The Finnish American Folk School (FAFS) at Finlandia University was founded in 2017 to promote knowledge of Finnish folk arts and traditional skills and ensure that they thrive for generations to come. The Folk School is based in the Jutila Center Fiber Studio and the Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock, Michigan. Classes, workshops, and performances are scheduled throughout the year, with many activities centered around the Copper Country’s Finnish festivals: Heikinpäivä (January), Juhannus/Midsummer (June), and Ruska (September).
We welcome workshop requests or proposals. Scholarships or assistantships are available. Please contact FAFS director Phyllis Fredendall with all questions, suggestions, or scholarship requests: phyllis.fredendall@finlandia.edu. To register please use the online registration link in each class description or call the Finnish American Heritage Center at 906-487-7549.
All attendees must wear a well-fitted mask at all times during indoor FAFS events. High-filtration masks such as N95s, KN95s, or KF94s are strongly recommended. Masks are not required for outdoor events.
For indoor classes, the FAFS requires that all instructors and participants be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. If you wish to submit proof of vaccination before an event you may email it to clare.zuraw@finlandia.edu. Alternatively, you may show a photo of your vaccine card with a photo ID when you arrive at the class. This requirement will not apply to outdoor workshops or other events.
If you feel sick before a class or concert, 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.
Juhannus 2022 at the Folk School
This year the Finnish American Folk School will host two visiting artists to help us celebrate midsummer in Hancock thanks to generous support from the American Scandinavian Foundation. Weaver Wynne Mattila will be teaching a 5-day rug weaving workshop in the Folk School Fiber Studio. Violinist and composer Sara Pajunenwill debut new work in the Finlandia University Gallery, perform, and teach. We hope you’ll be able to join us to celebrate summer! For more information, see below to register online or call 906-487-7549.
Folk School at Midsummer at Finlandia University Gallery
Sara Pajunen
Opening Reception with Presentations by Sara Pajunen and Dr. Hilary-Joy Virtanen
Wednesday, June 22nd 7pm Finlandia University Gallery
Admission: Free, no registration required
The Finnish American Folk School celebrates the work of the instructors and students with The Folk School at Midsummer, an exhibition in the Finlandia University Gallery at the Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock. The work of guest artist-instructors Sara Pajunen, Wynne Mattila, Anita Salminen Jain, Liv Aanrud and local instructors Karen Tembruell, Phyllis Fredendall, Clare Zuraw, Alice Margerum, Lindsey Heiden, Kenyon Hansen and their students fills the gallery with the inspirations and results of folk school programming. The opening reception will highlight a new composition by Sara Pajunen, commissioned by the Folk School. On Wednesday, June 22 during the opening reception, folklorist Dr. Hilary-Joy Virtanen will join Sara to present and contextualize this new installation.
Folk School Juhannus Dance
Thimbleberry Band: Oren Tikkanen, Tom Collins, Matthew Durocher, Dave Bezotte
Join violinist Sara Pajunen and Thimbleberry Band for an evening of traditional music and dance.
Friday, June 24th 7:30-9:30pm
Finnish American Heritage Center
Admission: $10 in advance by 6/23, $15 at the door
Masks required Click here to purchase advance tickets.
Song Workshop with Sara Pajunen
Saturday, June 25th, 1-3pm
Quincy Green
Admission: $20, advanced registration required Click here to register
Learn to sing Finnish songs with Sara Pajunen. Participants will learn the words, melodies, and stories of a handful of Finnish songs and sing them together as a group. Sara will help with Finnish pronunciation and provide English translations. No singing or Finnish language experience is necessary.
Artist Bio: Sara Pajunen is a violinist and composer who has received music degrees in both the United States and Finland and holds a Master of Music in Contemporary Improvisation from New England Conservatory (Boston). Centering projects on themes of culture, immigration, home, and progress, she has released six albums in connection with her Finnish ancestry – including the most recent Aallotar recording on German label Nordic Notes. In 2018, Pajunen launched ‘Mine Songs,’ a long-term project that explores the altered landscape of the Mesabi Iron Range (her childhood and ancestral home) through sound and image. She was the 2015-16 Finlandia Foundation Performer of the Year and her work has received funding from the Minnesota State Arts Board, Jerome Foundation, Koneen Säätiö, and the Arts Council of Finland.
Cotton Rug Weaving Workshop *SOLD OUT*
Wynne Mattila Weaving Studio
Monday-Friday, June 20-24, 2022, 10am-5pm EDT
Instructor: Wynne Mattila
Jutila Center Room 105
This workshop is currently sold out. If you’d like to be added to the waiting list in case of a cancellation, please email phyllis.fredendall@finlandia.edu and include “Waiting List” in the subject line.
