Archive for May 2019

What’s the difference between an artist and a craftsperson? Is the difference connected to a skill acquired through repetition versus the intent to interpret something using a new approach? Is the difference found in the reason for creating something – to perfect a skill or to communicate an idea? Or does the value a culture…

Growing up in Stillwater, Minnesota, in a house full of art, Barb Casey always had strong communication skills and pursued writing in college and professionally. But she was always a ‘doodler’ and when friend invited her to attend a painting class, she found her passion. What drives you to create? It’s part of who I am,…

Got a tough question about crafting or other life issues? Our new columnist, Ms. Makers, offers timely advice. DEAR MS. MAKERS: My boyfriend revealed he is turning spindles with the lathe at our local makerspace and selling them to pay off his considerable debts. I had no idea his financial situation was so precarious and…

Currently on exhibit at the Minnesota Museum of American Art (https://mmaa.org/now-on-view/), ‘The Good Making of Good Things’ is a fascinating look at the world of craft, using the magazine CraftHorizons and the makers who appeared in the magazine from 1941 – 1979 as the focus. The magazine’s long time editor, Ruth Slivka, worked to make craft more…

The American Swedish Institute ASI is offering a grant for artists teaching Nordic handicraft traditions. More information at the American Swedish Institute.  The American Scandinavian Foundation offers fellowship opportunities to study in Scandinavia. More information at the American Scandinavian Foundation.Thanks to our instructor Natalie Norman for passing this along!

Jane Norbin has been a life-long learner from Day 1, welcoming challenges in her varied professional life as well as continually searching out learning opportunities as a mother and grandmother. She’s often been the ‘fixer’, stepping in to do tough jobs which might involve starting a new non-profit to meet a societal need or managing…

Thanks to Tanna Worrell, our recent Foraging instructor, for sharing her recipe below. Interested in joining her to learn more about foraging? She’ll return once a month from July through September to share her knowledge, consider joining her!  Sweet Potato Fritters with Wild Greens 2 cups shredded Sweet Potato (you could use zucchini if you’d like…

A recent family discussion involved outdoor fun, camping and the impact that being outdoors can have on everyone’s well-being. Time spent at summer camps, canoeing and hiking, fostered an appreciation for nature as well as provided role models for everyday life. Someone recalled the ‘wisdom’ passed on to a counselor-in-training which remains useful today, the…

Speaking of answers, this past weekend some beautiful, plus useful, wooden paddles were made under the guidance of instructors Lee and Kevin. However, a critical question was left unanswered: what is the best paddle for canoeing, traditional or bent? What do you think? Email info@marinemillsfolkschool.org, we’ll put the results out on social media.

We are thankful for the volunteers who have stepped forward to help us launch our new folk school – we literally couldn’t do it without you. Like other nonprofit organizations, we rely on volunteer help and financial support, allowing us to improve our programming and provide access to talented artisans from the community.