The following courses are currently scheduled.
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Creating & Designing Mosaics
Jeanne Wright/Kelly Dupre
Session Options:
. . . 4/17/2009 - 4/19/2009
. . . 10/23/2009 - 10/25/2009
Expect nothing short of creative chaos as we turn dishes, china and ceramic tiles into unique artistic statements.  First learn the basics of mosaic techniques - from ceramic and glass cutting to a variety of grout types to add color and finish your work.  Color theory and design applications will also be taught.  Each student will begin with a small project - a plant holder, a picture frame or a garden stepping stone, for example.  Once the basics are covered, the class will allow you to stretch your wings to produce one or more masterpieces with a design all your own - from coffee tables to back-splashes, chairs to computer monitors.  You may choose to either bring your own base for building a mosaic or use materials provided by the instructors.


Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 3
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $225
. . . Materials Fee: $40
. . . Intergenerational Age: 12+
. . . Level: All levels


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A Handmade Life
    - Three Days, Three Projects (Bowls, Spoons, Tools)
Bill Coperthwaite
Session Options:
. . . 11/18/2009 - 11/20/2009
Handcraft seems to defy rigid categories as when simplified to its essentials, the craftsperson becomes a forester, toolmaker, woodcarver and weaver of sorts.  Experience a handmade life with Bill Coperthwaite as the focus of this course is on tree to bowl. You will explore the traditional uses of the most versatile carving knives used widely used throughout the northern hemisphere across traditional cultures - from Lapland through Siberia to the Bering Sea and down the Northwest Coast.  You will learn to make a simple loop knife to use with the Lapp shoulder harness, a carving scorp and a cold hammered crooked knife.  From these tools, each student will learn to make bowls and spoons from freshly harvested green birch wood - a wholistic craft experience that's rewarding when finished.

Crooked knives are basically nomadic tools, easily fashioned and widely used, they can be used anywhere without the need of a woodshop and large investment of tool making equipment.  In his search of simple tools, Bill Coperthwaite has found that the crooked knife is one of the most versatile and widely used tool across the northern hemisphere throughout traditional cultures.  There is great satisfaction in shaping your own tools and then using them to carve a useful object with.  Each student will take home a bowl and a spoon. 

A variety of tools collected by Bill will be available for study and inspiration, and time spent exploring their uses. Day one of the class will focus on use of the loop knife (aided with a shoulder harness for increased power in carving a bowl), the scorp and a crooked knife.  The scorp will be used for cleaning up the inside of the bowl.  The crooked knife for carving the spoon.  We will explore 'cold hammering' - working with the steel cold (no heating necessary).

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 3
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $285
. . . Materials Fee: $15
. . . Intergenerational Age: 12+
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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A Handmade Life   
    - Two Days, Two Projects: (Northern Clothing)
Bill Coperthwaite
Session Options:
. . . 11/22/2009 - 11/23/2009
Experience a handmade life with Bill Coperthwaite as this course surveys a centuries old, simple approach to making warm, functional clothing from natural materials - Nålbinding.  Everything from the tools required to the yarn used, the Finnish traditions of Nålbinding will be explored to make your "knitting" tools and a warm tube-hood of Danish design.  Nålbinding, is a centuries old yarn technique used across a wide number of northern cultures, including Scandinavia, Transylvania, Siberia and the Tarem Basin that predates the traditions of knitting by over 2,000 years.  The technique somewhere between knitting and darning and is done with a simple, one-eyed needle of horn, bone or wood.  No sewing machines, no metal tools.  A simple approach to creating some warm clothing.  The Danish hood project is a great introduction to the craft of Nålbinding and will allow you to explore how to make hats, mittens and other functional clothing by hand.

After a presentation of the history and spread of this ancient technique, we will discuss the possible uses for Nalbinding.  Next we will shape a wonderfully simple but useful wooden needle to use for our projects.  Each person will learn to make a warm tube-hood to start.  If time permits, hats and mittens will also be explored.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 2
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $190
. . . Materials Fee: Included
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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Hookers & Spooners:
    Working in Horn, Bone, Antler
Harley Refsal
Session Options:
. . . 8/7/2009 - 8/9/2009
Fishhooks to spoons, flutes to waterproof containers.  Cowhorn, bone and antler have served as a valuable material for northerners since the Stone Age.  Each material is surprisingly workable, once the characteristics of each material are understood.  These were the plastics of the pre-industrial age...soft and malleable when heated, hard and consistent when cooled.  These intriguing mediums offer a rich and historic arena for exploration and learning.  In this course Harley Refsal weaves together history, archeology, cultural studies, art, and some modern science, as we create historic spoons, utensils, a Stone Age-inspired fishhook and decorative jewelry.

