North House Folk School

New Year, New E-News!

2012-01-16T09:24:00.002-06:00

Check out our most recent e-newsletter here: http://p0.vresp.com/ctmGM1

Including
- Info on our new e-newsletter format
- Northern Fibers Retreat
- Volunteer and Service Learning Weekend:

Boats and Battle Axes... We’re ready for anything.

2011-11-09T12:09:00.002-06:00

We hosted a pair of wooden boat building classes over the month of October and into November. We have a chance to meet all sorts of fascinating students during the course of the year, but some of the longer build your own boat classes afford us the pleasure of spending a couple of weeks with students. These students meld into the North House community and get a chance to be a part of the weekly rhythms.

Barry Rackner was with us building a beautiful susan skiff with instructor John Beltman. They worked diligently as a pair and produced a lovely boat.

Barry making doing some fine tuning

Susan Skiff primed and waiting for a final color.

We also had the opportunity to spend time with Bob and Wendy Jickling who, along with the help of a pram building fundamentals class, built a gorgeous Norse pram with instructor Mark Hansen.

christening

She floats!

I had the good fortune of watching these projects as they progressed from rough sawn planking to sea worthy vessels. Needless to say, they float.

Lucy, Sarah, and I are closing in on the end of our tenure as North House interns. We are diligently crafting away, putting last minute touches on our individual piles of half finished projects. Sadly, we will have to say goodbye (see you later is probably more accurate) to many of our new friends, but we will also have to part ways with the beautiful shop full of tools that has also become the dearest of friends. It will be difficult on many fronts.

For those of you reading that feel inclined we are hosting an intern open house on Thursday November 17th at 7pm. We will be sharing our stories and displaying many of the projects that we have been working on during our stay. Please come.

What happened to October?

2011-10-28T11:28:00.001-05:00

We’re coming off of an eventful family/ inter-generational weekend full of baking, dancing, and parking lot navigation. It was a hit. I walked through a number of fun classes taking pictures of the focused young crafters. Have a look for yourself.

tile alligator in the works

half formed felted rooster

On Saturday night we hosted a family contra dance over in the red building. Our friend and instructor Terrence Smith called the dance...what a riot.

dance!

Our next dance (AKA the snow shoe shuffle) will be held during Winter's Gathering. The event is going to be a ton of fun. I would like to invite you all to join us for arctic film observations, chili mastication, presentations, demonstrations, conversations, course participation, and dancing, of course.


sunrise over our construction site

Speaking of winter I did see flurries yesterday morning. The sun has been coming up later and setting earlier. I took this photo on my way to open the office. I hope everyone is staying warm.

Our neighbors at Dockside have been preparing for the big herring season and so have the gulls. It seems like the word slowly spreads around as more and more gulls occupy the neighborhood hoping for a scrap of herring entrails. What fun! There is also a bald eagle that has noticed the extra activity and has been picking off gulls from his/her lofty perch in a neighboring spruce. Tensions are high in the gull community.

In other news, the float your boat raffle concluded this past weekend as well. We drew the winning name of the gorgeous red wood and canvas canoe on Sunday at noon. Our winner is a local fellow by the name of Wayne Hensche. Wayne was in shock when we called him to share the good news. He hurried over to bond with his beautiful new boat.

it's a good fit

that's a happy face

He told us that he was off to do a bit of surveying and is going to utilize the new solo canoe. It is exciting to know that it will be put to good use. Congratulations Wayne!

E-NEWS UPDATE October 2011

2011-10-17T10:40:00.001-05:00

Welcome to North House’s E-Newsletter. This issue's updates include:

* Digging Dirt – Commons Building Brick By Brick
* Family Weekend, This Weekend
* Are You Ready - GTMD
* See Photos, Listen In
* Tents, Swaps and Popcorn

Change your e-mail address? Add a friend to our e-mail list? Need to unsubscribe? Please see the paragraph at the end of this newsletter.

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This October
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DIGGING DIRT - COMMONS BUILDING BRICK BY BRICK
Progress is steady on the new Outdoor Student Commons! Indeed, campus looks like a giant sandbox, as all asphalt has been removed and much of the lower level grading has been completed Cement “ribbon curbs” now frame the outdoor community space between the buildings. Locations of trees, gardens, paving bricks, and more are now becoming more and more apparent.
** See building photos!
** Learn more

FAMILY WEEKEND, THIS WEEKEND
Oct 20-23, 2011
Mosaics to contra dancing, hanging birch bark baskets to family films – and it’s all for the family. AND, it’s this weekend! All courses feature an intergenerational tuition rate, in which the adult pays full price, and each child pays 75% of the full tuition. Ages vary for each course.
** check out the family weekend

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News to Note
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ARE YOU READY? – GTMD
Nov 16, 2011
The Great Minnesota Give Together is coming! Record setting - Minnesota’s GiveMN project and its infamous Give To The Max Day is setting national records for state-wide nonprofit giving. North House is part of the project, and new incentives like the “golden ticket” and a new “small nonprofits division” (that’s us!) are great reason to mark your calendar and support ALL your favorite nonprofits. Learn more:
** http://givemn.razoo.com/

SEE PHOTOS - LISTEN IN
Unplugged X - with Mountain Stage Radio
While the tenth anniversary of North House Unplugged may be behind us, great photos and two upcoming listening opportunities can let all of us all celebrate and relish a string of fantastic nights under the big top here on the North House campus.
** See photos (more to come!)
** Check out Mountain Stage Show broadcast schedule
- two shows will air, one in late October, one in early November

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On The Horizon
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TENTS, SWAPS and POPCORN
Nov 17-20, 2011
Indeed, indeed – the 2011 Winterer’s Gathering & Arctic Film Festival fast approaching, and new updates are available online. A detailed initial event schedule - registrations forms for the Winter Tent Camp and Great Gear & Ski Swap – Dig In! Twenty-one courses are open for enrollment. Hope to see you there!
** see the WG line up

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About North House
=======================================

Our Mission
* Enriching lives and building community
through the teaching of traditional northern crafts
in a student-centered learning environment that
inspires the hands, the heart and the mind.

Your E-Mail Subscription
We appreciate your interest in North House Folk School and respect your internet privacy. This list is private and confidential and is used only by North House Folk School. You received this update because you provided your email address and asked to be added to our e-mail list. North House sends out its E-Newsletter once per month as well as mails out occasional updates mid-month

If you want to add a friend to our e-mail list or do not want future updates, please:
* visit http://www.northhouse.org/enewsletter.htm
* or send your request to info@northhouse.org
* please allow up to 15 days for your e-mail address to be removed.

Member Supported
North House is an independent nonprofit and relies upon the generous support of individuals, families and businesses. To receive information on our annual membership campaign, memorial donations, or other giving opportunities call 888-387-9762.

Homepage - http://www.northhouse.org/
Our address - PO Box 759, 500 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
Phone - 888-387-9762
Fax - 218-387-9706
E-mail - info@northhouse.org

2011-10-14T09:59:00.084-05:00

Hey everybody. The sweet and surprising autumn is gracing us with some glorious weather. We just recently got our first taste of rain in months. It has made for a mushy mud pile in the future commons area. The project is moving along, however. It’s very interesting to watch the process. Forms for concrete borders are being poured and various sections of underground tubing and conduit are being laid. It's looking like a maze of concrete, gravel, and dirt. So far so good.

concrete ribbon

I've been working on a side project that might be interesting to take a peek at. I started building a yurt early this spring. I've always been fascinated by these structures and the nomadic possibilities that they were originally designed for. Who doesn't dream about being a nomadic sheep herder? Right? This past April North House had an instructor development event informally referred to as the yurt cabal. It was a week long yurt fest and I was in a wonderful position to glean information from all the enthusiastic participants. Shortly after the event, armed with new knowledge and inspiration, I gathered balsam fir poles for the frame. Fortunately there was still enough snow that I could drag them out of the forest on a toboggan. It made the effort significantly easier. After finishing much of the framework I had to stash the project as the bustling busy season arrived. Now that there is a bit more time and space I popped the frame back up and started sewing up the canvas for the roof and walls.

test fitting: view from inside

I spent the first day of the canvas project becoming acquainted with the sewing machine. A few days of crooked stitching later I'm nearing completion.

sewing tabs on the canvas

view from the rafters

The next step will be insulation because I hope to turn this into a 4 season shelter.

all covered up

If anyone is curious about yurts and would like to know how to build one we are offering a course titled Yurt Building: Design and Construction course Mon, Nov 14, 2011 - Thu, Nov 17, 2011. It will be a great chance to learn about these great shelters.

Hostfest 2011

2011-10-06T09:50:00.002-05:00

Where to begin? There’s been a lot of excitement here on campus. The heavy equipment rolled in after unplugged and began ripping up the old asphalt parking lot. In just a few days we were left with a giant gravel pit. As I type this there is a crew outside pouring an attractive ribbon of concrete that will separate the parking lot from the permeable pavers that will create some more green space as well as soak up the run off before it trickles into the lake. Good stuff.

Lucy and I just got back from Hostfest, North America’s largest Scandinavian festival over in Minot, North Dakota. It was a wild road trip. Lucy, instructors Fred Livesay, and Jim Sannerud, and myself were the North House representatives in the “Artisan Village” section of the festival.

setting up

We brought along the new demonstration timber frame that the basic timber framing class built as well as the yurt I’ve been working on. It really made our space feel like a small village. We occupied our shelters, worked on some craft projects, and told folks the North House story. People were very receptive and excited about the folk school.

traveling timber frame a.k.a. santa's workshop

In between our intense conversations and craft endeavors we were entertained by traditional foods, songs, and dance. We even had the pleasure of hearing a daily concert of Abracadabra, an authentic Abba cover band from our booth. Score!


birch craft display

Private Swedish folk dancing lessons in my very own yurt? Yes please!

We met a ton of interesting people, and as I am starting realize, it’s all about the people. The event was held at the North Dakota State Fair grounds which were 6 feet under water only a few months ago. Minot was hit hard early in the summer with a wave of severe floods. It was amazing to see how much damage the town had suffered. Everything in close proximity of the river was destroyed. There were FEMA trailers through out the town and lots of people were telling us wild stories of watching their family van floating down the street. It was sad to hear, but also amazing to see how folks were helping each other and rebounding from the disaster. It took an extraordinary effort to prepare the ravaged state fair grounds for the event.

roving tree troll

We found ourselves a quaint little corner of parking lot asphalt to call home for the 5 days we were in Minot (any fluffy grass we could have hoped for was drowned by the flood.) We were camped out next to a group of excellent people that were a part of the Danish American society. They were extraordinarily generous neighbors sharing food, beverages, and jokes with the four of us. They also insisted on sharing a breakfast of Ableskiver with us anytime we passed by their booth… absolutely delicious.

Lucy Jamming on the Nyckelharpa

After 4 days of chatting our duties at Hostfest came to close, but the fun wasn’t over. On the long journey back to Grand Marais we had the opportunity to stop and visit with Del and Mary Stubbs who operate Pinewood Forge outside of Bemidji. Del makes some incredible knives and graciously gave us a quick tour of his new workshop space. They also have an experimental orchard, a colony of bees, chickens, and expansive gardens. This was my kind of place! Unfortunately we couldn’t stay for long, but it was a great visit and provided a surge of inspiration for me. Del and Mary shared some apples, a bit of cider, and some honey straight off of the comb to keep us cruising in straight line.

Thank you to all the friendly and generous friends we met along the way. And a huge thank you to Fred, Jim, and Lucy for making the experience so light hearted and fun.

Unplugged X

2011-09-22T16:44:00.004-05:00

Unbelievable! What a wild weekend of fun events and music. I don’t even know where to begin. The enormous tent was assembled in the parking lot on Tuesday and part of Wednesday. We utilized every square inch. Storms were threatening, but the crew managed to assemble our temporary amphitheater without problems. The Mountain Stage crew was here on Wednesday as well. They had a chance to relax and see the sights here on the North Shore before setting up for the show. That evening we hosted a large pizza bake and had a chance to eat, drink a few beers, and get to know everyone. This was a test for our brand new oven. Seventy beautiful pizzas later, I am happy to declare that it is formidable baking machine. The night was a blast; we even had the chance to sample some “sweet West Virginia water” that was brought along to aid the festivities.

Mean not-so-lean baking machine.

What a tent!

Thursday was a big day full of final preparations. Space was arranged for mini-classes that are designed to give students a taste of the craft opportunities here at the school. The Mountain stage crew began early setting up their sound equipment and getting all their gear ready to record the radio shows. As we ran around campus setting up for the events to come we got a preview of the night’s music as we listened to the musicians during their sound checks. Chairs popped up in precise rows under the protection of the tent thanks to the handiwork of fabulous volunteers.

The blue building was being arranged for our silent auction. There were many beautiful hand crafted items that friends of North House generously donated to the cause (including a handful of intern crafts…go team!).

I was responsible for maintaining the “green room” which was nestled in our lovely new kitchen class room in the fish house. The most important piece of this vital responsibility was eating pie four times a day with as many talented musicians as possible. I did what I could to get the job done.

curried butternup squash and apple soup from the Pie Place

The concert on Thursday night was a roar. The Mountain Stage crew and musicians were all in a goofy mood which made for a wildly entertaining show. Being a listener of Mountain Stage, it was great seeing Larry Groce up on stage cracking jokes and navigating the down time in between musicians.

Friday came fast. Round two of Mountain Stage was ready to roll, the silent auction was well underway, and folks were lining up to get last minute rush tickets for the sold out show.

Lucy, Jessa, and volunteers arranged the III things Folk artisan assembly exhibit. Various North House instructors and friends were asked to bring three craft items; one project that highlighted their beginnings, one that represented their work as they began to master a particular craft, and a final piece that highlighted where their work is headed. The display was awesome. I think it’s important for people to see the progression of talented artisans. Moral of the story, you have to start some where.

The concert on Friday night was a hit. The tent was packed and people were hanging outside trying to get a peak of all the excitement. I moseyed back towards the fire ring which was blazing away about 50 feet from the tent. Some of the sound crew guys were hanging out and relaxing by the fire, listening to the show, and joking back and forth. They told me, chuckling, that this was the best back stage bonfire they ever had. What a venue!

Saturday was the final concert and was packed with activities. The exhibit was in full swing, folks browsed through the auction items a bit more, there were knee slapping music circles popping up on campus, Hjordis was taking passengers on to the big beautiful lake, and a group of craft demonstrators were sharing some of their talents with the curious folks passing through. Again, people were lined up eager to try and grab a last minute rush ticket for another sold out show.

top: Lee making a willow basket
bottom: Jarrod Stone-Dahl turning bowls on his spring pole lathe

Time flew. That evening there was a dedication for the new commons area that is about to be created here on campus. Celebratory cake was shared followed by a live auction of some of our timber frames as well as our trusty old wood-fired brick oven. She found a new home and will continue cranking out wonderful pizzas and bread. John Vezner and Michael Johnson, two of the talented unplugged performers, offered their services as musicians and story tellers as an auction item. A deal was struck with four interested parties resulting in a tour of private house concerts and a generous donation for the North House endowment. The silent auction wrapped up after the live auction excitement followed by one last night of great music.

The final show was excellent and once again the house was packed. Greg (king of the great white North……..House) was even graced with his own special song as the evening's encore.

Sunday was a day for processing all the action and getting everything ready for the new commons area construction. Campus went from a 750 seat music venue to a naked parking lot. No timber frames, ovens, boats, saw horses, cars, piles of timbers, nothing. It was quite the exodus.

Thank you to everyone that helped out with the event. We had an enormous group of dedicated volunteers, and the event would have been impossible without all their help. It was amazing to see everyone participating to keep the ball rolling along smoothly through out the event. Way to go everybody!

If you want to see some more great photos of the concerts check out the link on our facebook page. On this link you can also find information on the broadcasting dates of the Mountain stage shows that were recorded at Unplugged this year. I know I'm excited to hear them again.

Stay tuned for updates on the commons project as well as news from Hostfest 2011.

late summer greetings

2011-09-12T18:25:00.000-05:00

Hello North House blog followers. This is Mike, the third and final blogger of this year's intern trio. And what do I have to report? The big event that we have all been anticipating is just around the corner; in many ways it's already here. Everyone is busy with last minute preparations. The big tent arrives on Wednesday followed by the Mountain Stage crew who will be setting up their gear. A sizable battalion of volunteers will descend upon campus to give it a thorough old fashioned spit shine. Anticipation is running high, but more on that later.

I just returned from a multi-functional outing in neighboring territories to the south. I flew down to Cleveland, OH for a family wedding to have some quality family bonding time, made my way back to my home turf in the Milwaukee area to pick up a mini-van, and then continued north to stay with friend and North House instructor Jarrod Stone-Dahl and family. During one of his visits, Jarrod and I made plans to harvest wild rice together and ricing season happened to fit nicely into my late summer adventure.

Last year high water levels and an untimely cluster of storms conspired against my wild rice plans, so I was delighted with the string of warm sunny days that ripened the rice for us this year.

This may appear to be a normal grassy pasture scene, but don't be fooled. It's a lake, and it is full of Zizania aquatica A.K.A. Wild Rice!

As a group we managed to harvest 200 lbs. of wet rice over three days which will come out to about 100 lbs. of finished rice after processing.

Jarrod knocking ripe grains into the canoe. The barbs on the end of the rice grains stuck to his beard like Velcro.

Lunch Break...there's a nice pile building

Jarrod and April have a designated outbuilding filled with clever home made processing equipment that speeds up the efforts of processing wild rice. It was really neat to see it in action. The wet rice is sun dried, then parched to make the chafe surrounding the rice kernel brittle. The rice is then threshed to remove the hull. Finally, grains are winnowed to separate the rice from the empty hulls. It takes quite a bit of effort, but the end product is well worth it. The smell alone is worth it. Yum!

I have always been fascinated with foraging; I love wild rice and I love good company.... I would say it was a wildly successful excursion. I am extremely grateful to Jarrod and April for their hospitality.

Check out their website. They are both very talented folk artists. Jarrod will be teaching a course titled making the Cree snow shovel during Winter's Gathering in November. The course is designed to develop students' skills working green wood with simple tools such as the axe and crooked knife. These are great skills and can be used for an endless number of projects.

That's it for now... More unplugged action to come

New Class Opportunity

2011-09-02T17:57:00.026-05:00

For all of you out there who have been thinking and thinking about taking a class at North House but can't quite decide, I've got a suggestion.

The new blacksmithing shop is up and running and a joy to work in, and we've got some new instructors teaching their craft.

There's a great one fast approaching. Opening Doors: Hand Forged Thumb Latch and Hinges. It's in just a couple weeks and it's probably exactly the thing you've been looking for.

I mean, don't you want to make this:

We've been waiting for you. Sign up today!

Changing of the Guard

2011-08-26T10:36:00.000-05:00

Is it really almost September already?

Where has the summer gone?

(Oh, yeah, to Wooden Boat Show, bread demos, craft demos, classes and Hjordis sails.)

I know we've still got plenty of time left, even if the days are slowly dwindling in lenth, but...

Just makes star-gazing that much easier, right?

Well, with the changing of the seasons comes a new round of intern rotations. Mike, Lucy and I are each taking turns specializing for three months in registrar, school store, and communications duties. And it seems that about three months ago was when I got to take over the blog from Lucy, so next week you will start hearing from Mike, until November when we all leave.

