Hello friends of the Finnish American Folk School and Happy Leap Year!

With the solid support of Finlandia Foundation National, these have been exhilarating times for us. I am delighted to announce that January 1st marked the beginning of Clare Zuraw’s tenure as full time director of the folk school. Clare brings her considerable skills as a musician, fiber artist, grant writer, communicator and networker extraordinaire to enrich and expand the programs and reach of the Finnish American Folk School. My role as part time advisor to Clare is to assist and guide her as we navigate the challenges ahead. As many of you know, on February 1st the Lily I. Jutila Center home to the folk school studios is under new ownership. As we learn their plans for the building and choose our way forward, we will keep you informed. Meanwhile we have exciting and unique classes and workshops planned for the coming months including two workshops by nationally acclaimed artist, Heather Allen Hietala in conjunction with her exhibition in the Finlandia Art Gallery in April.

~Phyllis Fredendall

Register Now

Registration is now open for upcoming workshops. Many other exciting events are coming later in the year, so scroll on for previews. Questions? Email clare.zuraw@finlandiafoundation.org or call 906-370-3722

Creative Coiling - Sunday, February 18, 2024 - 1-4pm (Phyllis Fredendall)

Fun with Color - Saturday, March 16, 2024 - 10am-12pm (Phyllis Fredendall)

Beginning Kantele - 6 sessions - March 14, 21 and April 4, 11, 18, 25, 2024 -

5:30-6:45pm (Kay Seppala)

Knitting Lunch Hour - Tuesdays - 12-1pm - Free, no registration required

Save the Dates

Contemporary Embroidery Sampler Book with Heather Allen Hietala - Saturday + Sunday, April 13-14, 2024

Textile Techniques in Wire with Heather Allen Hietala - Tuesday + Wednesday, April 16-17, 2024

Ryijy Weaving with Lisa Wiitala - Monday to Friday, June 17-21, 2024

Midsummer Jouhikko Gathering - bow making, instrument care + repair workshop, beginning + intermediate playing workshops - June 20-23, 2024

Folk School at Midsummer - Finlandia Art Gallery exhibition reception - June 20, 2024

Midsummer Dance with Whitewater - June 22, 2024

We're also hard at work scheduling many other events including beginning weaving, wood carving, täkänä weaving, online workshops, and more. Stay tuned!

Heather Hietala's Textile Techniques in Wire

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