In this workshop, color artist and weaver Wynne Mattila will lead students in weaving a Finnish-style cotton rug. Participants will weave a 27 inch wide by 62 inch long rug with cotton fabric weft, 15-ply Finnish seine twine warp, and the alternating 3-shuttle technique. Color, design, and craftsmanship will be emphasized, and participants are challenged to use color beyond their comfort level. Practical topics include lashing on, cutting fabric in one continuous strip, tension, using a temple, floating selvedges, end finishes and more.
Handouts include color and design ideas and inspiration, photos and fabric samples, information on calculating the quantity of fabric needed, and selecting and preparing fabric. Handouts will be emailed before the start of the workshop. Participants provide their own fabric for weft and specified warp. Participants will warp floor looms in plain weave and sett at 5 epi in a 10 dent reed. Looms need to be warped to the point the reed is sleyed before the start of the workshop. The studio will be open to participants the weekend before the workshop to allow them to warp their looms.
Red Landscape by Wynne Mattila
Cost: $350 in advance plus $20 non-refundable materials fee paid to the instructor on first day of class.
If you have questions about the class or would like information about on-campus housing available during this workshop, please contact Phyllis Fredendall phyllis.fredendall@finlandia.edu
Skill level: This workshop is open to students with prior weaving experience. Participants must be able to wind a warp, read a draft, and warp a floor loom independently.
Workshop handouts emailed to you.
For the warp we will use Swedish 12/9 seine twine or Finnish 15-ply seine twine. Sources will be included in the materials list from Wynne which will be sent 5 weeks before the beginning of the workshop. A bulk order can be made. Wynne says typically weavers like to buy a full cone which gives them the chance to make another rug at home.
Prepped fabric (washed and dried, sewn, ironed)—total of approx. 10 1/2 yards of 44” wide quilters’ cotton fabric will be used in the rug. Minimum 3 fabrics required; more preferred for design possibilities. Do not cut the fabric prior to the workshop.
Temple (stretcher) to accommodate the 27” wide project—metal Toika-type preferred.
Scrap knit fabric for the header—an old cotton t-shirt will work.
Approx. 2 ounces of scrap wool rug yarn for the header, any color, will be removed when finishing ends.
Stick shuttles (approx. 21” long), need 1 per fabric.
Remaining seine twine warp on cone for weaving the hem.
Calculator.
Tape measure.
Scissors.
Rotary cutter, plastic cutting guide, and mat–if you already own these items.
Graph paper and colored pencils to record as you weave.
Previous Events 2022
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Saturday January 29, 2022 – Tune workshop + Concert
Finnish American Heritage Center
Premo is known for her rhythmically deep and rapt delivery of roots music, spanning the crossover of old-time and bluesy American traditions to darker Scandinavian sounds. Her solo performances dive deep into traditional and new fiddle music, presented on finger-style electric guitar, lap steel, and voice, musically revealing a bloom of underlying harmonic drones, minimalist repetition, and rich polyrhythms. She is a Michigan-based artist first introduced to folk music and traditional dance by her parents Bette & Dean Premo and later mentored by Joel Mabus (clawhammer banjo, Michigan), Arto Järvelä (fiddle, Finland), and Ånon Egeland (fiddle, Norway). Working with Nordic master musicians as an adult both anchored and honed artistic expression that was cultivated as she was raised in the folk culture of the Upper Midwest.
Saturday + Sunday February 12-13, 2022
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 Finnish folk singer and musician who specializes in the Karelian and Ingrian singing traditions, especially laments. She performs laments both solo and with ensembles and has combined laments with other arts like dance, modern circus and stand up. Her own ensemble Emmi Kuittinen & Ikuisen ikävän orkesteri (the Orchestra of Eternal Longing) has given performances about Karelian death rituals, and released their first album, Itken ja laulan (I Weep and Sing) in autumn 2020. The album was nominated as the Ethno Album of the Year in Finland. Emmi is educated as a Master of Music, Music Pedagogue and Community Musician. Besides her artistic work, Emmi gives lament courses and teaches folk singing.
This class is open to makers of all levels. Beginners will design and weave a colorful strap using an inkle loom. Experienced weavers will learn the pick up technique to weave words and patterns. Instructor: Phyllis Fredendall. Limit 9 students.
Cost: $60. Class fee includes cotton warp for a 4-6 foot band and other materials. Looms are available for use with a deposit.
5 weeks: Tuesdays Feb. 8th 15th 22nd and March 15th and 22nd 2-5 pm EST
Students will learn to design and weave beautiful cloth on 4 and 8 harness looms. Loom preparation, yarn selection, color choices, and pattern drafting will be covered. For all levels. Students should be motivated to create! Open to ages 15 and up. Instructor: Phyllis Fredendall. Limit 6 students. Cost: $150.00. Class fee includes all yarns and equipment.