Where does the time go anyway?

Blueberries and Thunderstorms

2011-08-12T11:49:00.000-05:00

Well, it's that time of year on the North Shore. Berries are everywhere! And rain makes applesauce (or maybe blueberry syrup). This means when we are not busy doing intern-y things, chances are we are out on the trail. Or at least I am.

Last week I went blueberry picking for the first time. A crew of us bundled ourselves into the car and drove up to the Seagull Lake area, where the blueberry bushes are abundent from the fire several years ago. After driving quite a ways on what I think I can appropriately call a "rough road," we finally parked and then traversed on foot through brambles and young trees and the very very hot sun. Being a novice picker, I was content to gather all the individual berries growing sporadically in the bare, rocky places. Sweated a lot, but the heat was worth it since we ended with a swim in Seagull Lake - my first time in a lake in Minnesota! - and I heard a loon for the first time as well. It was a big day.

I walked over a blueberry-bush covered ridge, and happened upon this sight.

Not too long after, I had the opportunity to go for a late afternoon blueberry outing to Magnetic Rock. A perfect ending to what was until then a fairly dragging, uneventful day. The air was cool with evening dew, the sun was setting, and I learned that blueberries grow in clusters as well as singly. It was a lovely evening, mosquitos and all, and I got to have blueberry pancakes the next morning for breakfast.

The remnants of forest fire, standing sentinel over the berries.

You may think that that would have been enough blueberry picking for me. But you would be wrong. Tuesday I got to go up to another place near Seagull Lake and pick another quart of blueberries - a combination of clusters and singles - and took my Birch Bark Berry Basket for its inaugural outing. It was very satisfying, but the basket is much larger than an old yogurt container, so I had to tell myself I still picked an adequate amount. I should probably preserve some of this bounty for the winter, though at the rate I'm eating berries they won't last long enough to get into jars.

Rosehips and juneberries in the midafternoon sun.

I'm hoping this is a thimbleberry, because I sure ate a lot of them.

And blueberries are not even the only berries out right now. The other day I went for a long wander on the Superior Hiking Trail up near Pincushion and across the Gunflint Trail to...somewhere. I stopped off at the co-op for a sandwich and trail goodies before I left, but there was such an abundance of blueberries, juneberries, thimbleberries and raspberries to snack on I barely was hungry. My first time eating wild juneberries and thimbleberries unsupervised, but I'm still here today so I think I identified them correctly.

Kadunce River in the rain.

Kadunce foliage in the rain.

I also got to experience summer's other Great Happening a few days ago after work - Thunderstorm Hike. Took a wander on the Kadunce just in time for the rain, then stopped by the Chicago Bay Marketplace for a brownie and coffee afterwards. (I planned ahead and brought dry clothes. Be impressed.) Sat on my new favorite rock on the shore near mile marker 122 and watched the post-storm rainbows and lightning over the lake.

See why this is my new favorite spot?

I think it's safe to say that six months here has allowed me to feel enough like a local that I know at least some of the hot spots and fun things to do. I mean, do you get any better than blueberries and thunderstorms?

August E-Newsletter

2011-08-04T16:53:00.000-05:00

Welcome to North House’s E-Newsletter. This issue's updates include:

* Student Built, Three Shelters
* Norwegian Knives
* Stacked Handle Flatwear
* Two On Fire For Labor Day
* Da Swimmers
* Hands On For Families
* Welcome Back Sir Garrett
* WG - Featured Speakers, Featured Courses
* Quote of the Month

Change your e-mail address? Add a friend to our e-mail list? Need to unsubscribe? Please see the paragraph at the end of this newsletter.

=======================================
This August
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STUDENT BUILT – THREE SHELTERS
Three inspiring student built projects need a new home, and our goal is to help them find a home sooner rather than later (so their prices are reduced). Why? With the Outdoor Commons building project slated to break ground in late September, we need to make room for all things bulldozers to paving bricks. Dreamed of a sauna? Have timbers on your mind? Now’s the time!
** Check out current Student Built Projects
** Download the Outdoor Commons flier

NORWEGIAN KNIVES
Aug 10-14
Internationally recognized knife maker, Gene Tokheim, will be on campus in early August leading a workshop on knifemaking. The look, feel and function of a traditional Norwegian knife are legendary.
** Take a look!

CLEAN SWEEP – BROOM MAKING
August 27-28
Get sweeping! Brooms have been used for centuries to clean our homes, but they haven't always come from a hardware store. Four spots remain.
** See project photos

TWO ON FIRE FOR LABOR DAY
Two new courses have been added to the North House calendar over Labor Day weekend, and both feature fire at their core:
** Whole Grain Sourdough Bakery – Sept 2-3
** Raku Pottery – Sept 3

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News to Note
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DA SWIMMERS
Sept 15-18, 2011
Come on in – the water is fine! Welcome to the five-member band Great Lakes Swimmers, the latest addition to the rich offering of programs, much and more during Unplugged X.
** Learn more about G.L. Swimmers
** Download the updated Unplugged X flier

HANDS ON FOR FAMILIES
October 20-23, 2011
Make the most of school break! Bring the whole family to North House for our first Family & Intergenerational Learning Weekend. Short courses in everything from felting to mosaics, birding to sausage making. An inspiring opportunity for families to learn together. Plans also include a film screening, pizza bake and contra dance in the evenings.
** See the full course listing

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On The Horizon
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WELCOME BACK SIR GARRETT
November, 2011
What’s that, out on the distant horizon?! WG, North House’s annual fall special event. Returning as featured instructor in 2011, Garrett Conover, wilderness guide extraordinary and co-author of Snow Walker’s Companion. Learn more
** See Garrett’s offerings

WG - FEATURED SPEAKERS – FEATURED COURSES
Nov 17-20
Also gracing the WG calendar – famed wolf biologist Rolf Peterson and film maker George Desort. Both will be featured speakers during Winterer’s Gathering and BOTH will offer featured courses as part of the event.
** Get the details on Rolf and George

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Quote of the Month
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For porcupines, past, present and future, who, in the act of foraging for inner bark, yield bone-dry standing dead spruce and tamarack through the North. Countless trail stoves have been fed this finest of firewood, while the bodies and spirits of untold snow walkers warmed. Our gratitude is boundless.
** Garrett Conover in “Snow Walker’s Companion”

=======================================
About North House
=======================================

Our Mission
* Enriching lives and building community
through the teaching of traditional northern crafts
in a student-centered learning environment that
inspires the hands, the heart and the mind.

Your E-Mail Subscription
We appreciate your interest in North House Folk School and respect your internet privacy. This list is private and confidential and is used only by North House Folk School. You received this update because you provided your email address and asked to be added to our e-mail list. North House sends out its E-Newsletter once per month as well as mails out occasional updates mid-month

If you want to add a friend to our e-mail list or do not want future updates, please:
* visit http://www.northhouse.org/enewsletter.htm
* or send your request to info@northhouse.org
* please allow up to 15 days for your e-mail address to be removed.

Member Supported
North House is an independent nonprofit and relies upon the generous support of individuals, families and businesses. To receive information on our annual membership campaign, memorial donations, or other giving opportunities call 888-387-9762.

Homepage - http://www.northhouse.org/
Our address - PO Box 759, 500 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
Phone - 888-387-9762
Fax - 218-387-9706
E-mail - info@northhouse.org

Busy Busy Weekend

2011-07-30T16:49:00.001-05:00

North House Folk Schoool is open all year-round, but summer is definitely our "busy season." This weekend is no exception. Most everybody in Grand Marais is down in the harbor either watching or paddling in the Dragonboats - North House's own team finished first in the heats and was beat by a hair by WTIP on the last race. On campus we have students baking, timberframing, photographing and blacksmithing. We have visitors coming by for a browse through the school store, or a ride on the Schooner Hjordis. People are buying tickets for a chance to win a gorgeous hand-made solo canoe. So stop in, say "hi" and visit a while. For those of us stuck inside on sunny days, it's nice to have some company!

I got to watch the first race from North House's dock. So close, but the breakwater was a bit in the way.

Rustic Breads in the Brick Oven this weekend will be the class to take our NEW oversize oven on its inaugural run.

Blacksmithing: The Basics and Beyond. Very hot, very bright. Very fun.

Finishing up a BYO Timberframe - look at all those woodchips fly!

Tomorrow is the last day for the photography class, so all the students are studiously staring at their computers, looking for the best ten pictures to share with the class in the morning.

Win this Canoe! Buy a raffle ticket, only $10. Drawing is in October. They've been going like hotcakes - get yours soon!

No matter how many times you see it on the lake, the Hjordis is a sight. (And even more fun to ride on.)

And that brings us to almost 5 o'clock, and the end of the workday. Time to catch the end of the dragonboat races!

"Is anyone else completely satisfied with their pot?"

2011-07-22T00:28:00.003-05:00

Crafts, crafts, crafts! That's what North House is all about, right? I've gotten to try my hand at so many different types so far this year, and the opportunities just keep coming.

Last weekend I got to hang out with the mosaickers and witness pottery shards and stray pieces of stained glass transform into works of art. Spirals, birds, windows, trivets and mixed-media gulls all made an appearance, and it was beyond fun to see which colors worked where, and how the picture changed up-close and far-away. Do I sense a new pasttime? There are so many to choose from. I did learn though that you can buy mosaic supplies at the hardware store, and who doesn't love a field trip to the hardware store?

So, while I was still on a high from the mosaics, I had the distinct pleasure of experiencing Raku pottery. I joined a creative group of six other women to glaze pots, fire them in the kiln, watch them flame in the Wall Street Journal, then quickly cool in the water of Lake Superior. Trying to choose a favorite pot was like trying to choose a favorite child - they were all so individual and beautiful. Let me share with you a little of what the class was like...and if you're interested, you can have your own Raku Pottery Experience! Sign up here.

First, we started off by choosing our glazes. There are different colors and sheens, some crackle sometimes, some don't, sometimes you get blues and greens, sometimes you get coppers and yellows, it all depends on the temperature of kiln, how fast it gets hot, how long you fire it, the whim of the kiln gods, etc etc

This is my first pot after I glazed it - I couldn't decide which colors I liked best so I used all of them:

Then we placed all our little babies in the kiln...

....and waited for it to get up to about 1900°F

While we were waiting we prepared the bins with fresh newspaper for the 2nd firing. We learned to only use the Wall Street Journal because the ink won't smear (businessmen and -women don't like smudges on their nice white shirts).

We also got to walk on the beach and poke around the studio. It was a gorgeous, sunny day, perfect for glazing in the sun.

After a sufficient firing time, we all got our cameras out for the (first) big moment of truth - when our pots came of out the kiln.

Look at all that fire...oooh...ahhh...

The pots are Quite Hot...

...but cool down fairly quickly (this second picture I took almost immediately after the first one)

Then they are thrust in the newspaper, which promptly alights given the high temperature of the pot

And a brave student wearing long sleeves and thick gloves quick covers the bin (well, two bins - an inner and an outer).

The second moment of truth come after the pots sit in the bins curing for about 15 minutes, and we take them - again using the big, thick gloves - and drop (yes, drop! you don't want the gloves to get wet or they do not so much do a good job of insulating) them into buckets of fresh, cold Lake Superior water.

They become easy to handle fairly quickly - in just a few minutes - and then it's scrub scrub scrub the ashes off until the final moment of truth...(Drumroll please...)

TA-DA! Beautiful, unique functionalandornamental Raku pots

(My first one, that you saw unglazed at the beginning of this post, is in the center, next to the squat vase with the spiral - my 2nd pot - quite the metamorphosis, ehh?)

Happy Anniversary

2011-07-15T19:48:00.000-05:00

Well, it's about that time of year...we have just passed the halfway point of the 2011 North House Folk School Program Internship. Such a milestone. It kind of silently crept up on us, but now it's like a switch has been flipped. All of sudden, in the past couple weeks, it seems like everyone is asking "What are you doing next?" and their brothers are asking "What is the internship like? How do I apply?" A little crazy, that we're thinking about November, December, January and it's only July, but that's how the wonderful world of job-searching goes. I should know this, as this is the longest job I've had since graduating college 3 1/2 years ago.

And maybe working 10-month positions is nicer than 4-month, because right now I feel nothing but excitement about all the possibilities for next year. Where do I want to live? What do I want to do? If I've learned nothing else here it's that "The possibilities are endless."

With planning for the future comes also reflection on the past. For me, this means going through the journal I've sporadically been keeping since I first got here and remembering what it was like to take Cabinet-making during Orientation back in February. My first impressions of the many many faces I've come to know over the past few months. And snow! There were feet of snow everywhere and green grass was a distant dream.

Remember, when it was still winter?

And when we were pining and pining for summer to come?

I think I took a picture of the lake every five days out of seven for the first two months I was here.

Of course, now I still do quite a bit (though maybe not THAT much anymore). Every day it's different. And gorgeous.

So, here's to the last five months, and another five more (well, four and half, technically I suppose). Stay tuned for Winterer's Gathering and the Intern OpenHouse, where we get to show off everything we have done/will do this year. I've already learned to make fire, mukluks, soap, tinctures, butter paddles, japanese toolbox, birch bark rings, cattail baskets, birch bark baskets, mosaics...looking forward to what the rest of the year will bring.

Freedom Sailing

2011-07-08T09:58:00.000-05:00

Happy belated Independence Day everyone! Fourth of July weekend I got to dip my toes in the water (well, not really...the lake is still REALLY COLD) with deckhanding. Lucy is the official "Sailing Intern" but Mike and I get to go out a couple times a month...or four times in a weekend. Captain Vicki graciously came up from the Cities to do some sails for us and many happy sailors.

Sunday it was beautiful and sunny and warm and I only had to wear a long-sleeve shirt. Pretty sure I could have gotten away with just a t-shirt too, except I'm still recovering from the last time I went out, a month ago, when I wore leggings/jeans/long-sleeve shirt/sweatshirt/flannel shirt/hat/scarf and dearly missed my gloves. But this time I could almost - almost - pretend I was in the Carribbean.

I even finally remembered to bring my camera on the boat with me AND take pictures with it. We had some awesome views of the Sawtooth Mountains - I got to tell everyone the REAL and TRUE story of how they were formed (come for a sail on the Hjordis and you might get to hear the story too).

There's something about seeing a sailboat on the water that is very romantic, and seeing one from the water instead of the shore is even more so. It was very exciting to share the lake with so many different watercraft - fishing boats, sail-boats, row-boats, kayaks. There is no end of activities to do, especially when the weather is nice.

Being out on the schooner also gives a nice perspective of town, the shore, and North House. You can almost see my bedroom window!

It was windy enough on our first sail that we only needed the jib and the main sail up (you can't see that one in this picture). Had The Beach Boys stuck in my head pretty much all afternoon. I could get used to this view I think.

And then...on Monday we had expired thunderstorm warnings and clear skies over the lake and some very gung-ho passengers. We went out with the understanding that we might have to come back early, so we got to watch the storm roll in. What a difference a day makes.

We could see the rain line we'd have to pass through to get back to shore. It was indeed tempting to just stay on the lake. But we headed back anyway.

The wall of the breakwater was steaming because of the temperature change, it was very cool to see.

We got back just in time too. Apparently summer is thunderstorm season in Minnesota - much like it is in the rest of the country too. We've gotten some really good rain, thunder and lightning the past few weeks - interspersed with sun and blue skies too.

Because later that evening, it cleared up quite nicely for fireworks on the harbor. (What a difference a few hours makes!) We sat out on the dock and watched the sunset, grabbed our blankets and stuck around for fireworks.

Our dock was a prime viewing platform. And the rain didn't start up again until we were all safe-and-dry back inside!

(Oh, and P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY big sis!)

Birch Bark Berry Basket

2011-07-02T11:02:00.000-05:00

I had the distinct pleasure last weekend to take Dennis Chilcote's Birch Bark Berry Basket class. It was fabulous, and, for me, what being an intern at North House is all about. I would definitely recommend it. If you can't wait til next year for a class with Dennis, he also teaches Handcrafting a Broom Corn Broom in August (which I'm also taking - it promises to be a great time - two of the students in my basket class signed up specifically because they so enjoyed making brooms with Dennis last year).

We started out with a field trip into the woods to harvest birch bark (and got to spend some quality time with Minnesota mosquitos while we were at it)

Had some great conversation (and teaching/learning moments!) with students who came from all over the country, some experienced basketmakers, some complete novices.

Dennis showed us how to harvest long strips of birch bark - using a ladder, a utility knife, a plastic spatula, and a stick.

Birch bark is only harvestable when the inner bark and outer bark are willing to peel away from each other - you never want to remove the inner bark from the tree

We learned that you want to roll up the bark opposite the way it is inclined to roll itself, otherwise it will be impossible to lay flat again.

When we got back to campus we laid the bark flat on the floor and cut it to manageable sizes as per our pattern. We also learned that it takes no less than four people to cut a straight line on birch bark

.Got to use a variety of shovels, rakes and instruments of destruction - well, more like awls, awls, more awls, scissors and scissors and leathercutters, clamps and carving knives. Lots of fun.

After we got our bark cut out in manageable rectangles we scribed the pattern onto it.

Then we used this nifty rotary awl to cut holes for the stitching - and got these cool little "chads" too. I saved mine for some other project. Not sure what it's going to be, but it's going to be awesome (how it could not, really?)

We cut out the exterior holes first...

...then bent the basket into shape using steam to make it more flexible, so we could mark where the interior holes went.

All that light you can see means that my holes aligned properly - you should be very impressed (my work is not usually so exact).

Then we put little dowels into some of the holes to KEEP them aligned while we stitched. It helped to be outside or near the sunlight so you could see where exactly to sew.

We used spruce and/or jack pine root as the "thread."

Finished product with a cedar bark handle. Yay!!

Now to find the berries...

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words

2011-06-24T15:29:00.000-05:00

There is so much to say about the Wooden Boat Show that I think I will let the photos speak for themselves. So please, come with me, on a photographic journey of what was the Wooden Boat Show 2011.

First of all, we couldn't - absolutely couldn't - have events like this without our AMAZING volunteers...

...And instructors, and interns, and intern parents.

We started the weekend with various northern craft demonstrations - here is Traudi's weaving.

Look at that gorgeous bread! Again, wouldn't be possible without our volunteers (thankyouthankyou)

Jeanne and Tyler enjoying the Friday evening BBQ

Exactly what Boat Show is all about

Putting the boats to bed before the big wind gusts came.

Doesn't this artistic photo just make you want to take a natural plant dyes class with Karen?

Or spinning fibers on a wheel with Allen

Or etched birch bark basketry with Jared.

Working at North House is very hard, as you can tell with Russ and Mark.

Jessa did a top-knotch job of directing the crowd to the next great demonstration/speaker.

A little of the vast selection in silent auction goods.

General Greg addressing the chowder troops

We had some great musicians keeping the masses entertained.

Lucy's fantastic dad John came and helped us out with the live auction. He'll probably have to come back every year now.

End of the bidding during the silent auction.

PIE!

Thanks everyone for all your participation!

We had a great time, hope to see you all next year too (or, if can't wait that long, at Unplugged in September or Winterer's Gathering in November or any time really, for class to just to have a cookie and chat in the office).

