Marine Mills Folk School

Marine Mills Folk School 2023-2024 Impact Statement

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 21:21:00 GMT

Rooted in Place and Growing!

Dear Marine Mills Folk School Supporters,

Since our doors opened in October 2018, a community of Marine Mills Folk School (MMFS) teachers, learners and supporters has blossomed!

Following a nearly 200-year-old tradition of folk schools throughout the world, MMFS is working to enrich lives and strengthen community.

Each week, we witness the power of people gathering to create a community of learners and artisans who share their talent and expertise.

We are exploring new growth opportunities, such as in developing youth programming and offering more freewill supported community events.

New artisans are joining our family of instructors in the areas of fiber arts, culinary arts, outdoor skills, visual arts, and woodcarving.

Support from individuals, granting organizations, volunteers, members, board and staff are giving us the confidence to offer new classes, seek new partnerships, and dream big about our future.

Thank you for your belief in and support of our mission. We look forward to continuing to grow – together!

In gratitude,

The Marine Mills Folk School Board of Directors

From left: Matt Smith, Julie McGarvie, Nanc MacLeslie, Robin Brooksbank (Board Chair), Andy Wallace, Kathy Marker, Greig Tennis, Christa Getchell. Not pictured: Jenni Corbett, Molly Sanford.

Who We Are – Together

We are a community of:

Artisan-Instructors
Lifelong Learners
Volunteers
Community-minded Individuals

We fulfill our mission by partnering with artisan-instructors who have a passion for teaching hands-on arts and crafts to eager learners of all ages. Our teachers are skilled guides in woodworking, fiber arts, visual arts, culinary arts, outdoor skills, and other arts & crafts.

We offer lifelong, hands-on, whole person learning for all ages in a supportive environment that is fun, collaborative and restorative. MMFS incorporates a philosophy that places relationships and connections between people at the center of learning and life.

While promoting lifelong learning, MMFS is imbued with a strong sense of place, with an underlying goal to strengthen the economic base in and around the St Croix River Valley.

What We Accomplish – Together

Marine Mills Folk School offers in-person classes and free community events, and is the only folk school within one hour of the Twin Cities that’s open year-round. We’re continuing to grow our program offerings, from 11 classes and 52 learners in 2018 to 365 events and nearly 3,000 attendees of all ages in 2023. No two weekends are the same at MMFS!

A snapshot of classes includes:

Intro to Welding
Boro Mending
Canoe Paddle Building
Ribbed Basket Basics
Ax Basics
Metalsmithing
Band Weaving
Herbal Remedies
Mushroom Foraging
Poetry
Community Singing

In addition to classes, MMFS hosts drop-in community events led by volunteer artisans:

Tuesday Knit Nights
Open Wood Carving
Community Bridge Club
Bluegrass Jam Sessions
Community Singing
Dare to Repair Fix-It Clinic (one in Osceola, Wis. and one in Marine on St. Croix

Attendance at community events has nearly doubled since spring 2022, with approximately 225 people dropping-in each month!

Where We Are Growing – Together

Thanks to the support of generous individuals, foundations, granting organizations and others who believe in our mission, we are meeting the needs of our community by:

1. Sustaining program growth

MMFS experienced an explosion of growth in 2023, more than doubling the number of classes and community events offered over the prior year. The upward momentum brings increased energy around our organization, with more students, instructors, volunteers, and members joining and supporting our work.

We are aware of the challenges around sustaining this level of programming: staffing time and energy, instructors’ availability, market saturation and need to reach new audiences, to name a few. Your support allows us the flexibility to direct funds to essential areas and to respond to needs throughout the year.

2. Co-locating with another growing organization

We share our space with Marine Village School, a K-5 public school. We are two separate organizations, with the elementary school operating Monday-Friday while our arts education nonprofit operates mostly on weekends and evenings. As a result, the building is always humming with activity!

Our teams have come up with creative solutions for sharing the space, including putting castor wheels on tables in order to quickly set up and take down classrooms in almost any room in the school.

We’re also exploring other ideas to provide for learners who want to take classes on weekdays, when our building is unavailable. With support from a Minnesota State Arts Board grant, we are offering mid-week programming for older adults at a local church in Marine, using classroom space they don’t use during the week.

3. Responding to the “Epidemic of Loneliness”

In this report, the U.S. Surgeon General urges all Americans to strengthen connections and relationships with others.

MMFS is perfectly poised to offer meaningful solutions to this epidemic. Through class and community event attendance, participants are:

Engaging with a new community where they feel seen and are valued for their unique gifts
Developing an enhanced sense of self-worth
Growing their abilities to take on new challenges or opportunities that they may not have felt up to previously

2023 Financials

The state of the folk school is strong – and growing!

Strong Roots, Strong Community & Growing!

Whether you’re a lifelong learner, artisan-instructor, community member, volunteer, or all of the above, you are helping us to not just grow but also to thrive in fulfilling our mission to help everyone discover the joy of creating from a folk school tradition!

To make a donation in support of our mission, become a member or discuss other giving opportunities, contact Board Chair Robin Brooksbank at robin@marinemillsfolkschool.org .

Thank you!

