Archive for February 2019

In addition to having a great name, Mihaly Csikszenthmihalyi*, an academic and psychologist, coined the term ‘flow’ — when you are completely absorbed by an activity, often something creative, so much so that nothing else seems to matter.  You forget yourself as you are totally focused on the activity, not aware of the passage of…

We’re working hard to find fun, creative instructors and classes that appeal to a variety of students.  Are you a local artist an interest in sharing your skills and stories? Have a suggestion for an instructor or class?  Email us at info@marinemillsfolkschool.org, we’re always glad to get suggestions. Here are some class ideas looking for instructors, we…

Janet’s first class on Introductory Naalbinding was so successful, she’s returning to offer it again!  Janet pursued art in college, but after finding a lack of art teaching jobs ended up working with kids who didn’t fit a traditional school model.  She and her husband landed in Marine on St. Croix because of less expensive…

Mary Oliver died recently, leaving a poet-sized hole in our hearts.  We’d like to end this week’s newsletter with one of our favorite poems, although it is tough to pick a favorite.  What’s your favorite Mary Oliver poem?  Wild Geese          — Mary Oliver You do not have to be good.You do not…

We are borrowing our title from the late Senator Wellstone and applying it to small communities in Minnesota, we think he wouldn’t mind.  What began as a thank-you to the Gammelgarden Museum for inviting us to hold classes in Scandia this winter has turned into some thoughts about the importance of rural organizations working together for…

Have you visited the Gammelgarden Museum in Scandia? It is a somewhat hidden jewel open to visitors from May 1 to October 15, as it works to “ preserve, present and promote Swedish heritage.”   Think you won’t be interested because your cultural background is not Scandinavian?  Think again.  We all have family that experienced…

Want to get a discount on your next class, help out the Marine Mills Folk School and increase your fun quotient, all at the same time?  Volunteer on a Saturday, or every Saturday, we’d love the help.  Contact info@marinemillsfolkschool.org for more information.  

Emily left big city convenience with her husband and son, to find access to the outdoors and a close community.   She and her family love the Marine community and their new life, even the commute home is welcome as it provides reflection time, ensuring that family time is focused on family time.  Plus Emily…

Those of us in the folk school world hold N.F.S. Grundtvig, a Dane who lived in the 1800’s, in high regard.  Although a bit of a cranky disrupter, he developed key tenants that are embedded in the folk school movement:  Self-directed learning from others in a non-competitive environment  Importance of community and civic engagement  Life-long…

We’re a young non-profit organization, still trying to get the word out about our traditional arts & crafts school.  We need your help.  THIS IS A GIVEAWAY! There is a free class in it for you! 1. Like us on @MarineMillsFolkSchool on Facebook and Instagram.2. Tag a friend in the comments. The more friends and tags, the more likely you’ll win.3. The…