Tuesday, Feb. 22nd 6-8 pm and Wednesday, Feb. 23rd 6-8 pm EST
Jutila Center Room 105
Students will dye cotton fabric taking advantage of the plentiful snow we love, to make beautiful, surprising results. 2 yards of quilt weight cotton fabric and MX dyes will be provided. Students must bring their own rubber gloves and dust mask to cover their COVID mask during the dye application process. Day one is fabric prep and dye day. Day two is rinse and discover day. Open to ages 14 and up. Instructor: Phyllis Fredendall. Limit 5 students. Cost: $35
Saturday February 26th, 10am-12pm EST
This class is for learners ages 12 and up who have no experience knitting. Students will learn to hold knitting needles and yarn, cast on, and knit stitch. Instructor: Clare Zuraw. Limit 10 students. Cost: $20. Class fee includes yarn for samples. Students should bring their own set of US10 straight needles.
Weds. Feb. 9, 16, and 23, 10am-12pm EST
This class is open to makers of all levels, including beginners, returners, and experienced crocheters. Learn or review basic stitches and how to use and combine them to create original garments and functional or sculptural objects. Class will also cover yarn selection and blending and structural experimentation. Hooks are available for loan or students may bring a couple of hooks sizes F – K. Instructor: Phyllis Fredendall. Limit 10 students. Cost: $60. Class fee includes materials.
Saturday March 19, 2-4pm EST
Learn to spin your own yarn! This class is for beginners ages 12 and up who want to learn to spin their own yarn using a drop spindle. Students will learn to handle fiber and use a top whorl drop spindle to make yarn singles. Instructor: Clare Zuraw
Cost: $20 – The cost of this class includes fiber and a drop spindle for use during class.
Saturdays April 2 + 9, 1-3pm EDT
This class is for knitters ages 12 and up who can already comfortably knit and purl and are interested in learning stranded colorwork knitting. Students will learn how to hold and tension their yarn when working with multiple colors, how to follow a colorwork chart, troubleshooting, and tips for finishing colorwork projects. Instructor: Clare Zuraw. Limit 6 students. Cost: $50
4 weeks
Online – video link provided to students upon registration
This class is an introduction to playing the jouhikko, a traditional Finnish bowed lyre with horsehair strings. Students will learn how to hold and tune the instrument, use the bow, and play scales and a simple tune. Classes will take place via group video call (Zoom) and students should have access to a device with Zoom, an internet connection that supports video calls, and the ability to record, send, and watch short videos. No experience necessary. If local students do not own a jouhikko, rental instruments will be available for $20 per month and a fully refundable $120 deposit. Instructor: Clare Zuraw. Limit 5 students. Cost: $50
Wednesday, April 13, 2022, 5:30-8:30PM EDT
Instructor: Phyllis Fredendall
Students will learn to use a sewing machine by sewing different seams on sample fabrics. Plain, french, flat-fell, and piped seams will be introduced. A small zippered pouch will finish the session. This class precedes the coming apron making workshop and should be taken by anyone who wants the class and is not comfortable on a sewing machine. Open to ages 12 and up. Registration closes April 11th or when class sells out. Fee: $30.
Wednesdays April 20 +27th, 6-8PM EDT
Instructor: Phyllis Fredendall
Students will weave a small work of art using a variety of yarns on a simple frame loom. Basic and beautiful. Finger manipulation of yarns using weaving, twining and sumac techniques will be covered. Suitable for beginners. Registration closes April 15 or when sold out.
Cost: $40 + Refundable frame loom deposit: $10.
Wednesday April 27 10am-4pm
Instructor: Liv Aanrud
Students will learn basic rug hooking while incorporating some painting elements. They will create a light back painting and hook into it using a range of colorful fabric strips. The base is burlap stretched onto an 18″ x 24″ frame. Rug hooking does take some time, so the combination will send students home with something to work with, as well as another means of considering textile art. Registration closes April 20th or when sold out.
Cost: $60 in advance + $22 materials fee paid to instructor at the beginning of class. Includes a rug hook, frame, burlap and textile paint. Scrap fabric will be available, but students are encouraged to bring fabric and fabric scissors to incorporate some of their own textiles into the design. This workshop is sold out.
Monday May 2nd + Tuesday May 3rd + Tuesday May 10th, 2022, 1-4PM EDT
Instructor: Lindsey Heiden
Jutila Center Ceramic Studio
In this class students will learn how to make a set of three decorative wall tiles, out of clay. By using hand building techniques such as slab building, pinching, coils, slip and scoring, the tile will slowly blossom into a bouquet of flowers for the wall. I will demonstrate how to use studio equipment, such as the slab roller and tools. The first two class sessions will be focused on constructing the wall tiles. The final and third-class session, the students will glaze their wall flower tiles. I will demonstrate glazing techniques at the start of the third session. Wearing older clothes or clothes that you are okay with getting dirty is encouraged. No prior experience is needed to take this class, just an open mind to the possibilities that can arise when working with clay. Registration deadline is April 27th or when sold out.