Marine Mills Folk School
550 Pine Street
PO Box 111
Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047
info@MarineMillsFolkSchool.org
612-440-6295

Marine Mills Folk School 2023-2024 Impact Statement

October 21, 2024

Posted in News

Our Mission

To enrich lives and strengthen community by inviting all people to discover the joy of creating together from a folk school tradition.

“It feels good to give myself time to relax and refresh my mind in a stressful and busy world while spending time with my sister and new friends.”

– Kate F., Lifelong Learner and MMFS Student

“As an instructor of handcraft for over 30 years, few folk schools in the region are as effective at following the true principles of N. F. S. Grundvig as MMFS. There is a focus on community, the hands, the head and the spirit.”

– Fred Livesay, Woodworking Artisan-Instructor

“Stick your finger down into the ground and smell where you are! This is where the needs of the people are found, which can be different in different times and places. Where this meets the abilities of the teacher, therein lies the [folk school’s] calling.”

– Ludvig Schroeder, 1872

“Loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling—it harms both individual and societal health. It is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death. The mortality impact of being socially disconnected is similar to that caused by smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, and even greater than that associated with obesity and physical inactivity. And the harmful consequences of a society that lacks social connection can be felt in our schools, workplaces, and civic organizations, where performance, productivity, and engagement are diminished.”

– U.S. Surgeon General’s report, “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation,” May 2023

“It feels good to give to students because it’s like dropping the proverbial pebble in a lake, the ripples go on forever.”

– Liz Towers, Teacher, Volunteer, Knitter, and Host of Tuesday Knit Nights

Intergenerational Learning takes Center Stage this Mother’s Day

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 17:46:00 GMT

Marine Mills Folk School classes on May 11 are open to a variety of ages

On Mother’s Day weekend 2024, the mission of Marine Mills Folk School (MMFS) will come to life through a variety of intergenerational class offerings. From macrame to needle-felting, basket-weaving to barn/hex signs, students young and old are invited to “discover the joys of creating together from a folk school tradition.”

Taking a class with a family member is popular at MMFS year-round but especially at holidays and on special occasions. “We welcome a lot of moms and daughters, mother-in-laws and their daughters-in-law, aunts and nieces, and sisters at our hands-on folk art classes,” says Kirsten Skoglund, MMFS program director.

“Classes at Marine Mills Folk School are intimate, hands-on opportunities to learn traditional skills while enjoying conversation and community,” Skoglund continues. That makes them appealing to family members who are close knit as well as those who may be seeking an activity to help them build stronger connections.

Multiple classes are being offered at MMFS on Saturday, May 11 along with two drop-in community events. Individuals and groups are invited to register for the following hands-on traditional folk art classes:

Macrame Plant Hanger (ages 12+)
Needle-Felt a Goldfinch
Barn/Hex Signs
Boro Mending with Sashiko Stitches (ages 10+)
Round-Reed Lidded Basket
Polymer Clay Trinket Dish (ages 10+)

Two drop-in community events are also taking place on Saturday, May 11, at the folk school:

Open Carving
Bluegrass Jam Session

Both community events are a perfect way to explore what Marine Mills Folk School has to offer without pre-registering for a class.

Posted in News

April 17, 2024

Intergenerational Learning takes Center Stage this Mother’s Day

How to Build Community

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 17:58:00 GMT

When I moved back to northern Wisconsin in 2007, I discovered North House Folk School in Grand Marais, MN. Oh, my! I was only 3½ hours from my first folk school class! I would literally take a personal day (I’m a teacher), get up at 4:30 a.m. to drive north for a 9 a.m. class – and then drive home at 2 p.m. Yes. I am that person!

I was hooked! I took many classes there, volunteered a few weekends for various projects, and watched their catalog for new offerings.

Those trips ended in 2018 when SOMEHOW, I caught wind of an emerging folk school RIGHT IN MY BACKYARD! I jumped at the chance to help make it happen! I crossed the river every chance I had and volunteered to clean, to host, to teach, and (of course) to take classes!

I remember my first class was in Emily Anderson’s little shop downtown [Highway North]. It was a nälbinding class taught by Janet Ames, and it was grand!

I also remember acting as a class day host when the school was utilizing River Grove Elementary’s classrooms. What a fun setting! The foraging class attendees found so many wonderful items to put together in the kitchen that day.

That same year, I ended up teaching my Ukrainian Egg class at the Gammelgården Museum in Scandia. I’ve never been so nervous that an egg might hit the floor!

Eventually, this building [at 550 Pine Street] became available, and a call went out for volunteers to come clean it prior to the first classes. There were many volunteers that day and we CLEANED for hours. We were getting closer to hosting classes in our own space! It was so exciting!

Fast forward – past the online classes of 2020 and 2021 – to today. Remember how happy we all were to open these doors again to students? To gather and celebrate community IN PERSON?!

I am truly AMAZED at how far MMFS has come in such a short time. This community has been blessed by Robin’s vision and the hard and intelligent work of all those behind the scenes! So many people have shared their talents – and continue to share their talents — with this fabulous venture to make this a space to unplug, to gather, to learn side-by-side with youngsters and oldsters – to be a place to celebrate community!

Like the John C Campbell folk school, MMFS was founded by a woman! A woman whose heart is obviously all about community. This school is about bringing the best out of people . This space is all about inner growth as creative, thoughtful individuals and social development as tolerant, caring members of a community.