WOODEN BOAT SHOW!!!

2011-06-16T12:10:00.000-05:00

Wooden Boat Show is upon us! Hope you can come join us for the festivities, Friday Saturday and/or Sunday. It promises to be a grand time!!

For full schedule of events, check out http://www.northhouse.org/programs/events/woodenboatshow.htm

From Birds to Boats

2011-06-10T12:20:00.000-05:00

Fearless intern Lucy informs me this is a bunchberry (easier to photograph than more-mobile birds).

This past weekend we welcomed many birders and wildflower-ers to campus in between explorations in the field. They identified something like 70+ birds and 50+ wildflowers and I daresay a good time was had by all. Evening programs included bird tagging, Big Belching Bog, and long-eared swamp donkeys. And apparently two of the rarest flowers in Minnesota are growing right over on Artist's Point, which is pretty cool to know.

Little grasshopper on fern at Pincushion.

I got to do a little hiking/trail running of my own up at Pincushion yesterday and there are indeed a great many flowers blooming. It's a lovely sight. Then I took a little detour further up the Gunflint to buy yogurt and milk from the dairy. Came home and made some delicious yogurt-peanut-chocolate chip cookies, then harvested rhubarb and chives from the garden outside of Yellow for dinner (raw rhubarb, chives, buckwheat noodles and cashews...mmm...).

Dinner, with dessert peeking around the edges.

Spent some time brainstorming kitchen organization the other day, and nearly walked into this awesome ginormous spider web outside the back door. It seriously takes up almost the entire height of the door frame. I think the warmer weather is bringing all of our little insect friends out, but don't worry we don't let them into the kitchen.

Everyone here this week is putting last-minute touches on Wooden Boat Show preparation, since it is only ONE WEEK away. Yesterday I got to spend some quality time in the sun with paintbrush and can creating sandwich signs. Also did a little kitchen planning, as the baking for the Chowder Lunch on Saturday (June 18) will be led by yours truly - almost fifty loaves of bread! It'll be a good time for sure. And then, of course, are all the boats on display and the crafters and the builders and the auction. We're definitely looking forward to it here - stay tuned for more information.

June E-Newsletter

2011-06-04T12:13:00.000-05:00

Welcome to North House’s E-Newsletter. This issue's updates include:

* Moose In Minnesota

* Rock And Rolls (Rolls?)

* WBS – Just Two Weeks Away

* Boats to Tools Auction

* Woodcarving All Weekend

* July 1^st Tickets On Sale

* Hide Tanning & Utilitarian Felting

* Quote of the Month

Change your e-mail address? Add a friend to our e-mail list? Need to unsubscribe? Please see the paragraph at the end of this newsletter.

=======================================

This June

=======================================

MOOSE IN MINNESOTA

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Mike Schrage, moose researcher and featured speaker during 2011’s Boreal Birding & Northern Landscape Festival, will be on campus tonight! In Mike’s own words “The long-eared, rubber-nosed swamp donkey, perhaps better known as the moose, has been an icon of the northern wilderness for decades.” His talk begins at 7pm and is free and open to the public.

** Learn more

ROCK AND ROLLS (Rolls?)

June 10-12

Rock and Rolls? Indeed – it’s time to make the foundation of our new wood-fired brick bread oven “tell the North House story.” Volunteer hands are needed to help build the Stone base (hence Rock) – a free multi-day session with Stone Building instructor David Abaz is yours as part of the deal. And Rolls? Our goal is to keep forward progress on the new wood-fired oven moving forward. Lots of baking is planned in our future – sourdough breads, pizzas, and (yes) Rolls.

** Get details

WBS - JUST TWO WEEKS AWAY

June 17-19, 2011

It's the biggest celebration of the year – WBS 2011! Try your hand at a workshop or course; be inspired by the stories of boat builders, sailors and travelers; and plan your next adventure. It's a fun, family-oriented educational event--curiosity is welcome.

Grab a paddle and journey North!

** NEWLY Posted: complete event schedule & flier

** Wooden Boat Show & Summer Solstice Festival 2011

http://www.northhouse.org/programs/events/woodenboatshow.htm

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News to Note
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BOATS TO TOOLS AUCTION

June 18, 2011

Just two weeks away, the annual Boats To Tools Auction promises everything from canoes to timber frames, block planes to kayaks. Need to make some room in your garage by finding a NEW HOME for a much-loved but less-than-well-used item?! The annual Boats To Tools Auction makes it easy!

** http://www.northhouse.org/programs/events/BoatsToToolsAuction.htm

WOODCARVING ALL WEEKEND

June 23-29, 2011

Woodchips will cover the floor in late June as North House’s welcomes two of its nationally recognized woodcarving instructors to campus – Bruce Futterer and Harley Refsal. Four different courses will be featured:

** Carving The Fisherman’s Face

** Scandinavian Figure Carving

** Carving The Fisherman’s Face

** Flat Plane Carving: Continuation

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On The Horizon
=======================================

JULY 1st – TICKETS ON SALE

Sept 15-18, 2011

Get Your clicker ready – tickets go on sale July 1! UNPLUGGED X will feature over a dozen singer/songwriters - Tim O’Brien, Kathy Mattea, John Gorka, Lindsay Mac, Cheryl Wheeler, Michael Johnson, Sally Barris – and the list goes on! PLUS, Mountain Stage Radio. Three nights of music under the big top:

** http://www.northhouse.org/programs/events/unplugged.htm

HIDE TANNING & UTILITARIAN FELTING

July 2011

Montana’s very own Digger Crist will return to North House this coming July to host two workshops that he has long been known for: Digger is a featured instructor at many traditional skills gatherings in the west – four years have passed since he was last at North House.

** Utilitarian Felting - July 25-26:

** Traditional Hide Tanning – July 28-31

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Quote of the Month
=======================================

Gotta get out of bed, get a hammer and a nail, learn how to use my hands

- Indigo Girls, Nomads-Indians-Saints

=======================================

About North House

=======================================

Our Mission

* Enriching lives and building community

through the teaching of traditional northern crafts

in a student-centered learning environment that

inspires the hands, the heart and the mind.

Your E-Mail Subscription

We appreciate your interest in North House Folk School and respect your internet privacy. This list is private and confidential and is used only by North House Folk School. You received this update because you provided your email address and asked to be added to our e-mail list. North House sends out its E-Newsletter once per month as well as mails out occasional updates mid-month

If you want to add a friend to our e-mail list or do not want future updates, please:

* visit http://www.northhouse.org/enewsletter.htm

* or send your request to info@northhouse.org

* please allow up to 15 days for your e-mail address to be removed.

Member Supported

North House is an independent nonprofit and relies upon the generous support of individuals, families and businesses. To receive information on our annual membership campaign, memorial donations, or other giving opportunities call 888-387-9762.

Homepage - http://www.northhouse.org/

Our address -

PO Box 759

, 500 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604

Phone - 888-387-9762

Fax - 218-387-9706

E-mail - info@northhouse.org

Spring Just Might Be Here...

2011-06-01T12:34:00.003-05:00

Hello everyone!

This is now Sarah reporting - the interns have moved through our first "assistantship" rotations and onto our second, so I'll be hanging out here around the blog instead of the school store, Lucy is now fully submerged with sailing, and you'll be hearing from Mike come August/September.

Standing on the Lake Superior shore

It's getting busy here on campus, we have every classroom full this weekend and the Hjordis had her first sail of the season just a couple days ago. The weather is warming up and giving us lots of rain for the trees and they have POPPED. There is green everywhere! I didn't spend the long cold winter up here, but I welcome Spring happily nonetheless.

Flowers blooming outside the Yellow

This morning I went on my very first sail as a deckhand, and even got to steer the boat for a while. A big deal for me, since I grew up in a land-locked state with no "largest freshwater lake in the world" nearby and my water skills are not, shall we say, advanced. But the Hjordis is a good little boat and treated me well. It’s been foggy on and off, but mostly sunny today. All that green on the shore is fabulous from the water. I'm a bit sun-tired now, but it's a good feeling. Might not make for the most articulate blog post, but satisfying.

Hjordis in our friendly fog (well, at least it likes to come visit sometimes)

Ok well I wrote all that about a week ago, so there might be a vague chance this will be more coherent. The busy-busy-ness of North House: Summer is starting on its upward swing. I had the intern-privilege of taking a class this past weekend and now have rudimentary cattail basketry skills. I also got to peek at the process of making Norwegian Ale Bowls and carving spoons/butter paddles/coffee mug rack whenever I had to take a break from weaving (sorry – twining – take the class and you can learn the distinction between the two as well). Once again got to meet a bunch of great new people and had some good times.

This is me, making my cattail basket lid/hat.

The making of an ale bowl.

Off to lunch now, then getting campus ready for the Boreal Birding Festival happening this weekend. Nice to say "hello" to all of you, come in and visit for a while in person if you can!

Hoist them Sails!

2011-05-10T13:04:00.000-05:00

Oh, Captain, my Captain!
The winds blow and deep lake waters hearkened us to raise her sails and once again give Hjordis back to the waters.
Captain Adam and Captain Tyler and myself spent two days last week changing oil, rigging and de-winterizing the docks.

We took our first sail of the season on May 6!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The Northern Sustainability Symposium focused on food was INCREDIBLE. Many-a-many inspirational folks, laughs, and new wisdom to be accumulated and sifted through.
Amongst courses taking place here were sausage making, bread baking, ovencrafting our new oversize oven, canning/preserving, intensive gardening, green medicines, ET CETERA...

Fresh movies and speakers informed and activated listeners about the on-going food revolution! and
hands and mouths gathered and partook in fresh, hot pizzas, and
people left with new tidbits for living freshly and locally and wisely.

Mike & myself hosted a little family program, including aspen-log mushroom inoculating,
paired with seed anatomy and vermiculture.

MAY E-NEWS

2011-05-08T15:59:00.000-05:00

Welcome to North House’s E-Newsletter. This issue's updates include:

* Birds, Moose, Bogs
* Lift Them Sails
* May’s Picks
* Ramon Returns
* Row, Row, Row Da Boat
* July 1st Tickets On Sale
* Twenty Dragons Roar
* Quote of the Month

Change your e-mail address? Add a friend to our e-mail list? Need to unsubscribe? Please see the paragraph at the end of this newsletter.

=======================================
This Spring
=======================================

BIRDS – MOOSE – BOGS
June 2-5, 2011
Spring’s explosion of life in the North is almost upon us. Inland lakes have a touch of ice and the loons wait for their favorite bay to open so the next building and more can begin. All things birds, moose and bogs will be explored during the 2011 Boreal Birding & Northern Landscapes Festival
** Get the details – three featured speakers, workshops, printable resources!

LIFT THEM SAILS
It’s true, it’s true, it IS really really true. Our green-hulled goddess is back out on the water! Over the weekend, North House’s schooner Hjordis was fully rigged, cleaned and prepped for the 2011 sailing season. Also true, the crew’s fashionable attire included long underwear, wool caps and more as captains Adam Harju and Tyler Howell worked alongside sailing intern Lucy Kruesel. Hoist them sails - sunset sails to morning outings beckon.
** Learn more

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News to Note
=======================================

MAY’S PICKS
May on the School Store web site is up and running. Featured instructor is Karen Rognsvoog. Staff picks with Kelly Dupre. AND, a spectacular red canoe!
** Visit the School Store

RAMON RETURNS
This July North House is honored to welcome back famed Swedish woodworker, Ramon Persson. Ramon’s skills working with all things birch radiates forth anytime you see his work. During his brief 2011 visit to campus he will help us explore the rich traditions of Birch Bark Box building.
** Check Out Ramon's Birch Bark Boxes

=======================================
On The Horizon
=======================================

ROW, ROW, ROW DA BOAT
June 17-19, 2011
It's the biggest celebration of the year – WBS 2011! Try your hand at a workshop or course; be inspired by the stories of boat builders, sailors and travelers; and plan your next adventure. It's a fun, family-oriented educational event--curiosity is welcome.
Grab a paddle and journey North!
** NEWLY Posted: complete event schedule & flier
** Visit the Wooden Boat Show and Summer Solstice Festival 2011 web page

JULY 1st – TICKETS ON SALE
Sept 15-18, 2011
Plans for Unplugged X at North House continue to take shape. Who will be on stage, you ask?! Tim O’Brien, Kathy Mattea, John Gorka, Lindsay Mac, Cheryl Wheeler, Michael Johnson, Sally Barris – and the list goes on! PLUS, Mountain Stage Radio. Three nights of music under the big top:
** Get more info on Unplugged

TWENTY DRAGONS ROAR
July 29-31, 2011
Now the count is up to twenty boats for the North Shore Dragon Boat Festival – will you be on board? This is the 8th year of dragon boating. More teams wanted.
** http://www.northshoredragonboat.com/
Ten more North House paddlers needed:
** info@northhouse.org

=======================================
Quote of the Month
=======================================

The beauty of the seed is that it can turn one into millions. The beauty of the bee is that it turn the one into millions.
- Vandana Shiva (physicist and food activist)
- from the movie “Queen of the Sun” screened at North House’s 2011 Northern Sustainability Symposium

=======================================
About North House
=======================================

Our Mission
* Enriching lives and building community
through the teaching of traditional northern crafts
in a student-centered learning environment that
inspires the hands, the heart and the mind.

Your E-Mail Subscription
We appreciate your interest in North House Folk School and respect your internet privacy. This list is private and confidential and is used only by North House Folk School. You received this update because you provided your email address and asked to be added to our e-mail list. North House sends out its E-Newsletter once per month as well as mails out occasional updates mid-month

If you want to add a friend to our e-mail list or do not want future updates, please:
* visit http://www.northhouse.org/enewsletter.htm
* or send your request to info@northhouse.org
* please allow up to 15 days for your e-mail address to be removed.

Member Supported
North House is an independent nonprofit and relies upon the generous support of individuals, families and businesses. To receive information on our annual membership campaign, memorial donations, or other giving opportunities call 888-387-9762.

Homepage - http://www.northhouse.org/
Our address - PO Box 759, 500 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
Phone - 888-387-9762
Fax - 218-387-9706
E-mail - info@northhouse.org

Oh, Canada!

2011-04-23T10:15:00.000-05:00

The chill of the day was not too discouraging to venture on a long bike ride.
Highway 61 brought me up to the Canadian Border!

Where the wind was high and anticipatory border crossers wait.
Along the ride, the lake's breeze was multi-directional, and robins flocked the roadsides indicating an eager spring arrival. A peregrine falcon flew off with a robin in claw, and thawing roadkill filled ditches.

I wrote a haiku on-bike:

Eagle Eagle Gull
Ice-robed lithified lava
Plump robins nibble

Afterwards, time for a little sap boiling!

Spring brings North House changes!

2011-04-23T10:02:00.000-05:00

Despite the dreary-like weather of snow and rain, plenty of volunteers and students came to the rescue and made our Service-Learning weekend a total success. Thanks to each of their hands and hearts for making such exciting changes for our seasons to come!

>>>concrete being poured for our new & revamped horizon for the OVERSIZE bread oven (to be built in class May 4-8 at North House)

>>>Dovetail Sauna class o friends proudly stand by their new structure (to be relocated to Colorado!)

>>>Volunteer hard at work making cedar window planters for the blue building

>>>Service Learning class FORGE AHEAD prepares the new hoods for the Blacksmith Shop! (First class scheduled for June!)

>>> The new box for coal receives a lovely red paneling with the help of friend & dog

>>>Service Learning class BUILDING WORKBENCHES takes a sweet break for some P-I-E

>>>Hefty new tree boxes (for apple trees?) built by two volunteers. What fun!

April: the Gregorian month of Venus

2011-04-08T17:00:00.001-05:00

Tuesday invited an adventure on bike, its sunshine and cool air sending a finite coming-of -springtime.

This quote was derived from a (great) cook/culture book called Full Moon Feast by Jessica Prentice, where she explores food through all phases of the moon. This "sap moon" of March & April is welcomed by this Anishnabeg (Ojibway) Thanksgiving for spring:

"Once again we shall

see the snow melt

taste the flowing sap

touch the budding seeds.

Smell the whitening flowers

know the renewal of life."

I rode up the Gunflint trail to Maple Hill Cemetery, a lovely little place emulating solitude and peace in its snow-saturated hilltop. Never too early to celebrate loved ones, the headstones are still a bit covered...

Highway 60 took me upon groves of maples, left and right and tapping nicely. From tubing to milk jugs, this fun seems to be had by everyone, who has a Maple tree. You might even have a Maple tree (or Birch! or Box Elder!) for the tapping, too!

And full-on evidence that there is co-mingling of seasons: melting.

And I observed my first flock of robins!

Lovely.

May you enjoy this weather to come!

April E-News

2011-04-05T13:31:00.000-05:00

=======================================

E-NEWS UPDATE April 2011

North House Folk School

Grand Marais, MN

=======================================

Welcome to North House’s E-Newsletter. This issue's updates include:

* First There Was Light

* Then There Were Windows (to wash)

* Food For Thought

* A New Look

* Digital Newsprint

* George Knows

* Quote of the Month

* Paddlers Wanted

Change your e-mail address? Add a friend to our e-mail list? Need to unsubscribe? Please see the paragraph at the end of this newsletter.

=======================================

This April

=======================================

FIRST THERE WAS LIGHT

What has twenty-six posts, three doors, five chimneys and NOW five (and more to come) windows? The new North House Blacksmith Shop is looking hot (excuse the pun).

See images of the shop:

** http://www.northhouse.org/getinvolved/supportus/RaiseTheRoof.htm

Learn more about 2011 blacksmithing courses

** http://www.northhouse.org/courses/courses/coursesbytheme.cfm/tid/16

THEN THERE WERE WINDOWS (to wash)

April 15-17, 2011

Indeed, light flowing in through windows can only mean one thing – there are windows to WASH! Thanks goodness for Volunteers. Windows to wash. Tree boxes to build. Gardens to plant. Timbered Benches to build. AND pizza to eat! The 2011 Volunteer and Service Learning Weekend is on the horizon. Helping hands needed.

** http://www.northhouse.org/programs/events/servicelearning.htm

Have some specific questions? Contact Volunteer Coordinator Kelly Dupre.

** kdupre@northhouse.org

=======================================

News to Note
=======================================

A NEW LOOK

North House’s school store web site has a new look designed to celebrate its vision “to be the student resource.” Monthly featured instructors, staff picks, links to recent student projects, an on sale page – click on over to check it out.

** http://www.northhouse.org/schoolstore/index.cfm

DIGITAL NEWSPRINT

The tattered corners of a well-thumbed North House newsprint course catalog are a proud feature of many homes. For those ready to download a digital copy of the catalog onto their digital reader, we are excited to report that a new “digital newsprint” version of the catalog is now available online. OK – we admit there is nothing newsprint about it. But, whether your on the other side of the planet or just a block away from campus, with just one click you can get all the photos, descriptions and profiles you’ve come to expect. Download today and send a link to a friend!

** http://www.northhouse.org/catalog.htm

=======================================

On The Horizon
=======================================

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

May 5-8, 2011

Sustainability. Slow Food. Baking with Ancient Grains. More than a spoonful of Food For Thought will be part of the second Northern Sustainability Symposium. Foods is the focus. Abundant courses, featured speakers, lunch-and-learns, farm tours are all on the menu. A COMPLETE program flier is available for download.

