News

We are extremely grateful to local organizations who are helping ensure life-long learners of all ages can attend our classes. The Kiwanis Club of Stillwater recently provided scholarships for young students to attend Digital Photography classes with Carl Wegener. Carl has worked diligently to ensure the kids have these opportunities, and their enthusiastic feedback is…

While it seems like we’ve just put away the shovels, our programming committee is busy developing our curriculum for next Fall and Winter, with fun and intriguing classes coming your way. We’re looking for some help in connecting with great instructors to teach the following requested classes: Making Deer-hide baby booties and slippers Nordic wood…

Peter will be teaching ‘Stone Balancing’ on July 20, an intriguing art form that combines natural beauty, design and a bit of luck! Folk schools are practically in his DNA, as his mother began taking him to Danebod Folk School in Tyler, MN when he was around 6 years old. He’s enjoyed it so much that he,…

The US Forest Service suggests about 95% of the original white pine trees in the US have been harvested, or destroyed by beetles or disease. We’re all urged to these beautiful trees which grow relatively quickly, no matter where you live. A Google search on planting techniques led to a story about a lumberman in…

Marine on St. Croix, MN – June 6, 2019 Marine Mills Folk School today announced the receipt of a generous grant from the Whitson Fund of the St. Paul Foundation.  The grant will be used as a scholarship fund for students of the traditional arts & crafts educational center in Marine on St. Croix. “Our…

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!