I have a “How to Build Community” poster in my home.

So many of the ideas shared on it are part of what MMFS does so well:

Laurelei Creuzer teaches at Marine Mills Folk School. Search our Upcoming Events to see which classes she’s teaching.

March 20, 2024

Posted in Membership , News

How to Build Community

By Laurelei Creuzer

From a speech Laurelei gave at the March 2024 MMFS Appreciation Event

Robin Brooksbank asked me to speak about how I view community and how it applies to Marine Mills Folk School.

For those of you who do not know me, let me fill you in on a few fun facts. I have been a Folk School junkie for decades. When I lived in Virginia Beach for 30-plus years, I yearned to attend a class at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC – a folk school founded in 1925.

It was just an 8-hour drive, but as a single mother of four, I never made it. I would receive their catalog each quarter and dream of taking JUST ONE CLASS!

Turn off your TV

Leave your house

Greet people

Know your neighbors

Play together

Listen to the birds

Help Carry Something Heavy

Start A Tradition

Ask a Question

Ask for Help when You need it

Share your skills

Seek to Understand

Learn from New and Uncomfortable Angles

THAT is how I view community and how it applies to MMFS. Thank you.

Woodcarver’s Corner

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 14:29:00 GMT

Written by woodcarver and library worker Kara. Thank you, Kara!

Spoon: A guide to spoon carving and the new wood culture

Swedish Carving Techniques

Celebrating Birch: The lore, art, and craft of an ancient tree

Woodcraft: Master the art of green woodworking with key techniques and inspiring projects

The Forest Woodworker: A step-by-step guide to working with green wood

Mastering Hand Tool Techniques: A comprehensive guide on how to sharpen, tuen and use classic hand tools to add power to your woodworking

Sharpening: A woodworker’s guide

Visit our website for information about upcoming woodworking classes at Marine Mills Folk School.

Posted in News

February 22, 2024

Woodcarver’s Corner

The Washington County Library system is a great resource for carvers of all skill levels

“The Washington County Library system has a growing collection of green-wood carving and hand-tool maintenance books. A number of these resources are often referenced in our carving classes, so getting them from the library is a great way to supplement your learning.

“If you are new to carving, we highly recommend checking out some of these classic texts. The internet is full of resources, for sure, but there is something about learning from a tangible resource that can help you focus on cultivating your carving skills. There are plenty of ideas for the seasoned carver as well. Reading can help spark connections to memories and techniques you haven’t thought of in a while, and also give you a creative boost!”

Monthly Fix-it Clinic to Start at Osceola Senior Center

Fri, 24 Nov 2023 19:50:00 GMT

Currently held the first Saturday of the month in Marine on St. Croix at the folk school, Sanford, Anderson and other volunteers have helped dozens of people learn to repair common household items such as lamps and keyboards and to mend items such as jeans and antique knits.

As the Dare to Repair volunteer team prepares for the Osceola event on December 2, they’re excited about another rural community getting a fix-it clinic and community event.

“The Dare to Repair fix-it clinic at MMFS is so fun,” Molly says. “I love helping people learn repair skills. While it’s great to keep individual items out of the landfill, what’s more important to me is fostering a culture shift away from disposability.”

The Osceola community event is supported in part by the St. Croix Valley Foundation’s (SCVF) Vibrant Communities Mental Health Grant Program, which recognizes that supporting mental health and wellbeing lies on a spectrum from prevention to management.

Last spring, MMFS applied for a grant to pursue forming partnerships with several community groups in the St. Croix Valley as a means to “Preventing Isolation and Promoting Mental Wellness In Older Adults through Connection and Hands-on Continual Learning.”

In May, MMFS was notified that they had been awarded a $10,000 grant, which included a generous $5,000 gift from the Horst Rechelbacher Foundation.

“The Horst Rechelbacher Foundation is focused on supporting the well-being of people in our community,” says Jill Greenhalgh, director of the foundation. “We are pleased to help the Marine Mills Folk School because they will be providing a new way to engage senior citizens in the Osceola area in a creative and hands-on manner. We all have a responsibility to the community in which we live and work.”

Dare to Repair Osceola will be held Saturday, December 2, 2023 and Saturday, January 27, 2024, and will continue thereafter on the fourth Saturday of the month. Dare to Repair at Marine Mills Folk School will return to Marine on St. Croix on Saturday, February 3, 2024, and will continue to be held at MMFS the first Saturday of the month unless otherwise noted.

For information about future Dare to Repair events, visit our upcoming Courses page.

September 6, 2023

Posted in News

Monthly Fix-it Clinic to Start at Osceola Senior Center

Marine Mills Folk School’s mending and small electronics repair clinic begins December 2

On Saturday, December 2, Marine Mills Folk School’s Dare to Repair fix-it clinic is taking a road trip. The monthly mending and small electronics repair clinic will be held at the Osceola Senior Center in an effort to seed a clinic within the community.

Dare to Repair is an initiative of May Township resident Molly Sanford and Marine on St. Croix resident Dana Vannen Anderson. The two have a passion for repairing and restoring items, rather than throwing them away. Together, they pitched the fix-it clinic idea to Marine Mills Folk School (MMFS) last winter. Dare to Repair launched in January 2023.