** http://www.northhouse.org/programs/events/northernsustainabilitysymposium.htm

GEORGE KNOWS

Nov 17-20, 2011

It’s never too soon to make plans. November 2011’s Winterer’s Gathering will welcome film maker George Desort and famed Isle Royale biologist Rolf Peterson to the North House campus as both featured speakers and instructors.

Get a taste of George’s inspiring film work (he sure knows how!):

** http://bit.ly/e3A26i

Review initial 2011 Winterer’s Gathering information:

** http://www.northhouse.org/programs/events/winterer'sgathering.htm

PADDLERS WANTED

July 29-31, 2011

A dozen boats are already registered – will you be on board? In late July, the joy of paddling with others will once again fill the Grand Marais Harbor in 2011. This is the 8^th year of dragon boating – in 2004 North House worked in partnership with WTIP Radio, the North Shore Health Care Foundation and many community volunteers to start the paddling adventure! More teams wanted.

** http://www.northshoredragonboat.com/

North House paddlers needed:

** info@northhouse.org

=======================================

Quote of the Month
=======================================

You do not need a batch of fancy equipment, a barrel of sticky wax, or supreme culinary skills to pickle and brine. It needn’t take all day and a farmhouse kitchen of labor. In fact, it’s one of the simplest ways to prolong your seasonal produce.

From “Jam It, Pickle It, Cure it” by Karen Solomon

** available in the school store

“Get Pickled” this summer at North House

** http://www.northhouse.org/courses/courses/course.cfm/cid/387

=======================================

About North House

=======================================

Our Mission

* Enriching lives and building community

through the teaching of traditional northern crafts

in a student-centered learning environment that

inspires the hands, the heart and the mind.

Your E-Mail Subscription

If you want to add a friend to our e-mail list or do not want future updates, please:

* visit http://www.northhouse.org/enewsletter.htm

* or send your request to info@northhouse.org

* please allow up to 15 days for your e-mail address to be removed.

Member Supported

Homepage - http://www.northhouse.org/

Our address -

PO Box 759

, 500 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604

Phone - 888-387-9762

Fax - 218-387-9706

E-mail - info@northhouse.org

April E-News

2011-04-05T13:08:00.002-05:00

======================================= E-NEWS UPDATE April 2011 North House Folk School Grand Marais, MN ======================================= Welcome to North House’s E-Newsletter. This issue's updates include: * First There Was Light * Then There Were Windows (to wash) * Food For Thought * A New Look * Digital Newsprint * George Knows * Quote of the Month * Paddlers Wanted Change your e-mail address? Add a friend to our e-mail list? Need to unsubscribe? Please see the paragraph at the end of this newsletter. ======================================= This April ======================================= FIRST THERE WAS LIGHT What has twenty-six posts, three doors, five chimneys and NOW five (and more to come) windows? The new North House Blacksmith Shop is looking hot (excuse the pun). ** See images of the shop ** Learn more about 2011 blacksmithing courses THEN THERE WERE WINDOWS (to wash) April 15-17, 2011 Indeed, light flowing in through windows can only mean one thing – there are windows to WASH! Thanks goodness for Volunteers. Windows to wash. Tree boxes to build. Gardens to plant. Timbered Benches to build. AND pizza to eat! The 2011 Volunteer and Service Learning Weekend is on the horizon. ** Helping hands needed. Have some specific questions? Contact Volunteer Coordinator Kelly Dupre. ** kdupre@northhouse.org ======================================= News to Note ======================================= A NEW LOOK North House’s school store web site has a new look designed to celebrate its vision “to be the student resource.” Monthly featured instructors, staff picks, links to recent student projects, an on sale page – click on over to check it out. DIGITAL NEWSPRINT The tattered corners of a well-thumbed North House newsprint course catalog are a proud feature of many homes. For those ready to download a digital copy of the catalog onto their digital reader, we are excited to report that a new “digital newsprint” version of the catalog is now available online. OK – we admit there is nothing newsprint about it. But, whether your on the other side of the planet or just a block away from campus, with just one click you can get all the photos, descriptions and profiles you’ve come to expect. Download today and send a link to a friend! ** go get digital newsprint ======================================= On The Horizon ======================================= FOOD FOR THOUGHT May 5-8, 2011 Sustainability. Slow Food. Baking with Ancient Grains. More than a spoonful of Food For Thought will be part of the second Northern Sustainability Symposium. Foods is the focus. Abundant courses, featured speakers, lunch-and-learns, farm tours are all on the menu. A COMPLETE program flier is available for download. ** learn more GEORGE KNOWS Nov `7-10, 2011 It’s never too soon to make plans. November 2011’s Winterer’s Gathering will welcome film maker George Desort and famed Isle Royale biologist Rolf Peterson to the North House campus as both featured speakers and instructors. Get a taste of George’s inspiring film work (he sure knows how!): ** http://bit.ly/e3A26i Review initial 2011 Winterer’s Gathering information: ** WG 2011 PADDLERS WANTED July 29-31, 2011 A dozen boats are already registered – will you be on board? In late July, the joy of paddling with others will once again fill the Grand Marais Harbor in 2011. This is the 8th year of dragon boating – in 2004 North House worked in partnership with WTIP Radio, the North Shore Health Care Foundation and many community volunteers to start the paddling adventure! More teams wanted. ** http://www.northshoredragonboat.com/ North House paddlers needed: ** info@northhouse.org ======================================= Quote of the Month ======================================= You do not need a batch of fancy equipment, a barrel of sticky wax, or supreme culinary skills to pickle and brine. It needn’t take all day and a farmhouse kitchen of labor. In fact, it’s one of the simplest ways to prolong your seasonal produce. From “Jam It, Pickle It, Cur it” by Karen Solomon ** available in the school store “Get Pickled” this summer at North House ======================================= About North House ======================================= Our Mission * Enriching lives and building community through the teaching of traditional northern crafts in a student-centered learning environment that inspires the hands, the heart and the mind. Your E-Mail Subscription We appreciate your interest in North House Folk School and respect your internet privacy. This list is private and confidential and is used only by North House Folk School. You received this update because you provided your email address and asked to be added to our e-mail list. North House sends out its E-Newsletter once per month as well as mails out occasional updates mid-month If you want to add a friend to our e-mail list or do not want future updates, please: * visit http://www.northhouse.org/enewsletter.htm * or send your request to info@northhouse.org * please allow up to 15 days for your e-mail address to be removed. Member Supported North House is an independent nonprofit and relies upon the generous support of individuals, families and businesses. To receive information on our annual membership campaign, memorial donations, or other giving opportunities call 888-387-9762. Homepage - http://www.northhouse.org Our address - PO Box 759, 500 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604 Phone - 888-387-9762 Fax - 218-387-9706 E-mail - info@northhouse.org

North House enjoys a spring renaissance

2011-04-01T12:46:00.014-05:00

North House is gearing up for an amplified springtime (suspending snow flakes begin to fall as I write...), and this means many preparations, from accommodating throngs of visitors to blacksmith shop installations to Service-Learning weekend to welcoming strange exposures from the thaw....
take a peek...

one) The Fish House ("The Eckel") is receiving a transformation of function, from classroom to
cooking classroom. The floor received a new blush, almost ready for new kitchen equipment and some treading.

two) Interns practically have a little tabletop production taking place this spring. Designed by caretaker Russ, Mike fits the pieces of this woodsy table together and by afternoon it is almost ready to dine upon.

three) The Blacksmith Shop (not affectionately bestowed a color name yet, like the other buildings) is receiving its new windows starting this week-! Engineering & installation can be attributed to many folks who come and put hands-on care into its erection. Here's Russ on the rooftop click click click!

four) And for those who are able & invested in North House future projects, the SERVICE-LEARNING WEEKEND is coming up April 15-17. Courses invite students to learn skills and pass on useful tools for the upcoming Blacksmith shop.... check out the courses available to get involved! And tune in for an interview aired on WTIP last week from Kelly Dupre, Service Learning coordinator...!

five) An eclectic gathering of Yurt-building-minds begins today and continues for a week-- a fusion of information & ideas and passing on of building knowledge. Here is a sneak-peek of some various models...

Bread Baking Bonanza

2011-03-25T10:47:00.014-05:00

"Work is love made visible. And if you cannot work with love, but only with distaste, it is better that you should leave your work and sit at the gate of the temple and take alms of those who work with joy. For if you bake bread with indifference, you bake a bitter bread that feeds but half our hunger."
-- Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet
(taken from BYO Earth Oven by Kiko Denzer)

Smells good, tastes good...

We had the joy to work with instructor Amy James --elsker av brød (lover of bread)-- for a full day of wood-fired bread creation yesterday. Amongst the variety of breads born from the hearth were: cartas de musica (Italian, very thin, crackly cracker-like goodness), pita (Balkan in origin), focaccia (Italian for flat bread), and sourdough boule (French for “ball”).

In preparation for our Friday baking demos and Saturday student pizza potlucks, the four of us embarked on a day full of gluten-ous goodness. There is a simple yet complex art to each form you are about to create—from the stoking of the fire, to the wetness of the dough, to the type of yeast used, to rolling out and oven placing. Amy is a gem-full of knowledge, enthusiastically encouraging us to let our hands figure out what they feel is right throughout each recipe. I can’t say I had a favourite that we baked but it was good to try our hands at a little bit of everything, and unearth the possibilities from 900 degrees on down! We discovered the victimizing, silent nature of fresh bread, as students all around campus seemed to wander in at just the right time for a little taste...

After taking his first bite of a freshly warm round of focaccia, fellow intern Mike smittenly said, "Wow," with a look in his eyes that voiced "paradisaical"....

If you’re interested in learning a little bit more, or a whole lot more about baking rustic/sourdough/ancient grain breads with Amy, check out the courses she is offering this year at North House!

Masonry heaters: a cool way to heat

2011-03-11T14:37:00.004-06:00

Last weekend drew students from far&wide for a course dedicated

to the art of Masonry Heater Ovens.

Among the quickly close-knit crew, laughter and enthusiasm was contagious as this
group enlivened during each day of the course.

During the weekend's student potluck, loaves of bread were crisped to perfection in North House's masonry heater and carbs were plentiful, inspiring not only students but family and staff to the wonders of this brick "machine."

Talking to students during and post-course, morale was high regarding the applicability of this knowledge:

"It is a really tangible knowledge that I can actually take home and use-- "

"This class gives us the opportunity to get our fingers back into the connection, into the base knowledge important not to lose"

"So simple, practical, common sense. This place gives me a stepping stone to at least try it! And now I can go home and do it"

Neat stuff. Go to it, friends.

"Tobugetabon," or Tubular Toboggan

2011-03-11T14:16:00.005-06:00

Last week we welcomed three classes of local 4th & 5th grade students to campus for a hands-on winter exploration three-day course. Founder Mark Hansen & Former intern Ian Andrus headed the program with heaps of fascinating facts and information about "living on the ice," and the immense usefulness of the Toboggan. The Toboggan is basically an antiquated sled, a traditional form of transportation used by the Innu and Cree of Canada. Mark filled ears with a plethora of information about winter camping, the legend of John Beargrease and informed us that a crystal of ice (a mineral!) has six faces! So, ice picks and chopping tools are often three-sided in order to more easily penetrate. Neato!

Each student had the chance to make his/her own foot-long toboggan, using wood steaming techniques and lashing to complete it. Together, the classes made one full-size toboggan, which was ogled over for its practicality.

Three cheers for toboggan miniatures!!!

New Moon, New Scribe

2011-03-06T14:23:00.013-06:00

Greetings!

Wintery welcome to the North House blog-o-rama.

I, Lucy Kruesel, shall be acting as middlewoman, between you, and happenings at North House. I plan to be faithful to weekly updates, both informative of NH's students and instructors, behind-the-scenes course updates, and living on the North Shore. Just one month ago, I began the journey as Program/Sailing intern for the next ten months. Forewarned that (most) interns don't leave Grand Marais post-internship, I'm settling comfortably into this new home, as if I will rest here, infinitely.

Yesterday was a new moon, an appropriate time for welcoming new beginnings and changes. So, here we are: the new 2011 catalog arrived in the wee hours this morning. Giggles and relief accompanied the team as we lugged all 25,000 copies into the basement of the Yellow. The heaps of catalogs now pulsate in their respective wad, as if radioactive-- and similarly, I think they left residue on the hands of the staff, leaving an energy similar to the day school is out for summer when you are graduating from eighth grade. Now, that present energy feeds into the potential that each student and instructor- new and returning- will bring to this space: because each day, we are all beginners again to this experience.

Guaranteed fun for the year to come. A sigh of joy.
Get your copy today!/check out courses online !

Welcome to you, and welcome to a new year of North House beginnings.
This blog will be a synthesis of commentary/observation/question/experience, as I see North House carve its way into peoples lives over the next ten months.

Please comment, please question and please share--

Looking most forward, Lucy
>>>that's me

March E-Newsletter

2011-03-04T16:08:00.003-06:00

Welcome to North House’s E-Newsletter. This issue's updates include:

* 2011 Courses Now Available
* Traditional Music Weekend
* Inuit Art Premier
* Sloyd For Youth
* Dragons Roar

Change your e-mail address? Add a friend to our e-mail list? Need to unsubscribe? Please see the paragraph at the end of this newsletter.

=======================================
This March
=======================================

2011 COURSES NOW AVAILABLE
North House’s listing of 2011 courses are now fully available for review online. Hobo Wirework, Brain-Tanning, Fiddle & Mandolin Workshop – the list goes on and on. As of Friday morning, March 4th, all classes are open for enrollment.
** review course listing

TRADITIONAL MUSIC WEEKEND
Next Weekend – March 12-13
Working in partnership with the North Shore Music Association, North House will host an inspiring weekend of music! This year’s theme – Western Swing. Workshops enrollment is available through Monday – Saturday night’s performance includes both time to “listen” and “kick up your heals.”
** review the weekend's schedule

=======================================
News to Note
=======================================

INUIT ART PREMIER plus FOUR
On Saturday March 19, the Sivertson Art Gallery will host the truly northern Inuit Art Premier. Running parallel to their event are FOUR courses focused on Inuit craft and art forms – two at North House and two at the Grand Marais Art Colony.
** http://www.sivertson.com/events.php
AT NORTH HOUSE
. Inuit Soapstone Carving
. Romancing The Stone
AT THE ART COLONY
. Inuit Stencil
. Inuit Stonecut Prints

DRAGONS ROAR
July 29-31, 2011
What has 20 paddles, 23 heads and a big loud drum? A dragon boat of course, and the joy of paddling with others will once again fill the Grand Marais Harbor in 2011. This is the 8th year of dragon boating – in 2004 North House worked in partnership with WTIP Radio, the North Shore Health Care Foundation and many community volunteers to start the paddling adventure! Teams wanted.
** http://www.northshoredragonboat.com/
Ask for info about paddling with North House during the weekend:
** info@northhouse.org

SLOYD FOR YOUTH
American Swedish Institute
North House’s educational partner is launching a new project entitled “A Year of Swedish Sloyd.” Workshops for youth and adults will be hosted through 2011 celebrating the traditiosn of northern crafts!
** learn more

=======================================
About North House
=======================================

Our Mission
* Enriching lives and building community
through the teaching of traditional northern crafts
in a student-centered learning environment that
inspires the hands, the heart and the mind.

Your E-Mail Subscription
We appreciate your interest in North House Folk School and respect your internet privacy. This list is private and confidential and is used only by North House Folk School. You received this update because you provided your email address and asked to be added to our e-mail list. North House sends out its E-Newsletter once per month as well as mails out occasional updates mid-month

If you want to add a friend to our e-mail list or do not want future updates, please:
* visit http://www.northhouse.org/enewsletter.htm
* or send your request to info@northhouse.org
* please allow up to 15 days for your e-mail address to be removed.

Member Supported
North House is an independent nonprofit and relies upon the generous support of individuals, families and businesses. To receive information on our annual membership campaign, memorial donations, or other giving opportunities call 888-387-9762.

Homepage - http://www.northhouse.org
Our address - PO Box 759, 500 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
Phone - 888-387-9762
Fax - 218-387-9706
E-mail - info@northhouse.org

February E-News

2011-02-03T10:53:00.002-06:00

Welcome to North House’s E-Newsletter. This issue's updates include:

* Lunch and Learn
* Saturday Night with NFG
* Two Soapstone Courses
* Welcome Kim

Change your e-mail address? Add a friend to our e-mail list? Need to unsubscribe? Please see the paragraph at the end of this newsletter.

=======================================
This February
=======================================

LUNCH and LEARN
During the Northern Fiber Retreat
Feb 17-21, 2011
Three “Lunch and Learns” will be featured during North House’s first Northern Fiber Retreat. Doubleweave Techniques, Textiles & Travel and Northern Knitting Traditions will be served up – AS WILL a delicious lunch featuring the culinary inspirations of Chez Jude, Crooked Spoon and the Bluewater Café. Reservations required!
** learn more
** fifteen courses including a new FIBERS FOR KIDS workshop are on the calendar

SATURDAY NIGHT with NFG
Saturday, Feb 20 at 7:30pm
Free and open the public on Saturday night of Northern Fiber Retreat is a community “Show and Share” Gathering hosted by the Northwoods Fiber Guild. Come to be inspired, share a recent project, ask questions, or simply enjoy an evening by the wood-fired masonry heater. A Friday night Open Studio night is also scheduled.
** get the details

=======================================
News to Note
=======================================

TWO SOAPSTONE COURSES
March 2011
North House will welcome Master Soapstone Carver David Ruben Piqtoukun to campus March 16-21, 2011 to teach two soapstone carving courses. As a carver, his artistic talents are internationally renowned – the two workshops he will present align with the INUIT ART PREMIER hosted by Sivertson Gallery.
** learn more about David
** read about the Inuit Art Premier

WELCOME KIM
May 5-8, 2011
Author, writer and bread baker Kim Ode will be the featured speaker during 2011’s Northern Sustainability Symposium. This year’s focus – FOODS. Kim is author of the book “Baking With the St Paul Bread Club.” She is also a proud builder of her own backyard wood-fired brick bread oven inspired after taking a course with Alan Scott at North House. Learn more about Kim’s perspective on the story about bread baking and community by reading her recent article in the Star Tribune:
** read the article

=======================================
About North House
=======================================

Our Mission
* Enriching lives and building community
through the teaching of traditional northern crafts
in a student-centered learning environment that
inspires the hands, the heart and the mind.

Your E-Mail Subscription
We appreciate your interest in North House Folk School and respect your internet privacy. This list is private and confidential and is used only by North House Folk School. You received this update because you provided your email address and asked to be added to our e-mail list. North House sends out its E-Newsletter once per month as well as mails out occasional updates mid-month

If you want to add a friend to our e-mail list or do not want future updates, please:
* visit http://www.northhouse.org/enewsletter.htm
* or send your request to info@northhouse.org
* please allow up to 15 days for your e-mail address to be removed.

Member Supported
North House is an independent nonprofit and relies upon the generous support of individuals, families and businesses. To receive information on our annual membership campaign, memorial donations, or other giving opportunities call 888-387-9762.