In Latin, the word for flute is 'tibia'...a fascinating reflection on one of the many uses found by northern people, among others, for their harvested animals.  Meat for sustenance, hide for clothing and shelter, bone/horn for needles, containers, or musical instruments.  Horn from the 'bovidae' family (which includes cattle, sheep, goats and bison) are perfect for creating a wide variety of utilitarian objects.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 3
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $225
. . . Materials Fee: Varies
. . . Intergenerational Age: 12+
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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Low and Slow
     - Low-Tech Clay Forming and Firing
David Voorhees
Session Options:
. . . 9/18/2009 - 9/20/2009
Discover a new creative level of ceramics without expensive equipment used in modern studios. This clay forming and firing class will inform students about hand building techniques requiring few tools and no equipment, as well as various low temperature firing methods.  Each day will contain hands-on elements of both forming and firing.  You will learn the traditional way using pinching, coil, paddle and anvil, as well as slab vessel building, to create some fascinating traditional vessel shapes.   We will use found objects to explore surface design, drawing from a variety of historical techniques found in Native American pottery.    We will seek to understand the rich history and process of low temperature firing without glazes.  We will work as a class to build and fire our 'kilns' - a beachside pit-fired kiln, a stacked masonry sawdust-fired kiln and sagger firing in a propane fueled trashcan kiln that we will build during class.  Each method will be put to the test as we have fun firing varying ceramic pieces and enjoying their results.  At the completion of the course, you will be prepared to use these firing techniques at home for a minimal cost.

While visiting a pottery village in West Africa several years ago, David discovered potters whose work was still formed and fired in the traditional way using coil, paddle and anvil and open pit firing.  Upon returning home, David began experimenting with hand-forming techniques and primitive firing, delving further into traditional Native American ceramic techniques and tools. 
The pieces created during the class will have to be taken home green or unfired. For our firing experiments each student will need to bring some small bisque-fired pots.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 3
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $255
. . . Materials Fee: Varies ($20-$25)
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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Natural Wreaths      
     – From Minnesota’s Forest
John Zasada/Julie Miedtke
Session Options:
. . . 12/6/2009
Go "all-natural" this holiday season and explore an alternative wreath made entirely from Minnesota's northern forests.  Two silviculturist specialists lead this enjoyable project as we explore the connection between craft and forest based products - the all natural wreath.  This class will show you how to make a holiday wreath" using the sprightly greened princess pine, a hoop made from hand-pounded black ash, and inner bark of basswood as a material to tie everything together. All of the materials are from Minnesota's northern forests.  Informal discussions on how to gather and process the materials used to make this "all natural wreath," as well as plant growth and forest management as it relates to the project will make this a conscientious holiday project.


Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 1
. . . Hours: 9am-4pm
. . . Tuition: $65
. . . Materials Fee: $10
. . . Intergenerational Age: 12+
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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North Shore Birch Bound Journal
Nancy "Nance" Cooley
Session Options:
. . . 9/11/2009 - 9/13/2009
Learn bookmaking skills while celebrating the beauty of the North Shore! During this course, students will create a birch bark covered journal using stab binding techniques. Walk the shore for inspiration and collection of natural materials used to make your cover unique. Clean, peel and press birch bark into a malleable paper thin material that retains its natural bark texture and color, and then apply the bark onto the journal’s 8x12 inch thin cover panels. Finally, bind the journal together with leather lacing experimenting with hole and lacing patterns. Course projects will also include time to experience various printing and transfer techniques to customize the journal’s interior, including glue-on-glass printing plates and carved-block printing.

The main concentration of this class will be making the journal. The North Shore is unique in its ability to provide rich ephemeral materials as well as abundant subject matter. Techniques learned during the course can be utilized to produce one book or several, creating a limited edition run with text and images. Day one will emphasize an introduction to the process of book making and collecting project materials. Day two will emphasize cover creation and journal pre-assembly. Day three will focus on final assembly and bark application. Printing and transfer techniques will be experimented with throughout the project.


Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 3
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $255
. . . Materials Fee: $55
. . . Intergenerational Age: 14-17
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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Old-Fashioned Soap Making
Jeanne Wright
Session Options:
. . . 7/31/2009 
. . . 11/7/2009
Soap - so simple, yet so misunderstood. Have you ever pondered the ingredients contained in a typical bar of soap?  Petroleum distillates, sulfates, and many other unpronounceable additives.  Whatever happened to that good ol’ fashioned soap that Grandma made?  Using the same ingredients Grandma used, animal fat and lye, learn how to make gentle, natural soaps, and explore the history and science of this cleanser. You'll leave with at least two varieties of handmade soap, information and resources, and plenty of experience to make soap at home.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 0.5
. . . Hours: 9am-1pm
. . . Tuition: $55
. . . Materials Fee: $10
. . . Intergenerational Age: 12+
. . . Level: Beginner

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Poke, Pierce and Paint - Surface Treatments for Clay
David Voorhees
Session Options:
. . . 9/26/2009 - 9/27/2009
Discover a wide variety of surface decoration options for clay. We will explore techniques that can be used on your hand-built, wheel formed, tile or sculptural creations in all firing ranges.  This will be a hands-on survey, moving from wet clay through bisque surface treatments; covering stamping, sprigging, piercing, carving, slip trailing, resists and under-glaze painting.  Glazing ideas and the use of over-glaze enamels and china painting will be touched on.  While no firing will take place, you will take home new knowledge to apply in your own studio or classroom situation.

After visiting a pottery village in West Africa several years ago, David discovered potters whose work was still formed and fired in the traditional way using coil, paddle and anvil and open pit firing.  Upon returning home, David began experimenting with hand forming techniques and primitive firing, delving further into traditional Native American ceramic techniques and tools.  Students in this course will explore these hand-forming techniques in detail.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 2
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $170
. . . Materials Fee: Varies ($20-$25)
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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Raku Pottery Experience 
Kristi Downing
Session Options:
. . . 6/6/2009 
. . . 6/17/2009 
. . . 6/28/2009 
. . . 7/9/2009 
. . . 7/12/2009 
. . . 7/22/2009 
. . . 8/4/2009 
. . . 8/15/2009 
. . . 8/16/2009
Experience the thrill, alchemy and magic of the ancient pottery process called "raku."  Making pots is typically a multi-step process that takes time and patience. This class is for those who want immediate gratification with an extravagant outcome!  A variety of pots will be ready for students to glaze and fire in the outdoor raku kiln, then the drama begins.  Watch your red hot pot come out of the kiln, go into chambers of sawdust and newspaper and immediately burst into flames.  After about 15 minutes, we plunge them into icy Lake Superior water and scrub away the soot to reveal the amazing colors and crackles underneath. By the end of the day, students will have at least two one-of-a-kind artworks to take home.

We’ll work both inside the studio and out - finding inspiration on the beach, in the woods and from the big lake itself. Come prepared for smoke, fire and lots of fun!  For those who have had previous raku experience, you'll have more time to "play with fire" since less time will be spent  learning glazing and firing techniques.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 1
. . . Hours: 9:30am-4pm
. . . Tuition: $75
. . . Materials Fee: Varies $15-$40 per pot
. . . Intergenerational Age: 15+
. . . Level: All Levels

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Traditional Seat Caning For the Vintage Chair
Cathryn Peters
Session Options:
. . . 8/21/2009 - 8/23/2009
Bring your worn-out chair to class and learn the nearly lost art of the traditional, seven-step method of chair seat weaving commonly known as "hole-to-hole caning."  Over the course of three-days, you'll have ample time, instruction and all the tools you'll need to restore your vintage chair by recaning the seat to its original condition.  Whether a family heirloom chair or the one you picked up at the antique store that needs a little brushing up, vintage chairs that need seat work are welcome in this course that's tailored to your specific project.  Chairs need to have predrilled holes around the perimeter of seat and be in good condition (not in need of re-gluing or refinishing).  Each student will consult with the instructor prior to the start of the course to asses the chair's needs.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 3
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $225
. . . Materials Fee: Varies ($15-$40)
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Level: Beginner

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Twig Furniture -  Garden Trellis and Plant Stand
Paula Sundet
Session Options:
. . . to be scheduled
Transform your brush trimmings into a useful, intriguing garden addition that your vining plants and flowers will simply love.  In this course you will learn the craft of rustic twig furniture by working with native brush species including red osier dogwood, willow and alder to handcraft your own garden trellis and plant stand. You'll use simple hand tools to discover a variety of twig furniture joinery techniques including the woven and entwined method, and the nailed stick method.  A field trip will provide an opportunity to identify useful brush and tree species and to cut and gather materials for additional projects.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 2
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $150
. . . Materials Fee: $10
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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Twig Furniture - The Chair 
Paula Sundet
Session Options:
. . . 10/9/2009 - 10/11/2009
Learn the traditional craft of twig furniture by making your own alder and willow chair.  In this course you will work with native alder and willow following a basic twig chair design that can be personally individualized with curved, bent, or straight twig furniture techniques.  A field trip will provide an opportunity to gather some of the materials that will personalize each chair, in addition to providing a chance to field identify twig furniture materials.