Sanford likes to make sure attendees know that coming to a fix-it clinic like Dare to Repair isn’t a drop-off event. “We are here to help people learn new skills so they can feel empowered to repair things themselves,” she says. “Our repair coaches share their expertise in mending, electronics and mechanical repair, but they will hand the sewing needles, soldering irons and screwdrivers off to attendees, so they can learn by doing. People often feel immense joy and satisfaction when they have completed a successful repair—or, at the very least, identified the problem and figured out how to buy replacement parts!”

Community Takes Center Stage at the Marine Fall Festival

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 14:56:00 GMT

The Marine on St. Croix community is coming together on Saturday, September 16 to celebrate the beauty of autumn and handcrafted art in the St. Croix Valley.

Everyone is welcome at the free Marine Fall Festival hosted by Marine Mills Folk School (MMFS), taking place from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on September 16. Drop in anytime to enjoy a variety of activities that put community front and center.

The largest attraction at the Marine Fall Festival is the Artists’ Marketplace & Raffle . Each participant in the Artists’ Marketplace brings a unique point of view and connection to the St. Croix Valley, Marine on St. Croix and Marine Mills Folk School community.

More than 55 vendors will be on display, offering everything from buffalo fiber and art glass to wood carvings, pottery, and paintings, as well as herbs, maple syrup, candles, and much more. Many participants also will be demonstrating their craft. ( To see the current list of participating vendors, visit the Marine Fall Festival event page .)

In addition to the Artists’ Marketplace, the Marine area community is participating in every facet of the festival, from the food for sale to the live music and children’s activities.

As a festival sponsor, the Scandia-Marine Lions Club is selling food and donating the proceeds to MMFS. They also are providing tents for festival activities. Girl Scouts Troop #57357 will be selling beverages, and Marine Village School and the Marine General Store will be selling grab-and-go snacks.

Playing bluegrass music throughout the festival are North Shore Trail , whose members are from nearby Forest Lake, and Bluegrass Jam Session participants, who meet the second Saturday of the month at the folk school. Drummers from MMFS’s West African Drumming class, led by instructor Janice Hutton, will play in the children’s activities area.

Marine Village School , which co-shares the learning space with MMFS, is organizing children’s activities that spotlight the school’s vibrant arts programming.

A fire engine will be onsite and open for curious folks to explore, inside and out, courtesy of the volunteer Marine Fire Department .

Sheep dog–herding demonstrations will be conducted throughout the day by Koru Farms ’ Dan Reuter, who will bring a small flock of sheep and several border collies.

Additional activities for all ages will be offered by the Living History Society of Minnesota , whose civilian reenactors will provide opportunities for festival goers to play and interact with toys and games that children used in the 19th century, such as ball in a cup, a bilbo catcher, fabric dolls and others.

Knitting in Public will be led by Marine on St. Croix knitter extraordinaire Liz Towers. Festival-goers are encouraged to bring their knitting projects and join the community in knitting together.

Visitors also will learn more about the Marine Civic Club , Stone House Museum , Marine Community Library and Washington County Public Works at their respective booths.

Christ Lutheran Church of Marine will have a booth at the Artists’ Marketplace and has also organized a separate garage sale and church supper during the festival (located at 150 5th Street, Marine on St. Croix, MN).

In addition to participating in the festival, Artists’ Marketplace vendors generously donated items to the Artists’ Marketplace Raffle. Tickets for the raffle may only be purchased at the festival, for $5/ticket or $20/5 tickets, with ticket sales benefitting Marine Mills Folk School.

“Marine Mills Folk School follows a traditional folk school model emphasizing individual strengths combining to create stronger communities,” says Robin Brooksbank, outgoing Executive Director of Marine Mills Folk School. “A free community festival is a perfect way to share our mission, introduce new audiences to the artists we partner with and the classes we offer, and celebrate the vibrancy of the Marine on St. Croix community.”

After the festival ends at 4:00 p.m., attendees are encouraged to visit downtown Marine on St. Croix for more food, beverages and desserts from local establishments such as Änna’s Bistro, the Marine General Store, ’Nita Mae’s Scoop, St. Croix Chocolate Company, St. Croix Coffee Roasters, and the Brookside Bar & Grill, which will host live music.

American contemporary artist Mary Jo Van Dell’s Marine on St. Croix studio will be open along with a number of nearby artists’ studios as part of ArtReach St. Croix’s Take Me to the River event, for which Marine Mills Folk School is a sponsor.

The Marine Fall Festival is family-friendly, free and open to the public, and takes place on Saturday, September 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the folk school’s grounds at 550 Pine Street, Marine on St. Croix, Minn.

Sponsors include Scandia-Marine Lions Club and Security State Bank of Marine. Find complete event details at marinemillsfolkschool.org/inspire_events/free-marine-fall-festival/

Community Takes Center Stage at the Marine Fall Festival

September 6, 2023

Posted in News

Marine Fall Festival Returns September 16

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 20:47:00 GMT

Celebrate the beauty of autumn and handcrafted art at Marine Mills Folk School in the St. Croix Valley

The Marine Fall Festival hosted by Marine Mills Folk School returns to the St. Croix Valley on Saturday, September 16, 2023. From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., everyone is invited to drop in and enjoy a variety of activities at the free community festival located on the grounds of Marine Mills Folk School.