Homepage - http://www.northhouse.org
Our address - PO Box 759, 500 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
Phone - 888-387-9762
Fax - 218-387-9706
E-mail - info@northhouse.org

2011-01-12T12:59:00.002-06:00

*************************************

ANNOUNCING UNPLUGGED X -
THREE NIGHTS OF MUSIC UNDER THE BIG TOP
** Welcoming national radio show
MOUNTAIN STAGE
At North House Folk School Sept 15-18, 2011

*************************************

What’s in store for the Tenth Anniversary of Unplugged, North House’s featured fall musical event celebrating Music, Craft and Community?

Oh my – where do we begin?!

** Three nights of Music under the Big Top
> Thursday & Friday with NPR’s famed music radio show
Mountain Stage
> Saturday performance featuring the classic Unplugged singer
/songwriter circle welcoming both new and familiar artists

** Five or more singer/songwriters will be featured each night

** As always, a rich array of public program, featured coursework,
traditional craft demonstrations and music jam sessions will
be layered together – be inspired, be refreshed, be engaged

** Tickets on sale July 1, 2011

** Part of ten full days of music on Minnesota’s North Shore!
(more info on the UP web page)

** learn more on the Unplugged web page

And, WHAT (you ask) are the answers to the question in the last e-newsletter that came bouncing your way -
“What has three nights, 2800 legs, strings and now a mountain?”
* three nights – Sept 15, 16, 17
* 2800 legs – 700 chairs under the big top, each with four legs
* strings – guitars, fiddles, mandolins, a cello and more
* a mountain – need we say more?

A STITCH IN TIME
True, Unplugged X and Mountain Stage are on the distant horizon! But don’t forget to look a little closer and a little sooner - North House’s FIRST:

>>Northern Fiber Retreat
Feb 17-21, 2011
Seventeen courses, lunch-and-learn programs, community events
** follow this link

Numerous other opportunities are scheduled during the coming months. Questions and inquiries are welcomed anytime – call North House at 218-387-9762.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
OUR MISSION
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
* To enrich the lives of individuals and build community
by teaching traditional northern crafts
in a student-centered learning environment that
inspires the hands, the heart and the mind.

For a full list of current courses:
http://www.northhouse.org/courses/upcoming/index.htm

Homepage - http://www.northhouse.org/
Our address - PO Box 759, 500 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
Phone - 888-387-9762
Fax - 218-387-9706
E-mail - info@northhouse.org

January 2011 E-News

2011-01-07T17:35:00.002-06:00

=======================================
E-NEWS UPDATE January 2011
North House Folk School
Grand Marais, MN
=======================================

Welcome to the New Year and North House’s E-Newsletter. This issue's updates include:

* A Stitch In Time
* Traditional Music Weekend
* Romancing The Stone
* January 12th – Stay Tuned
* Quote of the Month

Change your e-mail address? Add a friend to our e-mail list? Need to unsubscribe? Please see the paragraph at the end of this newsletter.

=======================================
This WINTER
=======================================

A STITCH IN TIME
(Or was that – It’s time to Stitch)
Feb 17-21, 2011
The first Northern Fiber Retreat at North House Folk School is on the horizon and enrollment is rolling forward. Already, over twenty students are enrolled in the 17 courses and workshops scheduled during the weekend.
** learn more

TRADITIONAL MUSIC WEEKEND
March 12-13, 2011
Get out your cowboy boots and put on your 10-gallon hat – this year’s traditional music weekend will feature the joy of Western swing music. The event, hosted in partnership with the North Shore Music Association, features workshops to dancing (but no rodeo, sorry). Regionally known musicians Kevin McMullin and Randy Sabien have put together a group of talented musicians to bring the jazz-influenced sounds of Western Swing to the North Shore.
** learn more

=======================================
News to Note
=======================================

ROMANCING THE STONE
March 2011
North House will welcome Master Soapstone Carver David Ruben Piqtoukun to campus March 16-21, 2011. As a carver, his artistic talents are internationally renowned – the two workshops he will present align with the Inuit Art Premier hosted by Sivertson Gallery.
** read more about DP

JANUARY 12th - STAY TUNED
What has three nights, 2800 legs, strings and now a mountain? The answer to this question and more coming next week! (we thank you for your patience)

=======================================
About North House
=======================================

Our Mission
* Enriching lives and building community
through the teaching of traditional northern crafts
in a student-centered learning environment that
inspires the hands, the heart and the mind.

Your E-Mail Subscription
We appreciate your interest in North House Folk School and respect your internet privacy. This list is private and confidential and is used only by North House Folk School. You received this update because you provided your email address and asked to be added to our e-mail list. North House sends out its E-Newsletter once per month as well as mails out occasional updates mid-month

If you want to add a friend to our e-mail list or do not want future updates, please:
* visit http://www.northhouse.org/enewsletter.htm

* or send your request to info@northhouse.org
* please allow up to 15 days for your e-mail address to be removed.

Member Supported
North House is an independent nonprofit and relies upon the generous support of individuals, families and businesses. To receive information on our annual membership campaign, memorial donations, or other giving opportunities call 888-387-9762.

Homepage - http://www.northhouse.org
Our address - PO Box 759, 500 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
Phone - 888-387-9762
Fax - 218-387-9706
E-mail - info@northhouse.org

November E-News

2010-10-29T11:01:00.002-05:00

Welcome to North House’s E-Newsletter. This issue's updates include:

* Three Weeks Out - WGAFF
* Give To The Max – Nov 16
* An Evening With Wilderness Classroom
* J-Term Happenings
* Jon Vezner at ACA
* Quote of the Month

Change your e-mail address? Add a friend to our e-mail list? Need to unsubscribe? Please see the paragraph at the end of this newsletter.

=======================================
This NOVEMBER
=======================================

THREE WEEKS OUT – WGAFF
Nov 17-20, 2010
Think white! North House’s annual Winterer’s Gathering & Arctic Film Festival is just three weeks away. Skills seminars to featured films, Gear Swaps to guest speakers, Tent Camps to chili feeds – all on top of over a dozen courses to choose from.
** download the complete event flier
** review the listing of 2010 Featured Arctic Films
** visit the WGAFF web page

GIVE TO THE MAX
Nov 16
Mark your calendars to be part of a new Minnesota Tradition – Give to the Max Day, hosted by GiveMN.org and the nonprofits of Minnesota. Designed to highlight Minnesota’s rich tradition of dynamic nonprofits and its equally inspiring tradition of charitable giving, the day offers donors a chance to make their voices heard while supporting their favorite nonprofits.
** Get The Golden Ticket
** Win The Grand Prize
** Get the North House Match for New/Expanded Donors
** http://www.givemn.org/

=======================================
News to Note
=======================================

WILDERNESS CLASSROOM – AN EVENING WTIH
Nov 12 – 5:30pm
On Friday, Nov 12th, North House will welcome Wilderness Classroom to campus. Please join Wilderness Classroom for a pizza bake and slide show to celebrate success of the first two stages of The North American Odyssey
** get the details

J-TERM HAPPENINGS
Jan 7-22, 2011
It’s new – J-Term offerings at North House!
It's a true hands-on learning experience. Join our master instructors for a variety of courses that will stimulate your head and your hands as you delve into folk traditions and learn to make things that have meaning.
** J-Term Happenings

JON VEZNER – CLICK AND
Mr Unplugged, also know as Sir Jon Vezner, is out there and making good things happen. In addition to planning Unplugged X (yes, plans are coming together – stay tuned for more details!), Jon has hatched two recent projects of note:
** Commentary on our Cell-Phone Nation
A new release titled “I’ve Got An App For That”
- http://www.jonvezner.com/

** Returning to the North Shore in November
A Holiday Concert In Grand Marais
AND a fundraiser for the Cook County High School Band
- http://www.arrowheadcenterforthearts.org/

=======================================
Quote of the Month
=======================================

So you are down on your luck and your world is in shambles,
Your assets are frozen and your love life’s a scandal
You’re at your wits end you don’t know what to do
Well I just might have a solution for you.
- Jon Vezner, from his song “I’ve got an app for that.”

=======================================
About North House
=======================================

Our Mission
* Enriching lives and building community
through the teaching of traditional northern crafts
in a student-centered learning environment that
inspires the hands, the heart and the mind.

Your E-Mail Subscription
We appreciate your interest in North House Folk School and respect your internet privacy. This list is private and confidential and is used only by North House Folk School. You received this update because you provided your email address and asked to be added to our e-mail list. North House sends out its E-Newsletter once per month as well as mails out occasional updates mid-month

If you want to add a friend to our e-mail list or do not want future updates, please:
* visit http://www.northhouse.org/enewsletter.htm

* or send your request to info@northhouse.org

Our address - PO Box 759, 500 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
Phone - 888-387-9762
Fax - 218-387-9706
E-mail - info@northhouse.org

September E-News

2010-09-12T09:43:00.002-05:00

Welcome to North House’s E-Newsletter. This issue's updates include:

* Sept 15th – Launch Time 8am
* Unplugged – Under the Biggered Top
* Caveman 101 – Slaying Goliath
* Heating Up The Neighborhood
* Quote of the Month

Change your e-mail address? Add a friend to our e-mail list? Need to unsubscribe? Please see the paragraph at the end of this newsletter.

=======================================
This SEPTEMBER
=======================================

SEPT 15th – LAUNCH TIME 8am
This coming Wednesday (also known as Sept 15) may be a good one to rise and shine early to enjoy an extra cup of coffee. “Why?” you ask. September 15th is Launch Day for North House latest offering of new courses – over 100 new sessions and many totally new courses will be available for registration on line or by phone at 8am. On the same day, the new fall/winter catalog will hit the street.
** see Upcoming Courses

UNPLUGGED – UNDER THE BIGGERED TOP
Sept 24-26
Thanks to strong ticket sales during Unplugged IX weekend the bigger top just got biggered (so to speak). No doubt, the arrival of Cheryl Wheeler and Pat Alger as the 2010 featured singer/songwriters is one of the reasons why. An event weekend overflowing with free programs and peak-season fall colors are also part of the mix. One hundred additional seats are now available. Join us!
** Download the program, reserve your seats, make your plans!

=======================================
News to Note
=======================================

HEATING UP THE NEIGHBORHOOD
This coming October North House will be doing its part to Heat Up The Neighborhood. Enter Mark Morgan and Don Grant, instructors for our next Solar Hot Water Systems course (Oct 15-17). Working with a team of students they will install a new solar hot water system for one of the Grand Marais Rec Park’s shower houses. Hands on experience to discover one of the most efficient uses of solar energy.
** Learn More

CAVEMAN – SLAYING GOLIATH
Recently, St Paul Pioneer Press reported Richard Chin was on campus to participate in a North House course with Mike McCall, North House’s mushrooming and flintknapping instructor. Slaying Goliath? There were stories to tell!
** read the article

=======================================
Quote of the Month
=======================================

Who and what and why and where and how and when
I don’t have a whisper of a clue
Do fishes ever look beyond the tank they’re in
And somehow contemplate creation too?
- Cheryl Wheeler, from her song Pointing At The Sun

=======================================
About North House
=======================================

Our Mission
* Enriching lives and building community
through the teaching of traditional northern crafts
in a student-centered learning environment that
inspires the hands, the heart and the mind.

Your E-Mail Subscription
We appreciate your interest in North House Folk School and respect your internet privacy. This list is private and confidential and is used only by North House Folk School. You received this update because you provided your email address and asked to be added to our e-mail list. North House sends out its E-Newsletter once per month as well as mails out occasional updates mid-month

If you want to add a friend to our e-mail list or do not want future updates, please:
* visit http://www.northhouse.org/enewsletter.htm
* or send your request to info@northhouse.org
* please allow up to 15 days for your e-mail address to be removed.

Member Supported
North House is an independent nonprofit and relies upon the generous support of individuals, families and businesses. To receive information on our annual membership campaign, memorial donations, or other giving opportunities call 888-387-9762.

Homepage - http://www.northhouse.org/
Our address - PO Box 759, 500 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
Phone - 888-387-9762
Fax - 218-387-9706
E-mail - info@northhouse.org

August E-Newsletter

2010-08-20T14:17:00.002-05:00

Welcome to North House’s E-Newsletter. This issue's updates include:

* Get Em While Their Hot
* Northern Fiber Retreat
* Unplugged – Got Yours?
* Jon Turk Returns
* Quote of the Month

Change your e-mail address? Add a friend to our e-mail list? Need to unsubscribe? Please see the paragraph at the end of this newsletter.

=======================================
This AUGUST (Recent Postings!)
=======================================

GET EM WHILE THEIR HOT
August, August, August – it’s not just the last month of summer! All things course scheduling and event planning are on the To Do List at North House in August. Indeed, in the coming month over 150 course options will appear on the calendar. That said, a first tasty array of more than twenty North House classics and brand new offerings are now posted to the web and available for your review – here’s a sampling!

** Wreath Weaving

** Timbered Sawhorse Trestles

** Masonry Heater

** Cabinetry Basics

** Timber Framing BYO-Small

** Intensive Gardening

** Basic Timberframing

** Build Thoreau's Cabin

** Fly Fishing the North Shore II

NORTHERN FIBER RETREAT
Feb 17-21
Selbuvoter Mittens – Natural Plant Dyes – Moosehide Mukluks – Spinning Fibers. WELCOME to the first Northern Fiber Retreat at North House. This new five-day thematic weekend is all fibers all of the time. Come for a day (Saturday will include abundant public demos and speakers) or come for the full experience (there are already eight courses to choose from, with more to come). North House is excited to welcome the Cook County Fiber Arts Guild as a partner shaping and hosting the event.
** Check out initial plans

=======================================
News to Note
=======================================

UNPLUGGED – GOT YOURS?
Sept 24-26
Number IX is just around the corner. Unplugged IX – Celebrate the Mission, Sustain the Dream. Do YOU have YOURS? Over two hundred tickets to Saturday night’s featured performance and Friday traditional fish boil have been reserved. Course registrations are well underway. Join us!
** Download the program, reserve your seats, make your plans!

JON TURK RETURNS
Author and explorer Jon Turk will return to the North House campus this coming fall as the featured speaker during the Winterer’s Gathering. Jon’s most recent book “The Raven’s Gift” documents and explores his multiple visits to the eastern region of Siberia to engage traditional cultural and shamanistic teachings.
** http://www.jonturk.net/
Get the WG dates and tent camp info:
** Winterer's Gathering Web Site

=======================================
Quote of the Month
=======================================

I have seen that in any great undertaking it is not enough
for a man to depend simply upon himself.
- Lone Man, Teton Sioux
(as quoted in The Raven’s Gift by Jon Turk)

=======================================
About North House
=======================================

Our Mission
* Enriching lives and building community
through the teaching of traditional northern crafts
in a student-centered learning environment that
inspires the hands, the heart and the mind.

Your E-Mail Subscription
We appreciate your interest in North House Folk School and respect your internet privacy. This list is private and confidential and is used only by North House Folk School. You received this update because you provided your email address and asked to be added to our e-mail list. North House sends out its E-Newsletter once per month as well as mails out occasional updates mid-month

If you want to add a friend to our e-mail list or do not want future updates, please:
* visit http://www.northhouse.org/enewsletter.htm
* or send your request to info@northhouse.org
* please allow up to 15 days for your e-mail address to be removed.

Member Supported
North House is an independent nonprofit and relies upon the generous support of individuals, families and businesses. To receive information on our annual membership campaign, memorial donations, or other giving opportunities call 888-387-9762.

Homepage - http://www.northhouse.org/
Our address - PO Box 759, 500 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
Phone - 888-387-9762
Fax - 218-387-9706
E-mail - info@northhouse.org

July E-Newsletter

2010-07-05T11:59:00.004-05:00

Welcome to North House’s E-Newsletter. This issue's updates include:

* Chime Tower – Minnesota Sounds
* Still On The Block
* 20th Annual Arts Festival
* Full Circle Superior – Westward Ho
* Paddlers Wanted
* Ride The Horse – Build The Future
* Quote of the Month
* Course Sampler

Change your e-mail address? Add a friend to our e-mail list? Need to unsubscribe? Please see the paragraph at the end of this newsletter.

=======================================
This JULY
=======================================

CHIME TOWER - MINNESOTA SOUNDS
The iconic presence of the Memorial Chime Tower has become much more than simply a visual image on the St Olaf College campus. When the breeze begins to blow, the chimes wash campus with their song. In 2003, a team of St Olaf College faculty and staff spent ten days on the North House campus, shaping the timbers of the chime tower.
** Listen to the chimes and other Minnesota sounds
** Learn more about North House’s programs for groups

STILL ON THE BLOCK
Wish you could have been part of the action during the 2010 Boats to Tools Auction? Wondering where you can find a 12x14 timber frame or a classic wood-fired brick bread oven? Don’t worry – be happy! There are three items still on the block:
- 12x14 kind-post timber frame with pegs, white pine timbers,
fully disassembled and ready for assembly
- wood-fired brick bread ovens (2), fully lined with fire brick and with red brick facing, Alan Scott design
** See images

=======================================
News to Note
=======================================

TWENTIETH ANNUAL ARTS FESTIVAL
July 10-11
Summer must truly be here – next weekend the Grand Marais Art Colony will host the 20th Annual Arts Festival. Photographers to potters, painters to fiber fans – downtown will be filled to overflowing with booths and more.
** Numerous community activities will also be underway! LEARN MORE

FULL CIRCLE SUPERIOR – WESTWARD HO
The Full Circle Superior project has truly rounded an important corner! Last week, Kate Crowley and Mike Link completed the Michigan section of their walk around Lake Superior, and NOW they have crossed into Canada. Westward Ho – their feet turn west as they begin hiking along the Canadian shore. Full Circle will be a featured guest during North House’s Unplugged event in late September.
http://www.fullcirclesuperior.org/

=======================================
On The Horizon
=======================================

PADDLERS WANTED
Feel like you are all wet? Or at least want to get all wet? Paddling on the North House boat during the 2010 North Shore Dragon Boat Festival may be just what you are looking for. The event celebrates community and paddling for a cause – meet the event partners and learn about the history of dragon boat paddling at:
** http://northshoredragonboat.com/
Want to roar with the North House paddlers?
** request more info at info@northhouse.org

RIDE THE HORSE – BUILD THE FUTURE
July 24-26
Wanted – willing woodworkers of every flavor! This coming month North House will host a Service Learning course focused on improving the resources in campus’ woodworking and boatbuilding shops. Our goal – build up to SIX shaving horses. Service learning courses include both a great opportunity to learn AND a chance to make North House a better place.
** Get the details on the Shaving Horse project

=======================================
Quote of the Month
=======================================

Blow up the TV, throw away your paper
Go to the country, build you a home
- John Prine, a classic sung by oh so many

=======================================
Course Sampler
=======================================

A quick glimpse of some of the upcoming courses that still have openings. While enrolling at least one month in advance is strongly encouraged, these courses still have a few spots available. Remember, space is limited!

SCANDINAVIAN WORK SHIRT
July 9-11
* the North’s finest fashion

MOCCASIN and BEAD EMBROIDERY
July 16-18
* hosted at the Grand Portage National Monument!

