Finnish American Folk School adds ceramics and music classes

The Finnish American Folk School at Finlandia University has introduced a new line-up of workshops for spring and early summer. For the first time, ceramics joins music and fiber arts on the list of learning opportunities. Artist Lindsey Heiden will teach Ceramic Wall Flowers for Spring May 2, 3, and 10 from 1-4 p.m. in the Jutila Center Ceramic Studio. 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. No prior experience is necessary. The class fee is $90 plus a $10 materials fee. Registration ends April 27.

Later in May, musicians can learn to play and arrange traditional dance music in Matthew Durocher’s Finnish American Dance Music Ensemble Workshop. The 5-week class takes place on Tuesdays, May 17-June 14 from 7-8 p.m. and is open to participants who already play an instrument at an advanced beginner or intermediate level. The group will work together to arrange traditional dance tunes and the workshop will culminate with a student performance during the Folk School’s midsummer celebration, Juhannus, June 20-25. The class fee is $75. For more information and registration, visit www.finlandia.edu/folkschool.

The Finnish American Folk School 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. The FAFS requires that all instructors and participants be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. All attendees must wear a mask at all times during FAFS events.

Contact: Phyllis Fredendall
Phyllis.fredendall@finlandia.edu
Lily I. Jutila Center
200 Michigan St. Hancock, MI
Phone: 906-487-7549
www.finlandia.edu/fahc/finnish-american-folk-school

Article provided by the Finnish American Folk School.