Celebrate the beauty of autumn and handcrafted art in the St. Croix Valley! Marine Fall Festival activities include an Artists’ Marketplace with more than 50 high-end artisans; crafting demonstrations by skilled weavers, woodcarvers and others; children’s activities; live bluegrass music and dancing; food; a raffle; sheep dog–herding demonstrations; and more.

“We are grateful to the community for supporting us since we opened our doors five years ago,” says Robin Brooksbank, Marine Mills Folk School founder and board chair. “The Marine Fall Festival is one way of giving back to everyone who has supported the folk school, from our members and class attendees, to our artisan-instructors and the St. Croix Valley community at-large.”

“The festival includes activities that everyone can enjoy,” Robin continued, “whether you like browsing artisan booths, watching crafting demonstrations, listening to live music, making your own art, or sampling good food.”

Participating organizations include:

Koru Farm: Sheep dog–herding demonstrations
Living History Society of Minnesota : Children’s games and reenactments of 18th-century life
Marine Village School : Children’s activities
North Shore Trail : Bluegrass music
Scandia-Marine Lions Club : Food

The Marine Fall Festival is hosted by Marine Mills Folk School with support from the Scandia-Marine Lions Club and Security State Bank of Marine.

The festival takes place at Marine Mills Folk School, 550 Pine Street, Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047. This annual, family-friendly event is free and open to the public. More information is available at MarineMillsFolkSchool.org .

Also on the third weekend of September in the St. Croix Valley is Take Me to the River, an initiative powered by ArtReach St. Croix highlighting the region’s art fairs and studio sales. Marine Mills Folk School is a 2023 sponsor of Take Me to the River.

Visit MarineMillsFolkSchool.org for additional information and to see a complete list of upcoming events and classes.

ABOUT MARINE MILLS FOLK SCHOOL

Founded in 2018, Marine Mills Folk School’s mission is to enrich lives and strengthen community by inviting all people to discover the joy of creating together from a folk school tradition. Marine Mills Folk School (MMFS) is located in Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota, 15 minutes north of Stillwater. MMFS offers adult and intergenerational classes in traditional arts and craft skills such as woodworking, fiber arts, visual arts, outdoor skills, crafts, and culinary arts. A typical weekend of classes might include Build a Wooden Paddle, Expressionist Painting, Photography for Kids, Foraging, and Barn/Hex Signs. In addition to weekly classes, MMFS hosts free weekly knit nights, and free monthly repair & mend clinics, bluegrass jams, wood carving sessions, and a beginner’s bridge group. Learn more at MarineMillsFolkSchool.org .

August 7, 2023

Posted in News

Marine Fall Festival Returns September 16

I Was Hooked! Foraged & Farmed Holiday Wreaths

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 19:48:00 GMT

Lindsay Ellis has a new holiday tradition, thanks to the Foraged & Farmed Holiday Wreaths class at Marine Mills Folk School. As she gears up for her third year of taking the class, Lindsay shares what makes this activity so special for her and her family.

“This will be the third year that my mom, Molly Womack, and I are making wreaths at Marine Mills Folk School. My sister-in-law, Becca Post, joined us last year and she’ll be back this year, too. We couldn’t be more excited!

Foraged & Farmed Holiday Wreaths

Make your own beautiful evergreen wreath on a wire form! All ages are welcome to attend this seasonal favorite led by Hallie Chasensky of Miminka Flower Farm in St. Croix Falls.

Multiple sessions are available. Sign up with a group of friends or family for a festive good time!

Available Dates & Times

Session 1 : Nov. 12, 11:00 – 1:30 (WAITLIST)

Session 2 : Nov. 12, 2:30 – 5:00

Session 3 : Nov. 13, 9:00 – 11:30

Session 4 : Nov. 13, 12:30 – 3:00

Session 5 : Nov. 19, 11:00 – 1:30

Session 6 : Nov. 19, 2:30 – 5:00

Session 7 : Nov. 20, 12:30 – 3:00

We love to see what you’re working on outside the classroom! Send a photo and a brief note about what you’re hooked on to info@marinemillsfolkschool.org .

I Was Hooked! Foraged & Farmed Holiday Wreaths

October 12, 2022

Posted in News

Becca Post’s foraged and farmed wreath on her front door was so naturally beautiful that it attracted a pair of nesting birds!

“Last year, the three of us made a day of it, including a beautiful fall drive out to the quaint town of Marine on St. Croix. We went out for burgers afterward at a local joint.

“The wreath-making instructor, Hallie, is fantastic! She makes it all really easy to do. I honestly could not believe that I could make something that beautiful. I cannot describe the feeling of holding up that wreath when you are done assembling it to see how amazing it is and know that you actually did it!

“It was so easy to do that I was able to make my own smaller wreath at home from clippings from my trees.

“This has become an annual holiday tradition for the ladies in my family. We are so looking forward to kicking off the holiday season with wreath making again this year!”