Cost: $90 to register + Materials fee: $10 paid to instructor during first class.
Wednesdays May 4 and May 11, 5:30-8:30PM EDT
Instructor: Phyllis Fredendall
Jutila Center Room 105
Students will dye two yards of cotton fabric, design and cut a simple block for textile printing, and the following week block print their dyed fabric which could be used to make an apron or wrap skirt. Students should bring rubber gloves and be comfortable using sharp tools. Suitable for beginners ages 15 and up. Registration closes April 29th or when sold out. Fee: $60 + Materials fee: $15 payable to the instructor during first class, includes fabric, dye and a small carvable block for printing + Refundable deposit: $10 for carving tool.
5 weeks – Tuesdays, May 17-June 14, 2022 – 7-8pm EDT
Instructor: Matthew Durocher
Finnish American Heritage Center
Fee: $75
This is an ensemble workshop focused on arranging and performing traditional Finnish dance music. Participants will work together to find an arrangement that works with the instruments in the group. The goal is to arrange at least three secular dance songs (waltz, hummpa, schottish). It will be structured the way musicians would gather to arrange songs. At the end of the workshop the group will give a short performance during the Juhannus Festival June 24-25. Participants should have experience playing their instrument, with at least advanced beginner to intermediate skills. This is not a workshop to learn an instrument. Music reading is not necessary but useful. Participants will bring their own instruments.
Wednesday, May 18, 5:30-8:30PM EDT
Instructor: Phyllis Fredendall
Jutila Center Fiber Studio Room 105
Fee: $30
Students will design and sew a simple apron or wrap skirt with pockets using fabric they have printed in a previous class or fabric they purchase or salvage. Students should bring 2 yards of fabric, which can be all one color or contrasting or coordinating pieces. Students should be comfortable using a sewing machine, fabric scissors, and pins. Play and innovation will be encouraged. Open to ages 15 and up. Registration closes May 12th or when sold out. Fee: $30 (does not include fabric).
8 sessions – Tuesdays + Thursdays, June 7-30, 6-8pm EDT
Instructor: Kenyon Hansen
Jutila Center Ceramics Studio
Fee: $200, includes materials
Have you ever wanted to learn how to spin clay on a pottery wheel? This class is designed for intro level students to learn the basics of wheel throwing & glazing. In the first 6 classes students will learn how to wedge, center, form, and trim a range of functional pottery shapes. Including cups, mugs, bowls, plates, and vases. Class 7 will cover glazing, & class 8 we will unload the kiln and discuss the results! Throwing clay on a pottery wheel is physically demanding; it can be heavy (depending on the amount) and wedging clay puts stress on your wrists. This class is open to students ages 16 and up (younger if accompanied by a parent).
Kenyon Hansen is a full-time studio potter in Dollar Bay, Michigan. 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.
Saturdays, June 11 + 18, 10am-12pm EDT
Instructor: Clare Zuraw
Jutila Center Fiber Studio Room 105
Fee: $50
Learn to knit socks! In two sessions we’ll cover sock knitting from the cuff down, focusing on tricks for knitting with double-pointed needles, creating and turning the heel, and finishing the toe. Students should have some knitting experience and be comfortable with knit and purl stitches. Open to ages 12 and up. Fee: $50. Registration closes June 3rd or when sold out. Students may choose to borrow needles and use yarn from the studio or bring their own.
Fall 2021 Classes + Workshops
Inkle Weaving Beginning Weaving Weavers’ Open Studio Dye Studio Foundations Beginning Spinning 5-String Kantele for Beginners Jouhikko for Beginners Online Colorwork Knitting Patchwork Birchbark Sewing Kit Wool Feltmaking Nordic Wood Shaving Ornaments Beginning Broom Making
About Us
Phyllis Fredendall is Director of the FAFS and emeritus professor of fiber and fashion design at Finlandia University. From 1993 to 2020 she taught weaving, spinning, felt-making and off-loom structures, garment design, jacquard design, dyeing, printing, and design fundamentals. She has studied, taught, and exhibited her art work in Finland. In addition to leading the Folk School, Phyllis teaches a variety of fiber arts classes including weaving, felting, and dyeing.
Clare Zuraw is Assistant Director of the FAFS. Clare comes to this position with a background in music, fiber arts, and education and has spent time in Finland studying the jouhikko, a Finnish bowed lyre. In addition to teaching music and fiber classes for the FAFS, Clare provides administrative support for our programs.