NATURAL PLANT DYES
July 23-25
* every color of the rainbow

WANT MORE?
There are numerous other courses offered in the coming months.
For a complete listing of courses by date:
** http://www.northhouse.org/

=======================================
About North House
=======================================

Our Mission
* Enriching lives and building community
through the teaching of traditional northern crafts
in a student-centered learning environment that
inspires the hands, the heart and the mind.

Your E-Mail Subscription
We appreciate your interest in North House Folk School and respect your internet privacy. This list is private and confidential and is used only by North House Folk School. You received this update because you provided your email address and asked to be added to our e-mail list. North House sends out its E-Newsletter once per month as well as mails out occasional updates mid-month

If you want to add a friend to our e-mail list or do not want future updates, please:
* visit http://www.northhouse.org/enewsletter.htm
* or send your request to info@northhouse.org
* please allow up to 15 days for your e-mail address to be removed.

Member Supported
North House is an independent nonprofit and relies upon the generous support of individuals, families and businesses. To receive information on our annual membership campaign, memorial donations, or other giving opportunities call 888-387-9762.

Staff – Kay Costello, Office Manager
- Kelly Dupre, Volunteer/Classroom Coordinator
- Mica Harju, School Store Manager /Development Coordinator
- Scott Pollock, Program Director
- Russ Viton, Facility Manager
- Greg Wright, Executive Director

Homepage - http://www.northhouse.org/
Our address - PO Box 759, 500 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
Phone - 888-387-9762
Fax - 218-387-9706
E-mail - info@northhouse.org

MAY E-NEWS

2010-05-22T12:48:00.003-05:00

Welcome to North House’s E-Newsletter. This issue's updates include:

* Breaking Ground – Blacksmith Shed
* Photography Worldwide – Be Inspired
* Ravens: Adventures with the Wolf Birds - BBNLF
* From The Stern of My Canoe – WBS
* Teams Welcome/Paddlers Wanted
* Quote of the Month
* Course Sampler

Change your e-mail address? Add a friend to our e-mail list? Need to unsubscribe? Please see the paragraph at the end of this newsletter.

=======================================
This MAY
=======================================

BREAKING GROUND – BLACKSMITH SHED
May 2010
Plans are in place and the timbers are cut – SOOOO, we’ve started digging and laying the foundation! During May, the northwest corner of North House’s campus will take on a new look as the groundwork for the soon-to-be-moved-and-then-slightly-expanded-and-enclosed blacksmith shed rolls forward. Dirt and foundation work should be completed by the end of May. We hope to move the existing blacksmith shed to its new location in early June. Stay tuned for more photos and updates.
** See images and check out the Blacksmith Shed plans

PHOTOGRAPHY WORLDWIDE - BE INSPIRED
A new web site well worth a visit! Photographer Layne Kennedy has been teaching at North House since our earliest years. Layne’s recently released new web site underscores his inspiring ability to tell stories, connect people and celebrate landscapes via his craft. Layne teaches photography around the world and offers two courses at North House each year.
** Visit http://www.laynekennedy.com/

=======================================
News to Note
=======================================

FROM THE STERN OF MY CANOE - WBS
June 18-20
North House is honored to welcome Bob O’Hara as the 2010 Wooden Boat Show featured speaker. It is said that the Arctic gave him his lifestyle, and the Inuit people gave him family. The tundra gave him a home. Bob O’Hara may be the most well-traveled Arctic canoeist of the last generation. Bob has paddled 50 consecutive years in the boundary waters and 40+ consecutive years in the high arctic.
** Learn more on the 2010 Wooden Boat Show web page

RAVENS: ADVENTURES WITH THE WOLF BIRD – BBNLF
June 3-6
Celebrated biologist and author Bernd Heinrich is just one of the reasons to be part of this spring’s Boreal Birding and Northern Landscapes Festival. FIVE public programs are layered together with TWENTY courses and workshops. North House acknowledges its five key event partners – Best Western Superior Inn & Suites, Croftville Road Cottages, Sivertson Gallery, Betsy Bowen Studio and the United States Forest Service.
* * Review the festival’s entire array of offerings

=======================================
On The Horizon
=======================================

TEAMS WELCOME
PADDLERS WANTED
The rumors are true! Planning for the 2010 North Shore Dragon Boat Festival is well underway. There are already twelve teams signed up for the 2010 festival. The event celebrates community and paddling for a cause – meet the event partners and learn about the history of dragon boat paddling at:
** http://northshoredragonboat.com/
Want to roar with the North House paddlers?
** request more info at info@northhouse.org

=======================================
Quote of the Month
=======================================

Ravens leave home as juveniles, wander, and after extensive exploring, settle down to live by the means that their capacities and experiences dictate. Their area of residence becomes their home, and they remain true to is, as far as we know, for most or all of the rest of their lives.
- Benrd Heinrich, “Mind of the Raven”

=======================================
Course Sampler
=======================================

A quick glimpse of some of the upcoming courses that still have openings. While enrolling at least one month in advance is strongly encouraged, these courses still have a few spots available. Remember, space is limited!

BLACKSMITHING: TOOLS OF THE TRADE
May 27-30
* its time to make the hammer sing

SERVICE LEARNING: MESSING ABOUT WITH BOATS
May 29-30
* help our wooden fleet prepare for the open water

FLY CASTING WORKSHOP
May 29
* find them fish!

WANT MORE?
There are numerous other courses offered in the coming months.
For a complete listing of courses by date:
** http://www.northhouse.org

=======================================
About North House
=======================================

Our Mission
* Enriching lives and building community
through the teaching of traditional northern crafts
in a student-centered learning environment that
inspires the hands, the heart and the mind.

Your E-Mail Subscription
We appreciate your interest in North House Folk School and respect your internet privacy. This list is private and confidential and is used only by North House Folk School. You received this update because you provided your email address and asked to be added to our e-mail list. North House sends out its E-Newsletter once per month as well as mails out occasional updates mid-month

If you want to add a friend to our e-mail list or do not want future updates, please:
* visit http://www.northhouse.org/enewsletter.htm
* or send your request to info@northhouse.org
* please allow up to 15 days for your e-mail address to be removed.

Member Supported
North House is an independent nonprofit and relies upon the generous support of individuals, families and businesses. To receive information on our annual membership campaign, memorial donations, or other giving opportunities call 888-387-9762.

Staff – Kay Costello, Office Manager
- Kelly Dupre, Volunteer/Classroom Coordinator
- Mica Harju, School Store Manager /Development Coordinator
- Scott Pollock, Program Director
- Russ Viton, Facility Manager
- Greg Wright, Executive Director

Homepage - http://www.northhouse.org/
Our address - PO Box 759, 500 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
Phone - 888-387-9762
Fax - 218-387-9706
E-mail - info@northhouse.org

APRIL E-NEWS

2010-04-06T16:03:00.003-05:00

Welcome to North House’s E-Newsletter. This issue's updates include:

* Symposium Flier Now Up
* Hjordis - Raise Dem Sails
* Eight Minutes On Birch Bark
* Sir Scott Toronto Bound
* Two Positions – PD and CD
* Full Circle
* Quote of the Month
* Course Sampler

Change your e-mail address? Add a friend to our e-mail list? Need to unsubscribe? Please see the paragraph at the end of this newsletter.

=======================================
This APRIL
=======================================

SYMPOSIUM FLIER NOW UP
April 23-25
The new NSSLS event program flier is ready to be downloaded! Great films, engaging roundtables, three days of field trips – all free and open to everyone. Mix in high quality and hands-on courses and you get the Northern Sustainability & Simple Living Symposium.
** get all the details

HJORDIS - RAISE DEM SAILS
The waters are open in the Grand Marais Harbor – can raising the sails be far behind? Schedules for daily sailing including Sunset and Full Moon Outings for 2010 are now in place and reservations for time on the water are underway. Meet our eight captains for 2010.
** Learn more

=======================================
News to Note
=======================================

SIR SCOTT TORONTO BOUND
How’s them for big shoes? North House’s very own Scott Pollock, Program Director since 2003, recently announced his plans to step down from his position so he can head to graduate school to study International Museum Management in Toronto. His sparkling spirit and welcoming smile helped define the North House experience on many levels. Download the recent press release.

TWO POSITIONS – PD and CD
How do you replace a great staff person? With two staff positions, of course! Thanks to funding from the Lloyd K Johnson Foundation, the search process to fill the Program Director position will pursue TWO candidates – a Program Director/Events Manager and a Communications Director/Development Assistant. The search process is now underway and a detailed application packet is available (contact info@northhouse.org). Know some talented folks?! Please spread the word.
* * Review the position announcements

EIGHT MINUTES of BIRCH BARK
Meet Vladimer Yarish, Russian Birch Bark artisan and recent visitor/instructor at North House. This eight minute video offers a brief glimpse into the world of traditional Russian and Siberian birch bark weaving:
** Check it out on You Tube

=======================================
On The Horizon
=======================================

FULL CIRCLE
How many pairs of socks would you pack? The project – hike as all the way around Lake Superior following as close as possible to the shoreline. Full Circle – A Journey Around The Greatest Lake – harnesses the talents, passions, experience and feet of two inspired educators, Mike Link and Kate Crowley.
* Launch Day - April 29th (23 days away)
* Expected timeline – six months
* Get Involved – pre-hike events to loaned RV’s
* Guess who’s coming to Dinner – socks and boots willing Full Circle will be the featured guest at the Fish Boil Dinner during Unplugged weekend at North House
** Learn more about Full Circle.

=======================================
Quote of the Month
=======================================

What can be bent
Must not be broken.
- from the “The Home” by Fredricka Bremer

=======================================
Course Sampler
=======================================

A quick glimpse of some of the upcoming courses that still have openings. While enrolling at least one month in advance is strongly encouraged, these courses still have a few spots available. Remember, space is limited!

CABINETRY BASICS
April 9-11
* learn the basics, build them

BLACK ASH BASKETRY
April 17-18
* pound them splints, weave that basket, a classic

NEAR NET ZERO
April 23
* a northern home that is carbon neutral, imagine!

Check out these courses at:
** http://www.northhouse.org/courses/upcoming/index.htm

WANT MORE?
There are numerous other courses offered in the coming months.
For a complete listing of courses by date:
** http://www.northhouse.org/

=======================================
About North House
=======================================

Our Mission
* Enriching lives and building community
through the teaching of traditional northern crafts
in a student-centered learning environment that
inspires the hands, the heart and the mind.

Your E-Mail Subscription
We appreciate your interest in North House Folk School and respect your internet privacy. This list is private and confidential and is used only by North House Folk School. You received this update because you provided your email address and asked to be added to our e-mail list. North House sends out its E-Newsletter once per month as well as mails out occasional updates mid-month

If you want to add a friend to our e-mail list or do not want future updates, please:
* visit http://www.northhouse.org/enewsletter.htm

* or send your request to info@northhouse.org

* please allow up to 15 days for your e-mail address to be removed.

Member Supported
North House is an independent nonprofit and relies upon the generous support of individuals, families and businesses. To receive information on our annual membership campaign, memorial donations, or other giving opportunities call 888-387-9762.

Staff – Kay Costello, Office Manager
- Kelly Dupre, Volunteer/Classroom Coordinator
- Mica Harju, School Store Manager /Development Coordinator
- Scott Pollock, Program Director
- Russ Viton, Facility Manager
- Greg Wright, Executive Director

Homepage - http://www.northhouse.org/

Our address - PO Box 759, 500 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
Phone - 888-387-9762
Fax - 218-387-9706
E-mail - info@northhouse.org

March E-News

2010-03-04T13:23:00.003-06:00

Welcome to North House’s E-Newsletter. This issue's updates include:

* March Madness
* Canoecopia – Living Green – On The Road
* Timbers for the Smiths
* Forty-Five and Counting
* Scandinavian Textile Craft
* Biology, Art, Inspiration and Science
* Quote of the Month
* Course Sampler

Change your e-mail address? Add a friend to our e-mail list? Need to unsubscribe? Please see the paragraph at the end of this newsletter.

==========================================
This MARCH
==========================================

MARCH MADNESS
For 2010, March Madness is much more than just basketball. In the coming weeks, there is no shortage of opportunities for willing hands, tapping toes and barkers of all sizes. The details are all available online:
** March 13-14 - Sivertson's Inuit Art Premier and NHFS Soapstone Carving
** March 20-21 - Traditional Music Wknd - Celtic Connections
** March 26-28 - Russian Birch Bark Weaving

CANOECOPIA - LIVING GREEN - ON THE ROAD
Twice this spring (in March and May) North House will be on the road, sharing its story and demonstrating traditional craft at two major public events. Meeting people and nurturing an interest in lifelong learning is our goal. Make plans to stop by our booth if you are in the neighborhood!
** Canoecopia in Madison, WI – March 12-14
** Living Green Expo on the Minnesota State Fair Grounds – May 1-2

==========================================
News to Note
==========================================

TIMBERS for the SMITHS
Ready to help shape the future? We hope so, because during spring 2010, helping hands are needed to make the new timbered blacksmithing shed a reality. Always want to learn how timber framing works? Have experience whittling timbers and want to keep North House moving forward? The Blacksmith Shed Timber Frame Service Learning course begins Saturday April 17th – come on down!
** get Blacksmith Timber Frame Service Learning details

FORTY-FIVE and COUNTING
My oh my – the new 2010 Grand Marais Art Colony course catalog has just returned from the printer! This year, forty-five NEW courses and eighteen NEW instructors have been added to the array of high quality arts workshops the Art Colony has become known for. Questions and inquiries are welcome anytime at 218-387-2737
** Review 2010 workshops online
- http://www.grandmaraisartcolony.org/workshops.cfm
** Request an Art Colony catalog through the mail
- arts@boreal.org

==========================================
On The Horizon
==========================================

SCANDINAVIAN TEXTILE CRAFT
March 27-31
Imagine five days immersed in the world of traditional textiles – this is the journey that awaits later this month. Larry Schmitt is known across North America and Scandinavia as one of the experts on the history and craft of nalbinding.
** See Larry’s work
- http://needlesandheddles.tumblr.com/
** Learn more about the Textile workshop
- http://www.northhouse.org/courses/courses/course.cfm/cid/208

BIOLOGY – ART – INSPIRATION – SCIENCE
June 3-6. 2010
Just released – the entire lineup of speakers and public programs during June 2010’s Boreal Birding and Northern Landscape Festival. Four public programs exploring the biology, art, inspiration and science of the Northern Landscape are layered over the four day event. A downloadable PDF highlights the speakers and provides scheduling details:
** visit the Festival web page

==========================================
Quote of the Month
==========================================

The late emperor Francis wittingly observed one day, that he believed “it required as much talent to warm a room, as to rule a kingdom,” and I really think he was not far from the truth.
- John Paget, Hungary and Transylvania
- As quoted in “The Book of Masonry Stoves”

==========================================
Course Sampler
==========================================

A quick glimpse of some of the upcoming courses that still have openings. While enrolling at least one month in advance is strongly encouraged, these courses still have a few spots available. Remember, space is limited!

SHARPENING TUTORIAL
March 20-21
* this is your chance - Get The Edge

CELTIC CARVING
March 19-21
* relief carving and leprechauns

ADIRONDACK CHAIR
April 9-11
* get ready for your summer siestas

Check out these courses at:
** http://www.northhouse.org/courses/upcoming/index.htm

WANT MORE?
There are numerous other courses offered in the coming months.
For a complete listing of courses by date:
** http://www.northhouse.org/

==========================================
About North House
==========================================

Our Mission
* Enriching lives and building community
through the teaching of traditional northern crafts
in a student-centered learning environment that
inspires the hands, the heart and the mind.

Your E-Mail Subscription
We appreciate your interest in North House Folk School and respect your internet privacy. This list is private and confidential and is used only by North House Folk School. You received this update because you provided your email address and asked to be added to our e-mail list. North House sends out its E-Newsletter once per month as well as mails out occasional updates mid-month

If you want to add a friend to our e-mail list or do not want future updates, please:
* visit http://www.northhouse.org/enewsletter.htm
* or send your request to info@northhouse.org
* please allow up to 15 days for your e-mail address to be removed.

Member Supported
North House is an independent nonprofit and relies upon the generous support of individuals, families and businesses. To receive information on our annual membership campaign, memorial donations, or other giving opportunities call 888-387-9762.

Staff – Kay Costello, Office Manager
- Kelly Dupre, Volunteer/Classroom Coordinator
- Mica Harju, School Store Manager /Development Coordinator
- Scott Pollock, Program Director
- Russ Viton, Facility Manager
- Greg Wright, Executive Director
- Ian Andrus/Cooper Ternes, Interns

Homepage - http://www.northhouse.org/
Our address - PO Box 759, 500 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
Phone - 888-387-9762
Fax - 218-387-9706
E-mail - info@northhouse.org

February E-News

2010-02-11T11:21:00.002-06:00

Welcome to North House’s E-Newsletter. This issue's updates include:

* Welcome Chulrua
* Ravens: Adventures With The Wolf Bird
* From Russia with Bark
* Northwoods Phenologists Conference
* Inuit Art Premier
* Symposium – Northern Sustainable and Simple Living
* Quote of the Month
* Course Sampler

Change your e-mail address? Add a friend to our e-mail list? Need to unsubscribe? Please see the paragraph at the end of this newsletter.

=================================================
This FEBRUARY
=================================================

WELCOME CHULRUA
March 19-21
Ready to tap your toes and move your feet! Every year, North House hosts the Traditional Music Weekend in partnership with the North Shore Music Association. For 2010, we are honored to welcome and feature the Celtic Band – Chulrua.
** visit the Traditional Music Wknd web page

RAVENS: ADVENTURES WITH THE WOLF BIRDS
North House is honored to welcome Bernd Heinrich, author of the classic book “Ravens In Winter.” Bernd will be both a featured speaker and an instructor during the 2010 Boreal Birding and Northern Landscape Festival. Enrollment for Bernd’s course will kickoff in the coming week – stay tuned!
** visit the BBNLF web page (June 3-6)

=================================================
News to Note
=================================================

FROM RUSSIA WITH BARK
March 26-28
Welcome scholar, artisan, and teacher Vladimir Yarish, of Novgorod Province in Russia, to the North House Folk School for this birch bark weaving tutorial. After scouring museums and archeological sites all around the world, Vladimir has authored a definitive guide focused on the history and myriad traditional uses of birch bark, as well as general instructions for basket-making and plaiting. A tutorial basketry course awaits!
** Get course details

NORTHWOODS PHENOLOGISTS CONFERENCE
A new annual tradition?? Perhaps – the first annual Minnesota Phenology Conference will be hosted on February 26-28 at Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center. The event is being coordinator by Larry Weber, a regular speaker and instructor at North House.
** get details

=================================================
On The Horizon
=================================================

INUIT ART PREMIER
March 13
The 10th Annual Inuit Art Premier will take place at Sivertson Gallery this coming March. Award winning soapstone carver, Ohito Ashoona, will be back both to demonstrate at Sivertson’s and to teach at North House. Alaskan whalebone and horn sculptor, Karen Olanna, will also be a featured guest at Sivertsons. Journey North!
* Get the Inuit Art Premier Details

SYMPOSIUM – NORTHERN SUSTAINABILITY and SIMPLE LIVING
April 23-25
Food - Shelter - Energy - Transportation. Important topics engaged by numerous North Shore organizations. These four primary threads and the organizations that engage them complemented by a rich array of additional topics will all be explored during the Symposium weekend via courses, speakers, film screenings, round table discussions, field trips and more.
** visit the Symposium web page

=================================================
Quote of the Month
=================================================

The raven’s deep, resonant “quork, quork, quork” commands attention. The calls can be heard over a mile away. And when you hear them, you imagine, or see, somewhere in the distance, a big black bird ascending the ridges with ease, shooting down the valley like a black thunderbolt, and with effortless grace ascending over the next ridge. These are the North Woods and the raven is their symbol. I love these woods, and my attention is directed like iron filings to a magnet to anything that hints of “raven.”
- Bernd Heinrich, quoted from “Ravens In Winter”

=================================================
Course Sampler
=================================================

A quick glimpse of some of the upcoming courses that still have openings. While enrolling at least one month in advance is strongly encouraged, these courses still have a few spots available. Remember, space is limited!