Foraged & Farmed Holiday Wreaths

Make your own beautiful evergreen wreath on a wire form! All ages are welcome to attend this seasonal favorite led by Hallie Chasensky of Miminka Flower Farm in St. Croix Falls.

Fred Livesay to Teach at Marine Mills Folk School

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 19:41:00 GMT

Internationally renowned woodcarver will lead an Advanced Spoon Carving workshop

Woodcarvers are invited to attend a special two-day Advanced Spoon Carving workshop with Fred Livesay at Marine Mills Folk School.

“We’re so excited to be able to feature Fred at this two-day workshop,” says Kirsten Skoglund, program director for Marine Mills Folk School. “Fred will be sharing his skills and supportive approach here in Marine on St. Croix. This is such a great opportunity for woodcarvers in the Twin Cities area!”

On Friday, October 21 and Saturday, October 22, those who have carved at least 20 spoons may join this workshop led by the internationally renowned woodcarver, who has more than 40 years of teaching experience.

The Advanced Spoon Carving class will begin with a thorough examination of spoons from all angles, discussing what makes good and great spoons, wood choice, design and proportions, bowl and handle shapes, and more. Students will be challenged to design new spoons, copy others, and learn how to “see.” There will be ample time for class critiques each day, as well as demonstrations on efficient chopping out of blanks, using crooks, and getting the best edge on tools.

Fred Livesay made his first spoon at age seven and has focused his life and career on traditional handwork ever since. By the age of 17, he was a craft instructor for Concordia Finnish language camp. Livesay was a carriage builder and wheelwright, and received his B.A. from the University of Minnesota in Art History, with an emphasis on American & Scandinavian Decorative Arts & Architecture. He earned his M.A. in History via the Museum Studies Program in Cooperstown, New York.

Livesay teaches various crafts at folk schools, art centers, museums, and gatherings in the five-state area, and is a frequent guest instructor at Spoonfest in Edale, England. Primarily a woodworker, he is no stranger to birch bark, willow, metals, antler and bone.

Advanced Spoon Carving will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 21 and Saturday, October 22, 2022 at Marine Mills Folk School (550 Pine Street, Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047). The workshop costs $250. Class size is limited to 8 students. Registration is available at www.marinemillsfolkschool.org .

There are a variety of additional woodworking opportunities at Marine Mills Folk School including free Open Carving Sessions on the second Saturday of each month from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Local carver Brian Keogh leads each session, offering fellowship and problem-solving help on projects.

A complete list of upcoming classes at Marine Mills Folk School is online at marinemillsfolkschool.org/classes-all . Classes are held at Marine Mills Folk School located at 550 Pine St., Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047, unless otherwise noted.

Members Get First Choice!

A perk of membership is being invited to register early for classes.

Become a member now to get notified about upcoming class registration before the general public!

Fred Livesay to Teach at Marine Mills Folk School

October 10, 2022

Posted in News

Crop Artist Liz Schreiber Explains Her Craft

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 18:11:00 GMT

Originally Published in the Pioneer Press / TwinCities.com as “TAKE A CROP ART CLASS JUST IN TIME FOR THE STATE FAIR”

By Isabel Saavedra-Weis | isaavedra-weis@pioneerpress.com |

PUBLISHED: July 14, 2022 at 6:46 p.m. | UPDATED: July 15, 2022 at 3:41 p.m.

Ever been curious about the crop art show at the State Fair? A school in Marine on St. Croix is offering a one-day crash course for beginners curious in the craft.

The class at Marine Mills Folk School will offer a hands-on lesson in crop art technique, as well as an introduction to the crop art competition at the Minnesota State Fair.

Liz Schreiber, who teaches the class, became fascinated with crop art 18 years ago after visiting the fair. Since then, she’s created dozens of pieces, including portraits Chief Flying Hawk, and Little Richard.

“I’ve entered the fair every summer since. It’s become a summertime tradition for me,” Schreiber said, who has the awards to show for it, including seven first place ribbons.

The agricultural craft became a State Fair feature in 1965 as an educational tool. Crop artists arrange thousands of little seeds to create larger images or designs. It can be a tedious craft, Schreiber said.

“It really requires time and forces you to slow down and focus, something I don’t know if we get enough of these days.” Schreiber said.

Those signed up for her class can expect to walk away with an art piece, as well as basic information about where to buy seeds, how to transfer an image, and how to attach and adhere the seeds to pre-primed panels.

The class is 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. July 23 at 550 Pine St. in Marine on St. Croix and costs $80, including materials. Visit the Marine Mills Folk School website at marinemillsfolkschool.org to register.

Crop Artist Liz Schreiber Explains Her Craft

July 14, 2022

Posted in News

A man photographs crop art at the last day of the Minnesota State Fair on Monday, September 4, 2017. (Jean Pieri / Pioneer Press)

Liz Schreiber became fascinated with crop art 18 years ago after visiting the fair. Since then, she’s created dozens of pieces and won various awards, including 7 first place ribbons at the Minnesota State Fair. (Courtesy of Liz Schreiber)

I Was Hooked! Basket Making

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 17:12:00 GMT

Becca Gross has taken her education beyond the classroom, exploring the art of basket making in her free time. We love to celebrate and share stories like hers, and hope you enjoy hearing from Becca in her own words.

