)
Class fee: $50 per couple
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Registration closes May 13 or when sold out
Questions? Contact clare.zuraw@finlandiafoundation.org
A twist on what a date night can be – a relaxed morning with clay! 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.
Friday, June 12, 2026
6-8pm ET
Instructor: Lindsey Heiden
Location: Folk School Ceramics Studio (Skyline Commons Room 103)
Class fee: $50 per couple
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Registration closes June 5 or when sold out
Questions? Contact clare.zuraw@finlandiafoundation.org
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.
Saturday, June 13, 2026
10am-12pm ET
Instructor: Lindsey Heiden
Location: Folk School Ceramics Studio (Skyline Commons Room 103)
Class fee: $50 per couple
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Registration closes June 5 or when sold out
Questions? Contact clare.zuraw@finlandiafoundation.org
A twist on what a date night can be – a relaxed morning with clay! 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.
Friday-Sunday June 12-14 + Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday June 20, 21, 24, 2026
Times vary, see below
Instructor: Kenyon Hansen
Location: Out in the Keweenaw + Folk School Ceramics Studio (Skyline Commons, Hancock)
Class fee: Sliding scale options $375-$425/student
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Registration closes June 5 or when sold out
Questions? Contact clare.zuraw@finlandiafoundation.org 906-370-3722
Connect with the land beneath your feet in this immersive, 6 day hands-on workshop. This workshop breaks down the process of finding and using local wild clays right here in the Keweenaw. Participants will learn how to locate, test, and process raw clay to remove impurities. After processing, you will learn how to throw on a potter’s wheel, make a pinch pot and a tile with the clay you have dug. Experience the full cycle of creation from earth to art.
This workshop will include hiking on a trail and a canoe/kayak trip down a river to collect local clays. If you do not have your own canoe or kayak one will be provided for you. No previous experience is required. Open to students ages 18 or older.
Friday, June 12th 4:00 – 6:30 Hike/Dig Clay
Saturday, June 13th 12:30 – 4:30 Canoe trip/Dig Clay
Sunday, June 14th 12:30 – 4:00 Process Clay
Saturday, June 20th 12:30 – 3:30 Wheel throwing, Pinch pots, and tile making. (demos included)
Sunday, June 21st 12:30 – 3:30 Making time with assistance
Wednesday, June 24th 4:00-6:30 Glazing (demos included)
Pots made by Kenyon Hansen with wild clay
Friday, June 19, 2026
1-4pm ET
Instructor: Phyllis Fredendall
Location: Folk School Fiber Studio (Skyline Commons Room 105)
Class fee: $30
Materials fee: $10 payable directly to instructor
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Registration closes June 12 or when sold out
Wet felt a small, seamless, colorful pouch using wool fleece. The result could serve as a phone or glasses case. This method of three dimensional felting requires water, soap, and friction. Students should be able to move well through their arms and shoulders as wet felting is a physical process.
Friday, June 19, 2026
1-4pm ET
Instructor: Alice Margerum
Location: Folk School Wood Shop (Skyline Commons Room 102)
Class fee: $30
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Registration closes June 12 or when sold out
In countries around the Baltic Sea, the straw left over after the grain harvest was used to make decorations. In Finland, the straw ornaments have a characteristic geometric style and are called himmeli. This class is designed for each student to learn the basics of himmeli construction and make a few ornaments. We will work primarily with paper craft straws which are easier to use and more uniform. If students are interested, natural straw will be available for use later in the session, after the natural straw has had time to soak and the students have mastered the basic techniques.
Materials and instructions will be provided for each student to make several ornaments. This class is suitable for absolute beginners. There are no special skills required but students will need patience and some manual dexterity. Students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a participating adult.
Friday, June 19, 2026
1-3pm ET
Instructor: Karen Tembreull
Location: Folk School Flex Studio (Skyline Commons Room 104)
Class fee: $25
Materials fee: $21 paid directly to the instructor
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Registration closes June 12 or when sold out
Learn to fold a traditional Nordic Birch Bark Star with flat pinwheel curls. The materials fee for the workshop (paid directly to the instructor in class) covers enough Upper Peninsula birch bark harvested and prepared by hand by the instructor for each student to make 3 stars. Tools will be provided for use during the workshop. Students may want to bring an old towel for use during the workshop – some studio towels will also be available. No experience necessary, but hand dexterity is needed. Open to students ages 16 and up.
Friday, June 19, 2026
1-3pm ET
Instructor: Clare Zuraw
Location: Folk School Ceramics Studio (Skyline Commons Room 103)
Class fee: $25
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Registration closes June 12 or when sold out
Learn about the Finnish bowed lyre, a drone instrument traditionally strung with horsehair strings. Of course no musical instrument can be mastered within a day, so this introduction will include an informative presentation and playing demonstration of the jouhikko and its Estonian relative the hiiu kannel. Then participants will have the opportunity to try the instrument themselves. Instruments will be available for use during the workshop, but if you already have your own please let the instructor know and bring it along if possible. Open to students ages 14 and up.
Next meeting: Saturday April 18, 2026
1-3pm
Location: Finnish American Folk School Wood Shop
Skyline Commons Room 102 @ 200 Michigan St. Hancock
Questions? Email clare.zuraw@finlandiafoundation.org
Wood carvers are invited to gather together to carve socially in our Folk School Wood Shop each month this fall. This is not a class and there will not be any formal instruction and no advanced registration is required. The goal is to bring carvers together to share ideas and inspiration. At this time there is no fee to participate. Carvers should bring their own tools and materials. Work benches with wedges will be available for use. Birch wood for carving is available this fall to participants with a donation to the school, while supplies last.
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: As of January 2026 the Open Studio schedule is Tuesdays 11am-3pm, Wednesdays 5-9pm, Thursdays 10am-1pm. This is subject to change based on studio monitor availability.
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. New members must participate in a studio orientation before beginning work.
Memberships are currently at maximum capacity. Please inquire with clare.zuraw@finlandiafoundation.org to be added to the waiting list.
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: 1st and 3rd Mondays March through May – March 2 & 16, April 6 & 20, May 4 & 18
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
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.
Activities supported in part by an award from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council and the National Endowment for the Arts
The Finnish American Folk School is a proud member of the Folk Education Association of America