HANDCRAFTING A BROOM CORN BROOM
Feb 20-21
* sweep with style

TIMBERED SAWHORSE
Feb 19-21
* sawhorses you can park your car on top of

CEDAR BARK BASKETRY
Feb 27-28
* weave your own

WANT MORE?
There are numerous other courses offered in the coming months.
For a complete listing of courses by date:
** http://www.northhouse.org/

=================================================
About North House
=================================================

Our Mission
* Enriching lives and building community
through the teaching of traditional northern crafts
in a student-centered learning environment that
inspires the hands, the heart and the mind.

Your E-Mail Subscription
We appreciate your interest in North House Folk School and respect your internet privacy. This list is private and confidential and is used only by North House Folk School. You received this update because you provided your email address and asked to be added to our e-mail list. North House sends out its E-Newsletter once per month as well as mails out occasional updates mid-month

If you want to add a friend to our e-mail list or do not want future updates, please:
* visit http://www.northhouse.org/enewsletter.htm
* or send your request to info@northhouse.org
* please allow up to 15 days for your e-mail address to be removed.

Member Supported
North House is an independent nonprofit and relies upon the generous support of individuals, families and businesses. To receive information on our annual membership campaign, memorial donations, or other giving opportunities call 888-387-9762.

Staff – Kay Costello, Office Manager
- Kelly Dupre, Volunteer/Classroom Coordinator
- Mica Harju, School Store Manager
- Scott Pollock, Program Director
- Russ Viton, Facility Manager
- Greg Wright, Executive Director
- Ian Andrus/Cooper Ternes, Program Interns

Homepage - http://www.northhouse.org/
Our address - PO Box 759, 500 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
Phone - 888-387-9762
Fax - 218-387-9706
E-mail - info@northhouse.org

January 2010 E-News

2010-01-15T16:18:00.005-06:00

Welcome to North House’s E-Newsletter. This issue's updates include:

* Timber Time – New PDF Downloads
* Hoist the Sails
* Northwoods Phenologists Conference
* Soapstone is Coming (and Soon!)
* 100 Days and Counting
* Quote of the Month
* Course Sampler

Change your e-mail address? Add a friend to our e-mail list? Need to unsubscribe? Please see the paragraph at the end of this newsletter.

=========================================
This JANUARY
=========================================

TIMBER TIME – NEW PDF DOWNLOADS
A picture is worth a thousand words. So true! A new feature on the North House web site honors this age-old saying. Timber framing is one of the classic themes at North House, and the array of timber frame structures build at North House is impressive – well over 150 frames have been whittled into existence by hard-working students. Now, digital PDF line drawings of some of the featured frames can be downloaded anytime.
** smaller frame examples
** larger frame examples

HOIST THE SAILS
Raise the anchor and hoist the sails! But do it soon – the application deadline for North House’s 2010 Sailing Internship is January 31st. During the coming year, North House will welcome three interns to campus – two program interns (who start January 27th!) and one sailing intern (starting in late May). The internship program aspires to at once immerse participants in the world of craft and nurture their understanding of the world of nonprofits.
** Learn more

========================================
News to Note
========================================

NORTHWOODS PHENOLOGISTS CONFERENCE
A new annual tradition?? Perhaps – the first annual Northwoods Phenologists Conference will be hosted February 26-28 at Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center. The event is being coordinator by Larry Weber, a regular speaker and instructor at North House.
** follow this link

SOAPSTONE IS COMING (and SOON!)
Inuit Soapstone Carving – how’s that for a traditional NORTHERN craft. North House is pleased and honored to welcome back master carver Ohito Ashoona back to campus for TWO soapstone workshop – March 11-12 and March 14-15. The two courses coincide with the Inuit Art Premier weekend hosted by Sivertson Gallery.
* Learn more
Ohito Ashoona's Profile and links to Two New Courses

========================================
On The Horizon
========================================

100 DAYS AND COUNTING
How many pairs of socks would you pack? The project – hike as all the way around Lake Superior following as close as possible to the shoreline. Full Circle – A Journey Around The Greatest Lake – harnesses the talents, passions, experience and feet of two inspired educators, Mike Link and Kate Crowley.
* Launch Day - April 29th (100 days away)
* Expected timeline – six months
* Get Involved – pre-hike events to loaned RV’s
* Guess who’s coming to Dinner – socks and boots willing Full Circle will be the featured guest at the Fish Boil Dinner during Unplugged weekend at North House
Learn more:
** http://www.fullcirclesuperior.org/

========================================
Quote of the Month
========================================

The history of sausage making is a most interesting one. The word sausage is derived from the Latin word “salsus,” literally meaing salted or preserved.
** from the Sausage Making Cookbook by Jerry Predika

========================================
Course Sampler
========================================

A quick glimpse of some of the upcoming courses that still have openings. While enrolling at least one month in advance is strongly encouraged, these courses still have a few spots available. Remember, space is limited!

CARVING SPOONS, BUTTER KNIVES and BREAD BOARDS
Jan 23-24
* make your own every-day utensils, bringing elegance and utility to your kitchen counter

SWEDISH POTATO SAUSAGE MAKING
Jan 23
* good eating that celebrates traditional foods

SPRING POLE LATHES
Jan 29-31
* make the woodchips fly using your own foot-powered lathe

WANT MORE?
There are numerous other courses offered in the coming months.
For a complete listing of courses by date:
** http://www.northhouse.org/

=========================================
About North House
=========================================

Our Mission
* Enriching lives and building community
through the teaching of traditional northern crafts
in a student-centered learning environment that
inspires the hands, the heart and the mind.

Your E-Mail Subscription
We appreciate your interest in North House Folk School and respect your internet privacy. This list is private and confidential and is used only by North House Folk School. You received this update because you provided your email address and asked to be added to our e-mail list. North House sends out its E-Newsletter once per month as well as mails out occasional updates mid-month

If you want to add a friend to our e-mail list or do not want future updates, please:
* visit http://www.northhouse.org/enewsletter.htm
* or send your request to info@northhouse.org
* please allow up to 15 days for your e-mail address to be removed.

Member Supported
North House is an independent nonprofit and relies upon the generous support of individuals, families and businesses. To receive information on our annual membership campaign, memorial donations, or other giving opportunities call 888-387-9762.

Staff – Kay Costello, Office Manager
- Kelly Dupre, Volunteer/Classroom Coordinator
- Mica Harju, School Store Manager /Development Coordinator
- Scott Pollock, Program Director
- Russ Viton, Facility Manager
- Greg Wright, Executive Director

Homepage - http://www.northhouse.org/
Our address - PO Box 759, 500 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
Phone - 888-387-9762
Fax - 218-387-9706
E-mail - info@northhouse.org

December E-News

2009-12-22T11:52:00.005-06:00

YEAR-END GREETINGS!
A warm Northern Greeting to North House’s extended community of e-newsletter readers! The past year has been filled with opportunities and challenges, successes and surprises. Many hands have helped keep North House’s dream and mission alive – we offer our thanks, appreciation and gratitude.

Welcome to North House’s E-Newsletter. This issue's updates include:

* New This Winter –Sviping, Masonry Cores, More
* Tis The Season
* Sailing Internship Opening
* Match Makers
* Give to the Max Success
* Quote of the Month
* Course Sampler

Change your e-mail address? Add a friend to our e-mail list? Need to unsubscribe? Please see the paragraph at the end of this newsletter.

============================================
This WINTER
============================================

NEW THIS WINTER - SVIPING, MASONRY CORES and MORE
Winter 2010 promises an abundance of opportunities for willing hands! Each year, the array of North House offerings steadily grows – three inspiring examples for this winter:
** Sviping – Scandinavian-Style Bentwood Open Containers
** Sewing the Saami-Inspired Tuomisalo Hat
** Masonry Heater Building
Remember, the winter season also features the added benefits of off-peak tuition and discounted lodging rates.

SAILING INTERNSHIP
Raise the anchor and hoist the sails! North House officially announced plans for its 2010 summer sailing internship earlier this month. During the coming year, North House will welcome three interns to campus – two program interns (who start January 27th!) and one sailing intern m(starting in late May). The internship program aspires to at once immerse participants in the world of craft and nurture their understanding of the world of nonprofits. Deadline January 31.
** Learn more

============================================
News to Note
============================================

MATCH MAKERS
Indeed, indeed - there are match makers in our midst! The “new donor” and “expand your support” challenge has generated the strongest surge in year-end giving in North House’s history!!! Since the start of November, over 100 new members have stepped forward and 50 renewing donors have increased their level of giving. Is it too late to get involved?? Not at all – we are within inches of meeting the full $5000 challenge. A final $750 of the match is still available!
** Get More Information

TIS THE SEASON
GIFT CERTIFICATES ON LINE – SCHOOL STORE OPEN
Looking for that last minute gift or a belated stocking stuffer?! North House is able and willing to help you give the gift of life-long learning. Gift certificates are mailed out with a catalog and a greeting card. AND, North House’s school store is open through Christmas eve on campus and open anytime on-line!
** Gift Certificate and Schoo Store Options

GIVE TO THE MAX SUCCESS
Last month, North House was part of GiveMN’s “Give to the Max” day – the goal: create a thriving on-line giving event to nurture the health of non-profits across Minnesota.
* What were North Hosue’s results?
Over 80 individuals stepped forward with gifts for North House!
* What were Minnesota’s results?
Over $14 million was raised across the state!
* Learn more about GiveMN.org

============================================
Quote of the Month
============================================

Gratitude is the open door to abundance.
- Yogi Bhajan

============================================
Course Sampler
============================================

A quick glimpse of some of the upcoming courses that still have openings. While enrolling at least one month in advance is strongly encouraged, these courses still have a few spots available. Remember, space is limited!

OLD-FASHIONED SOAP MAKING
Jan 16
* just like Grandma used to make, scrubba-dub-dub

CARVING SPOONS, BUTTER KNIVES and BREAD BOARDS
Jan 23-24
* make your own every-day utensils, bringing elegance and utility to your kitchen counter

SPRING POLE LATHES
Jan 29-31
* make the woodchips fly using your own foot-powered lathe

WANT MORE?
There are numerous other courses offered in the coming months.
For a complete listing of courses by date:
** http://www.northhouse.org/

============================================
About North House
============================================

Our Mission
* Enriching lives and building community
through the teaching of traditional northern crafts
in a student-centered learning environment that
inspires the hands, the heart and the mind.

Your E-Mail Subscription
We appreciate your interest in North House Folk School and respect your internet privacy. This list is private and confidential and is used only by North House Folk School. You received this update because you provided your email address and asked to be added to our e-mail list. North House sends out its E-Newsletter once per month as well as mails out occasional updates mid-month

If you want to add a friend to our e-mail list or do not want future updates, please:
* visit http://www.northhouse.org/enewsletter.htm
* or send your request to info@northhouse.org
* please allow up to 15 days for your e-mail address to be removed.

Member Supported
North House is an independent nonprofit and relies upon the generous support of individuals, families and businesses. To receive information on our annual membership campaign, memorial donations, or other giving opportunities call 888-387-9762.

Staff – Kay Costello, Office Manager
- Kelly Dupre, Volunteer/Classroom Coordinator
- Mica Harju, School Store Manager /Development Coordinator
- Scott Pollock, Program Director
- Russ Viton, Facility Manager
- Greg Wright, Executive Director

Homepage - http://www.northhouse.org/
Our address - PO Box 759, 500 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
Phone - 888-387-9762
Fax - 218-387-9706
E-mail - info@northhouse.org

November E-News

2009-11-06T07:51:00.012-06:00

Welcome to North House’s E-Newsletter. This issue's updates include:

* WG – Films to Family Footwork to Fireside (Chat)
* Food Shelf Fundraiser
* Great Gear and Ski Swap
* Get The Match
* Expand The Match
* What Cha Tink
* Hand-Crafted Holiday Weekend
* Quote of the Month
* Course Sampler

Change your e-mail address? Add a friend to our e-mail list? Need to unsubscribe? Please see the paragraph at the end of this newsletter.

WINTERER’s GATHERING - ARCTIC FILM FESTIVAL

WG – FILMS to FAMILY FOOTWORK to FIRESIDE (CHAT)
Nov 19-22
There are snowflakes on the wind – are you ready to make the most of the Season of White? The Winterer’s Gathering is ready to help set Winter’s stage with an abundance of programs for campus visitors and families of every size:
* fourteen films featured over three days
* family contra dancing and community contra dancing Friday night
* Fireside Chat with Howard Sivertson and Sivertson Gallery
* ten winter seminars – Firestarting to Hide Tanning
- UPDATED event program available for download
- featured coursework
** visit the WG web site for complete details

FOOD SHELF FUNDRAISER
Saturday, Nov 21 – 6pm
North House’s BIG cast iron kettle will be bubbling all day long in preparation for the “Deep Freeze Chili Feed” Saturday night. This year Deep Freeze has a mission – raise funds for the Cook County Food Shelf. Both meat-eaters and vegetarian chili will be served as well as freshly baked cornbread with butter and honey. $10 at the door.
** Donations of non-perishable food items also encouraged!!
** Remember to also be part of the Empty Bowls gathering on Nov 12th hosted by the Grand Marais Art Colony and the Congregational Church
- http://grandmaraisartcolony.org/

GREAT GEAR and SKI SWAP
Saturday, Nov 21, 10:30am
Co-hosted with North Superior Ski & Run ClubBring your outdoor equipment to sell or get in on some great bargains & buy. Registration forms to sell your gear are ready. From backcountry skis to winter canvas tents. Ice skates to kites. Winter boots to down jackets. All are welcome.
** download the Great Gear & Ski Swap PDF

News to Note

GET THE MATCH
Ready to double your impact? If so, then now is the time to step forward as a North House supporter. Through Dec 31, 2009 – a one-to-one match for all NEW DONORS is available. The match also applies to RENEWING DONORS who increase their support. Contributions are welcome by mail or on-line.
** Learn more about the North House challenge match

EXPAND THE MATCH
On November 17th starting at 8am, North House’s new online giving partner, GiveMN.org, is offering an intriguing challenge called “Give To The Max Day.” All gifts received online on the GiveMN.org web site will be matched (at a 50% level) by major Minnesota foundations. This means that online gifts received for North House on November 17th will be matched by North House AND that they will also be matched by GiveMN.org – you EXPAND your match!
** Learn more about GiveMN.org
** Visit North House’s GiveMN.org page

On The Horizon

WHAT CHA TINK
New Web Site – Ideas and Comments
North House’s new web site is up and ideas, comments and feedback are rolling in. “It looks great!” “I wish it had more big photos.” “Easy to find the info I need.” “Great to be able to enroll online anytime.” “Can you have more pictures from past special events?” “One of the links isn’t working.”
- We are listening and we welcome more comments – does the web site work for you?
** info@northhouse.org

HAND-CRAFTED HOLIDAY WEEKEND
Ho, Ho Ho? The first weekend of December at North House promises Ho, Ho, Ho and a whole lot more - a wealth of opportunities to “celebrate the season.” Nine instructors and nine courses - birch bark ornaments to wreath making, lefse making to hanging baskets:
** see the weekend's lineup of courses

Quote of the Month

If you didn’t grow up in northern climes, ice fishing may seem improbable, wacky, and perhaps a bit dangerous. The very words, “ice fishing,” suggest the bleakest aspects of northern winters and stoic people – and even a parody of life in the rural North.
- quoted from the book “A Hard-Water World - Ice Fishing and Why We Do It”
by Layne Kennedy (NH instructor) and Greg Breining
** http://www.laynekennedy.com/

Course Sampler

A quick glimpse of some of the upcoming courses that still have openings. While enrolling at least one month in advance is strongly encouraged, these courses still have a few spots available. Remember, space is limited!

MAKING MOOSEHIDE and CANVAS MUKLUKS
Nov 20-22
* need your threads for the Snowshoe Shuffle Contra Dance during the Winterer’s Gathering weekend. Instructor Jo Wood may have the answer!

WOODEN LONGBOW
Nov 21-22* Robin Hood had one – don’t you think you should too?

BOARDS ON SNOW
Nov 22
* a field based workshop with WG’s featured speaker Nils Larsen

WANT MORE?
There are numerous other courses offered in the coming months.
For a complete listing of courses by date:
** http://www.northhouse.org/

About North House

Our Mission
* Enriching lives and building community
through the teaching of traditional northern crafts
in a student-centered learning environment that
inspires the hands, the heart and the mind.

Your E-Mail Subscription
We appreciate your interest in North House Folk School and respect your internet privacy. This list is private and confidential and is used only by North House Folk School. You received this update because you provided your email address and asked to be added to our e-mail list. North House sends out its E-Newsletter once per month as well as mails out occasional updates mid-month

If you want to add a friend to our e-mail list or do not want future updates, please:
* visit http://www.northhouse.org/enewsletter.htm
* or send your request to info@northhouse.org
* please allow up to 15 days for your e-mail address to be removed.

Member Supported
North House is an independent nonprofit and relies upon the generous support of individuals, families and businesses. To receive information on our annual membership campaign, memorial donations, or other giving opportunities call 888-387-9762.

Staff – Kay Costello, Office Manager
- Kelly Dupre, Volunteer/Classroom Coordinator
- Mica Harju, School Store Manager /Development Coordinator
- Scott Pollock, Program Director
- Russ Viton, Facility Manager
- Greg Wright, Executive Director

Homepage - http://www.northhouse.org/
Our address - PO Box 759, 500 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
Phone - 888-387-9762
Fax - 218-387-9706
E-mail - info@northhouse.org

October - Mid-Month Update

2009-10-21T13:17:00.002-05:00

It is true. It is REALLY, REALLY true! This past weekend North House launched its completely new web site. It includes a fully updated and comprehensive listing of all courses & events scheduled for the coming year.

WHAT WILL YOU FIND?
* a fresh new look with lots of improved navigation features
* new calendar listings of courses by month
* options for on-line registration and on-line giving
* links to North House’s past newsletters and our new Facebook page
* and more improvements are coming

CHECK IT OUT
** http://www.northhouse.org
** AND, please remember to reset your bookmarks!