“This past winter, I took Kirsten Skoglund’s Market Tote class. After the class, I purchased a few basket making kits to get more practice. I recently made my first original basket! A large laundry hamper with a wooden base and leather handles (thanks to Candace Lacosse for teaching some leatherwork skills in the Leather Tote Bag class at Marine Mills last winter!).

“I’ve started collecting some patterns and am hoping to learn more about natural basketry using Minnesota materials over the summer.

“Why do I love basket making? I love making functional crafts. Who doesn’t need a good basket? I also appreciate that you can easily split the project up into a few solid sessions and finish it up in a weekend.

“Most of my crafting happens after my kids go to bed, so it’s great to be able to accomplish a good portion of the project in a couple of hours, set it aside, and pick it back up the next night.

“Basketry is a pretty forgiving art. Little mistakes can be easily fixed or just considered ‘character adding’ elements of your basket.”

July 5, 2022

I Was Hooked! Basket Making

Posted in News

Folk School Aims to Strengthen and Empower

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 21:53:00 GMT

By Nealy Corcoran editor@countrymessenger.com

Marine Mills Folk School offers a variety of classes where everyone is welcome. People are invited to learn traditional skills in a collaborative environment. Classes include (but are not limited to) photography, gardening, knitting, baking, wood-carving, syrup making, music and much more. Following a focaccia baking class, students at MMFS proudly pose next to their delicious accomplishments!

Marine Mills Folk School (MMFS) opened its doors in October 2018 as an experimental learning center located in the St. Croix Valley. Their mission is to support communities and strengthen connections by inviting all people to discover the joy of creating together through traditional arts and crafts.

“(I became interested) When the local school district closed some elementary schools and people were really concerned that closures would affect the long-term vitality of the area,” said MMFS founder and community member Robin Brooksbank.

“So I decided to read about the impact that North House Folk School was making in Cook County and that really caught my eye. For every dollar spent on class fees they got a multiplier effect in the county of $12 to $13 and so I thought there is a way to make an impact to bring people to the area. And to date it seems to be working,” Brooksbank said.

Folk school tradition traces its origins to Scandinavian countries.

Marine Mills offers hands-on, life-long learning for all ages in a supportive, collaborative, environment and focuses on an unplugged, deliberate approach, with an emphasis on intergenerational learning that is fun and restorative.

“Marine Mills Folk School is really a community-based organization because of the love that people have for this area and specifically for Marine on St. Croix,” said Brooksbank.

“For those of us lucky enough to live in the area we know that for generations people have had the same sort of deep response to the natural environment of this area; the river, to the rocks to the beautiful white pines and the access to artists that add to our quality of life tremendously,” Brooksbank said.

Brooksbank, a retired co-owner of a manufacturing company describes herself as craft-impaired.

“I can’t sit still long enough. My interest is on the economic side the developing economic activity, but we are all committed to making an impact in our area by supporting artists and keeping them a part of our lives. That is us,” she said.

Everyone is welcome to attend classes at Marine Mills Folk School.

“We bring people together to learn traditional skill but they leave with more connections to people. Our emphasis is on hands on learning. The bonding that happens in a folk school class is really amazing.”

“We say that is our (not so) hidden agenda,” says Brooksbank, “We can create world peace through traditional skills just by giving opportunities for differing people to make connections.

“You have to find a balance of what people want to learn and finding qualified instructors. Students have an opportunity to learn from outstanding artists,” she said.

MMFS offers a variety of classes that are held in person and online. People are invited to learn about things like photography, gardening, knitting, baking, woodcarving, syrup making, music and plenty more.

Featured Classes

Tuesday Knit Nights

Bring a knitting project — whether you’re in the middle of one, or a project you’ve been meaning to start! If you don’t knit, bring your crochet or embroidery, spinning or weaving. We’re even adding visible mending! Find a new friend or meet up with an old one, enjoy time working on a fiber project together.

Bluegrass Jam sessions

Third Saturdays. See website for upcoming dates.

An essential skill of bluegrass music is the ability to take part in informal playing situations, also known as a “jam session.”

Participants arrange themselves in a circle, choose a song from a common repertoire, sing, accompany each other and play solos. The unplugged, grassroots nature of this music lends itself to low key playing situations that are fun and satisfying.

Veteran teacher Randy Gildersleeve and fellow musicians will play songs in the jam session format and talk about what you need to know to become a jammer, including “jam etiquette.” The demonstration will be followed by an invitation to join in on a few tunes. Instruments that are ideal for this include, but are not limited to acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, bass, ukulele, harmonica and singing.

A freewill donation of $10 per person, $20 per family is encouraged to help cover expenses but no one will be turned away. No matter what your experience, all are welcome!

Join the band, or just come listen!

Build a wooden paddle

In this class, learn about paddle design, wood choices and the use of simple woodworking tools and build your own bent shaft canoe paddle.

Students will learn about wood selection and grains, use of hand tools and skill saw, paddle design and considerations, and paddle sizing. Each student will leave with a completed bent shaft paddle ready for varnishing.

Students 14 years old and older are welcome to join this class, with each participant working on their own paddle. Students aged 14-18 must be accompanied by an adult. Each student must register separately and pay the class fee.

Volunteer

“There are many tasks on class days that are necessary and fun. If you aren’t taking a class, come and spend a morning or afternoon helping out,” said Brooksbank.

Teach

If you are passionate about your skill or craft and love sharing that knowledge with others, you can apply to teach a class at MMFS!

Give

Make a difference by supporting your folk school! Your gift will help Marine Mills build community and support local artisans as they spread the word and expand class offerings.

For more information about classes and other upcoming events visit https://marinemillsfolkschool.org/

Posted in News

June 13, 2022

Folk School Aims to Strengthen and Empower

Scandinavian Textile Artist Returns to Marine Mills Folk School

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 22:03:00 GMT

Aune’s artistic style has been called “Modern Scandinavian.” Her connection to Danish, Swedish, and Finnish design is rooted in her childhood, growing up in a home of Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian furniture and Marimekko wall hangings. Aune has traveled to Scandinavia to research designs and to exhibit her work. Her growing reputation has resulted in her work being displayed in museums and private homes throughout the region and country.

“Scandinavian Textile Stenciling” takes place 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Monday, June 20 at Marine Mills Folk School located at 550 Pine St., Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047.

Posted in News

June 6, 2022

Scandinavian Textile Artist Returns to Marine Mills Folk School

Kirsten Aune, artist-owner of Kirsten Aune Textiles Studio in Duluth, Minn., will be returning to Marine Mills Folk School on Monday, June 20 to teach Scandinavian Textile Stenciling .

Students ages 18 and older will learn the art of stenciling on fabrics as they create a decorative textile for the home such as a pillow cover, handbag, tea towel, kitchen hot pad, and more. Each participant will receive a water-based paint set to take home and use to further explore this medium.

“I create original geometric and floral designs using stencils cut by hand,” Aune explains. “I arrange them in dynamic visual compositions using bright blocks of color and bold designs.”

I Was Hooked! Barn/Hex Signs

Tue, 24 May 2022 22:04:00 GMT

“Last fall, I attended the Marine Mills Folk School open house and saw the class creating barn quilt and hex signs. Right then, I promised myself that I was going to sign up for the next class offered.

“At the class in March, I learned the basic tools and the foundational steps to create designs. All of the materials were provided and our instructor, Larry “Undy” Underkoffler, and the rest of the class were excited and supportive.

“My in-class creation was a “Prairie Rose” design to represent my North Dakota roots. I enjoyed mapping out the design and then creating my color palette. I was hooked! I took my second board home to make a sunflower for my mom. As soon as I finished, I wanted to create more — the whole process is engaging and relaxing for me.

“I am so happy I signed up for the Barn/Hex Signs class. Thank you, Marine Mills Folk School, for fueling my creative spark!”

We love to see what you’re working on outside the classroom! Send a photo and a brief note about what you’re hooked on to info@marinemillsfolkschool.org .

I Was Hooked! Barn/Hex Signs

Posted in News

May 24, 2022

Janet Walker Beckman reached out to Marine Mills Folk School recently to share her burgeoning interest in creating barn/hex signs. We love to celebrate and share stories like hers, and hope you enjoy hearing from Janet in her own words.

“One of the first things that caught my eye when I moved to the Chisago Lakes area eight years ago was the barn sign paintings posted outside of local businesses and on various farm buildings and houses. I was struck not only by their individual beauty, but also by the sense of community and pride in heritage that they conveyed.

Marine Mills Folk School

Marine Mills Folk School 2023-2024 Impact Statement

Rooted in Place and Growing!

Dear Marine Mills Folk School Supporters,

Who We Are – Together

What We Accomplish – Together

Where We Are Growing – Together

2023 Financials

Strong Roots, Strong Community & Growing!

Marine Mills Folk School 2023-2024 Impact Statement

Intergenerational Learning takes Center Stage this Mother’s Day

Intergenerational Learning takes Center Stage this Mother’s Day

How to Build Community

How to Build Community

By Laurelei Creuzer ﻿

Woodcarver’s Corner

Woodcarver’s Corner

Monthly Fix-it Clinic to Start at Osceola Senior Center

Monthly Fix-it Clinic to Start at Osceola Senior Center

Marine Mills Folk School’s mending and small electronics repair clinic begins December 2

Community Takes Center Stage at the Marine Fall Festival

Community Takes Center Stage at the Marine Fall Festival

Marine Fall Festival Returns September 16

Marine Fall Festival Returns September 16

I Was Hooked! Foraged & Farmed Holiday Wreaths

I Was Hooked! Foraged & Farmed Holiday Wreaths

Fred Livesay to Teach at Marine Mills Folk School

Fred Livesay to Teach at Marine Mills Folk School

Crop Artist Liz Schreiber Explains Her Craft

Crop Artist Liz Schreiber Explains Her Craft

I Was Hooked! Basket Making

I Was Hooked! Basket Making

Folk School Aims to Strengthen and Empower

Folk School Aims to Strengthen and Empower ﻿

Scandinavian Textile Artist Returns to Marine Mills Folk School

Scandinavian Textile Artist Returns to Marine Mills Folk School

I Was Hooked! Barn/Hex Signs

I Was Hooked! Barn/Hex Signs

By Laurelei Creuzer

Folk School Aims to Strengthen and Empower