HOW DOES IT LOOK?
Good question – in fact, a question we are hoping lots of good folks llike you can help us answer. Can you find the information you want easily? Is it easy to share the North House with your friends? Are there photos or parts of the North House story missing? Please send your comments, questions and ideas our way at info@northhouse.org

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
OUR MISSION
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

* To enrich the lives of individuals and build community
by teaching traditional northern crafts
in a student-centered learning environment that
inspires the hands, the heart and the mind.

For a full list of current courses go to our on-line course calendar.

Homepage - http://www.northhouse.org
Our address - PO Box 759, 500 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
Phone - 888-387-9762
Fax - 218-387-9706
E-mail - info@northhouse.org

June E-Newsletter

2009-10-21T13:07:00.003-05:00

Welcome to North House’s E-Newsletter. This issue's updates include:

* Wooden Boat Show – This Coming Weekend
* 100+ And Counting – Boats to Tools
* Welcome Aaron, Mike, Heidi
* Canoe in Six
* Announcing 2009’s Unplugged Songwriters
* Course Sampler

Change your e-mail address? Add a friend to our e-mail list? Need to unsubscribe? Please see the paragraph at the end of this newsletter.

This JUNE

WOODEN BOAT SHOW – THIS COMING WEEKEND
Just one weekend?? Indeed - the annual Wooden Boat Show & Summer Solstice Festival (June 19-21) is just around the corner. The most recent issue of our Shavings newsletter (mailed to current supporters and students) included a comprehensive overview. Information regarding the entire event is also available online. We hope to see you on campus to help kick off summer!
- wooden boat display registration underway
- details weekend schedule with program descriptions available
- steambent brunch reservations welcome
** learn more on the Wooden Boat Show web page

100+ AND COUNTING – BOATS TO TOOLS
Looking for a Norwegian Pram, a trolling motor, a timber frame or a quality hand-crafted set of chisels?? Have a canoe that needs a new home?? Then add the 2009 Boats to Tools Auction on Saturday, June 20th to your calendar.
- auction items wanted
- photo samples and downloadable item list now online
** learn more on the Wooden Boat Show web page

News to Note

CANOE IN SIX
Want to watch the first class in the North House’s new Milling Shop classroom? The six day class is condensed into 8 minutes of video – and as if by magic a cedar-strip canoe takes shape. Special thanks to instructor Ken Koscik, the Techniques of Cedar Strip Boat Building students and filmmaker/student, Mark Epler.
** watch it here
Enjoy!

WELCOME AARON, MIKE, HEIDI
Three new smiling faces will be part of the 2009 season on campus at North House. Meet the 2009 program, sailing and summer interns! North House’s intern program opens the door to the world of traditional craft and hands-on learning for talented folks like these three. Thanks to the new Milling Shop, in 2010 the position will grow from seven to ten months in length, ultimately with the capacity to host three interns at the same time. The summer sailing internship will continue to be offered as well.

On The Horizon

ANNOUNCING 2009’s UNPLUGGED SONGWRITERS
Scotland, Sweden, Nashville and Minnesota will all be on the map during the 2009 Unplugged/Northern Harvest weekend! North House is honored to welcome Scottish Folk Hero Dougie MacLean, female folk artist Sally Barris and Swedish woodworking artisan Fritiof Runhall, as well as North House’s good friend Jon Vezner. Get the details and follow online links – tickets on sale August 1st!

Course Sampler

A quick glimpse of some of the upcoming courses that still have openings. While enrolling at least one month in advanced is strongly encouraged, these courses still have a few spots available. Remember, space is limited!

SCANDINAVIAN WORK SHIRTS
June 17-19

OLD-FASHIONED RUG HOOKING
June 16-18

CRAFTING A TRADITIONAL LONGBOW
June 22-24

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About North House
=================================================

Our Mission
* Enriching lives and building community
through the teaching of traditional northern crafts
in a student-centered learning environment that
inspires the hands, the heart and the mind.

Your E-Mail Subscription
We appreciate your interest in North House Folk School and respect your internet privacy. This list is private and confidential and is used only by North House Folk School. You received this update because you provided your email address and asked to be added to our e-mail list. North House sends out its E-Newsletter once per month as well as mails out occasional updates mid-month

If you want to add a friend to our e-mail list or do not want future updates, please:
* visit our e-newsletter web page
* or send your request to info@northhouse.org
* please allow up to 15 days for your e-mail address to be removed.

Member Supported
North House is an independent nonprofit and relies upon the generous support of individuals, families and businesses. To receive information on our annual membership campaign, memorial donations, or other giving opportunities call 888-387-9762.

Staff – Kay Costello, Office Manager
- Kelly Dupre, Volunteer/Classroom Coordinator
- Mica Harju, Development Coordinator
- Gail Hedstrom, School Store Manager
- Scott Pollock, Program Director
- Russ Viton, Facility Manager
- Greg Wright, Executive Director
- Heidi Loosen, Aaron Eubanks, Mike Ulen, Interns

Homepage - http://www.northhouse.org
Our address - PO Box 759, 500 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
Phone - 888-387-9762
Fax - 218-387-9706
E-mail - info@northhouse.org

August E-Newsletter

2009-10-21T12:57:00.002-05:00

Welcome to North House’s belated August E-Newsletter. This issue's updates include:

* Unplugged – Under The Big (Ger) Top
* In The Neighborhood
* Boats That Float (You Tube)
* Songwriters Workshop Returns
* Nominations Wanted - Arctic Film Festival
* Two for Ten - 2010 Internship Program
* Course Sampler

Change your e-mail address? Add a friend to our e-mail list? Need to unsubscribe? Please see the paragraph at the end of this newsletter.

This AUGUST

UNPLUGGED – UNDER THE BIG(ger) TOP
Ticket sales are underway for North House fall special event - Unplugged: The Northern Harvest (Sept 25-27). AND, one message is absolutely clear – we’ll need more than just our regular big top tent to welcome friends, neighbors and visitors to campus. How so? Well, tickets sales are more than 50% ahead of any previous year. Don’t worry, there’s still plenty of space – but be in touch soon!
- event program flier available for download
- online ticket purchasing available
- featured coursework – enrollment underway
** visit the Unplugged web page

IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Late summer and early fall offer a wealth of opportunities to enjoy and engage the North Shore of Lake Superior. What’s going on in the neighborhood? Take a look!
** Sawtooth Mountain Bike Challenge
** Plein Air Painting Competition – Grand Marais Art Colony
** Radio Waves Music Festival – WTIP Radio
** Fall Performance Series - North Shore Music Assoc

News to Note

BOATS THAT FLOAT
Two classic traditional boats built by North House students are not floating across computer screens thanks to You Tube. The Swedish Pram was built at North House by Silver Bay High School students as part of the North Shore Trade Tech program. The Norwegian Pram was built by a past North House boatbuilding student who donated the boat to support the school’s educational mission:
** Swedish Pram
** Norwegian Pram Enjoy!

SONGWRITER WORKSHOP RETURNS
Welcome back! The annual “Unplugged Songwriter’s Workshop” took the year off in 2008, but now its back, this year with both Jon Vezner and Sally Barris. Jon and Sally are both Minnesota-grown songwriters who now call Nashville home. The two day workshop includes abundant opportunities for discussion as well as a ticket to Saturday nights featured performance during this fall’s UPNH event. Learn More

On The Horizon

NOMINATIONS WANTED – ARCTIC FILM FESTIVAL
Planning for Novembers Arctic Film Festival is underway! Want to help shape the Winterer’s Gathering/Arctic Film Festival story?? The goal of the Arctic Film Festival is to celebrate the traditions, customs and lifeways in the global arctic region represented in the media arts. Download details regarding how to nominate your favorite northern films!!
** visit the WGAFF web page to learn more

TWO FOR TEN - 2010 PROGRAM INTERNSHIPS
Thanks to the newly constructed Milling Shop classroom building, North House’s very popular internship program is now able to continue its steady evolution and growth. North House’s first internships were ten weeks in length and focused primarily on the summer season. During 2010, two program internship positions will be offered, each ten months in length. Inquiries are rolling in from across the country – deadline Sept 30. Learn more.

Course Sampler

A quick glimpse of some of the upcoming courses that still have openings. While enrolling at least one month in advanced is strongly encouraged, these courses still have a few spots available. Remember, space is limited!

BASIC TIMBER FRAME
August 27-31

NORTH SHORE GEOLOGY
Sept 4-5

FELTING – SCULPTURE TO SCARVES
Sept 11-12

About North House

Our Mission
* Enriching lives and building community
through the teaching of traditional northern crafts
in a student-centered learning environment that
inspires the hands, the heart and the mind.

Your E-Mail Subscription
We appreciate your interest in North House Folk School and respect your internet privacy. This list is private and confidential and is used only by North House Folk School. You received this update because you provided your email address and asked to be added to our e-mail list. North House sends out its E-Newsletter once per month as well as mails out occasional updates mid-month

If you want to add a friend to our e-mail list or do not want future updates, please:
* visit our e-newsletter page to learn more
* or send your request to info@northhouse.org
* please allow up to 15 days for your e-mail address to be removed.

Member Supported
North House is an independent nonprofit and relies upon the generous support of individuals, families and businesses. To receive information on our annual membership campaign, memorial donations, or other giving opportunities call 888-387-9762.

Staff – Kay Costello, Office Manager
- Kelly Dupre, Volunteer/Classroom Coordinator
- Mica Harju, School Store Manager /Development Coordinator
- Gail Hedstrom, Office Assistant
- Scott Pollock, Program Director
- Russ Viton, Facility Manager
- Greg Wright, Executive Director
- Heidi Loosen, Program Intern

Homepage - http://www.northhouse.org
Our address - PO Box 759, 500 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
Phone - 888-387-9762
Fax - 218-387-9706
E-mail - info@northhouse.org

September E-News

2009-10-21T12:47:00.002-05:00

Welcome to North House’s E-Newsletter. This issue's updates include:

* Music Jams with Trolls and Dragons
* Two With Timbers
* Skiing In The Shadow of Genghis Khan
* See Ya At Da Tent Camp * Coffee, Kringla, Ole, & Lena
* Nominations Wanted
* Quote of the Month
* Course Sampler

Change your e-mail address? Add a friend to our e-mail list? Need to unsubscribe? Please see the paragraph at the end of this newsletter.

This SEPTEMBER

MUSIC JAMS with TROLLS and DRAGONS
Sept 25-27
Only three weeks away – North House’s fall special event, Unplugged: The Northern Harvest. All weekend, campus will be filled with opportunities for individuals and families. Music Jams? Indeed, on both Friday and Saturday. Trolls and Dragons? Welcome storyteller and author Lise Lunge-Larsen for a Family Storytelling session on Saturday. Dancing? Start polishing your shoes. Get all the details!
- UPDATED event program available for download
- online ticket purchasing available
- featured coursework
** visit Unplugged's web page

TWO WITH TIMBERS – AUCTION TAKES SHAPE
Sept 25-26
Two white pine timber frames (both currently on display on campus) will be part of the offerings during the Northern Hospitality and Folk Artisan Auction. Over 100 items were part of the 2008 auction – items for 2009 are still rolling in! We’ve posted a sampling of initial items, and a comprehensive listing of auction items will be available soon,

News to Note

SKIING IN THE SHADOW OF GENGHIS KHAN
Ski historian and film producer Nils Larsen will be the featured speaker during the 2009 Winterer’s Gathering & Film Festival (Nov 19-22). His film “Skiing In The Shadow of Genghis Khan” explores the historic origins of skiing and documents his travels to the Altai region of northwestern China. In addition to two public programs (including Saturday night’s featured presentation), Nils will offer a Sunday “Boards on Snow – Traditional Ski Field Workshop” for those hungry to ski back through time.
**visit the WG web page for more info

SEE YA AT DA TENT CAMP
Have tent will travel?? It’s time to check your winter camping gear and make plans to be part of the 2009 Harbor-Side Winter Tent Camp. Canvas or nylon, with woodstove or without – warm sleeping bags recommended! This classic community gathering adds a wonderful dimension to the Winterer’s Gathering weekend. Come early, stay late!
**visit the WG web page for more info

On The Horizon

COFFEE, KRINGLA, OLE and LENA
Saturday, October 24
“Coffee, Kringla, Ole, & Lena: Samples from Scandinavian America” is a light-hearted educational exploration of contemporary Scandinavian America. Award-winning Swedish filmmaker Stefan Quinth has previously brought to the Midwest films about Swedish and Norwegian horse-and-sled drivers, Kodiak bears, and Aleutian-Scandinavian Americans. He returns with a 50-minute program illustrated with film clips from closer to home and exploring the experience of immigration, the process of Americanization, the presence of landmarks, the power of family and community, the vitality of arts and craft, the matter of language, and the enjoyment of humor. The film includes an insightful interview with 100+year old Grand Marais resident Gunnar Erickson. The film screening is sponsored by the North House Folk School Program Committee and will be shown on Saturday, October 24, at 7pm at North House.

NOMINATIONS WANTED – ARCTIC FILM FESTIVAL
Planning for November’s Arctic Film Festival is underway! Want to help shape the Winterer’s Gathering/Arctic Film Festival story? The goal of the Arctic Film Festival is to celebrate the traditions, customs and lifeways in the global arctic region represented in the media arts. Download details regarding how to nominate your favorite northern films!
**visit the WG web page for more info

Quote of the Month

** Talking With My Father **
I'm talking with my father, he's talking with his son
And I don't need to look any further for the one I have become
He says listen to that curlew that's a sound I love to hear
It's a strange reflection that we look through oh that finally finds us here
- Dougie MacLean, 2009 featured Unplugged Songwriter

Course Sampler

A quick glimpse of some of the upcoming courses that still have openings. While enrolling at least one month in advance is strongly encouraged, these courses still have a few spots available. Remember, space is limited!

LOW AND SLOW – Low-Tech Clay Forming and Firing
Sept 18-20

FUNDAMENTAL OF YURT CONSTRUCTION
Sept 17-22

UNPLUGGED SONGWRITING WORKSHOP
Sept 24-25

WANT MORE?
There are numerous other courses offered in the coming months.
For a complete listing of courses by date:
** North House course listing

About North House

Our Mission
* Enriching lives and building community
through the teaching of traditional northern crafts
in a student-centered learning environment that
inspires the hands, the heart and the mind.

Your E-Mail Subscription
We appreciate your interest in North House Folk School and respect your internet privacy. This list is private and confidential and is used only by North House Folk School. You received this update because you provided your email address and asked to be added to our e-mail list. North House sends out its E-Newsletter once per month as well as mails out occasional updates mid-month

If you want to add a friend to our e-mail list or do not want future updates, please:
* visit our newsletter page
* or send your request to info@northhouse.org
* please allow up to 15 days for your e-mail address to be removed.

Member Supported
North House is an independent nonprofit and relies upon the generous support of individuals, families and businesses. To receive information on our annual membership campaign, memorial donations, or other giving opportunities call 888-387-9762.

Staff – Kay Costello, Office Manager
- Kelly Dupre, Volunteer/Classroom Coordinator
- Mica Harju, School Store Manager /Development Coordinator
- Gail Hedstrom, Office Assistant
- Scott Pollock, Program Director
- Russ Viton, Facility Manager
- Greg Wright, Executive Director
- Heidi Loosen, Program Intern

Homepage - http://www.northhouse.org
Our address - PO Box 759, 500 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
Phone - 888-387-9762
Fax - 218-387-9706
E-mail - info@northhouse.org

April E-Newsletter

2009-05-09T12:12:00.002-05:00

Welcome to North House’s E-Newsletter. This issue's updates include:

** Spring Into Action
** Group Learning 2009
** Catalog Express: Drivers Wanted
** The Toboggan Tango
** On The Face (Book)
** BBNLF – Welcome Partners
** Course Sampler

Change your e-mail address? Add a friend to our e-mail list? Need to unsubscribe? Please see the paragraph at the end of this newsletter.

This April

SPRING INTO ACTION
Our deep piles of snow cause some to wonder if spring will ever arrive. While North House can’t make promises, we can report that we have scheduled multiple weekends for volunteers and students to spring into action (versus climb over snow banks). What are some of your options to help improve North House’s campus?
-- Solar Hot Water Systems: Get The Heat – April 25-27
-- Timbered Top Workbenches (Service Learning) – May 1-3
-- Spring Volunteer Work Weekend – May 2-3

GROUP LEARNING 2009
What do boy scouts, girl scouts, families, church groups, college chums and youth groups all have in common?? They all come to North House. In fact, in 2008 North House welcomed over 650 individuals as part of our programs for groups. The new 2009 Group Learning flier is now available on line.

News to Note

THE TOBOGGAN TANGO - SAWTOOTH ELEMENTARY
Each spring, North House enjoys the arrival of many local students on campus. Most recently, fourth and fifth graders from Sawtooth Elementary spent three days immersed in the world of winter travel and building toboggans. Third graders arrive this May! See comments from teacher Jana Larson’s kids.

ON THE FACE (BOOK)
With hopes of utilizing the digital world to stay connected, North House is pleased to report that we now have a Facebook page. Fans are wanted! Please stay tuned as we add events, photos, and other information to this new resource. As always, your suggestions and comments are welcome.

On The Horizon

CATALOG EXPRESS – DRIVERS WANTED
Chug, chug, choo, choo – ah yes, the sound of the catalog express picking up speed! The catalog express? Indeed, the helping hands of many students, instructors and volunteers help distribute catalogs to coffee shops, libraries, and arts organizations across the country. In fact, 10% of our student find North House by “simply picking up a catalog at a coffee shop or library.” Willing to help? Drivers wanted – let us know and we’ll send you 12 or 25 catalogs.

BBNLF - WELCOME PARTNERS
Every year, the Boreal Birding and Northern Landscape Festival thrives thanks to the involvement of key partners who help welcome students, present evening programs, host guides and get the story “out there.” Who are the 2009 partners?? Take a look!

Course Sampler
A few upcoming courses that still have openings. Remember, space is limited!

CREATING and DESIGNING MOSAICS
April 17-19

BLACK ASH BASKETRY
April 18-19

BUILDING THOREAU’S CABIN
April 23-27

WANT MORE?
There are numerous other courses offered in the coming months.

About North House

Our Mission
* Enriching lives and building community
through the teaching of traditional northern crafts
in a student-centered learning environment that
inspires the hands, the heart and the mind.

Your E-Mail Subscription
We appreciate your interest in North House Folk School and respect your internet privacy. This list is private and confidential and is used only by North House Folk School. You received this update because you provided your email address and asked to be added to our e-mail list. North House sends out its E-Newsletter once per month as well as mails out occasional updates mid-month

If you want to add a friend to our e-mail list or do not want future updates, please:
* visit http://www.northhouse.org/news/index.htm
* or send your request to info@northhouse.org
* please allow up to 15 days for your e-mail address to be removed.

Member Supported
North House is an independent nonprofit and relies upon the generous support of individuals, families and businesses. To receive information on our annual membership campaign, memorial donations, or other giving opportunities call 888-387-9762.

Staff – Kay Costello, Office Manager
- Kelly Dupre, Volunteer/Classroom Coordinator
- Gail Hedstrom, School Store Manager
- Scott Pollock, Program Director
- Russ Viton, Facility Manager
- Greg Wright, Executive Director

Homepage - http://www.northhouse.org
Our address - PO Box 759, 500 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
Phone - 888-387-9762
Fax - 218-387-9706
E-mail - info@northhouse.org