During the first day of class, students will construct a basic chair frame using materials provided by instructor.  On the following morning, students will take a morning field trip to identify brushwood species and to gather materials for the chair seat and back.  By afternoon, students will start constructing the seat and back using gathered materials.  By day three students will finish their chair and talk about other applications such as foot stools, tables, etc.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 3
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $225
. . . Materials Fee: $35
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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Twig Furniture:
     Twig Mosaic End Table
Paula Sundet
Session Options:
. . . 11/7/2009 - 11/8/2009
The complexity of geometrical patterns complemented by a rustic, handcrafted look best describes the craft of twig mosaic.  Twig mosaic is an early American folk art form using full or half rounded branches nailed over a frame creating a geometric pattern that provides volume and intricacy, delicacy and geometry.  You will work with native brush and tree species such as red osier dogwood, willow and alder to make the visually striking 16" X 24" table top - a great complement to any handwoven rug on the floor or used as a reading table next to the sofa at the cabin.  The base of the table and legs will also be constructed using a variety of rustic twig furniture joinery techniques including the woven and entwined method, and the nailed stick method.  A field trip will provide an opportunity to identify useful brush and tree species and to cut and gather materials for your specific  project.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 2
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $130
. . . Materials Fee: $25
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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Woodblock Printmaking 
Nick Wroblewski
Session Options:
. . . 3/6/2009 - 3/8/2009
Woodblock printing is one of the oldest ways of creating multiple images. Through the tactile process of literally “carving” imagery, this workshop will investigate the methods of relief woodblock printmaking. This course is an introduction to the basics of creating a multi-color woodblock print. Techniques covered will include transfer, carving, reduction, and multi-block methods. Simplify the seemingly complicated world of layers, woodcarving, reversed imagery, registration, and printing. This course will demonstrate hand printing techniques as well as techniques that utilize a manual printing press (located at the Grand Marais Art Colony). Students will also be encouraged to discuss imagery, abstraction, and conceptual intent. Embark on the adventuresome process of creating a unique, colorful image through woodcarving!

The first day of this course will deal with imagery, layout and design, and carving. There will be an initial introduction to the course and the steps of the complete process. Participants will discuss composition and subject matter. The individual project will be shaped depending on experience level, and the complexity of the print will be based on one’s individual abilities. Carving techniques will be taught and students will be shown examples of various textures, incorporating wood grain, and safety.

The second day will cover inking and printing. As the first stages of the blocks are finished being carved, students will be shown techniques for inking and the workings of the printing press. A general overview of ink mixing, characteristics, and application will be discussed. After the first color is printed, the students will be shown techniques for transferring the image to another block for separate color groups. Students will also be given the option to stick with one block and complete the print as a “reduction” print.

On the third day, the class will continue printing and “reduction” carving. Emphasis will be placed on the understanding of combining all the elements together, especially registration techniques, and carving negative space.  The participants will continue with printing and at the end of class there will be a brief discussion and kind “critique” of the finished work.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 3
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $255
. . . Materials Fee: $70
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Level: Beginner to Advanced

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Wreath Weaving - The Traditional Balsam Bough Wreath
David Abazs
Session Options:
. . . 12/4/2009
Spend a cozy, wintry day on the Round River Farm in Finland, MN (40 miles SW of Grand Marais, MN), an inspirational homestead environment, as you learn to create hand-woven, balsam-based holiday wreath from start to finish.  Use forest materials harvested in a sustainable fashion and learn specialized weaving techniques to create fresh, natural greenery wreaths, unadulterated by waxes, paint or artificial scents.  We will learn how and when to cut greens, what particular materials you will need and how to weave these greens into a circular forest.  Your efforts will provide you with a wreath to take home with you.

Orientate yourself to the inspiring, educational setting at Round River Farm by visiting www.round-river.com

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 0.5
. . . Hours: noon-4pm
. . . Tuition: $60
. . . Materials Fee: $10
. . . Intergenerational Age: 13+
. . . Level: Beginner
 

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Inuit Soapstone Carving and
   Inuit Art Premier   
Saturday Event - hosted by Sivertson Art Gallery
Coursework - hosted by North House
Thursday-Tuesday, March 12-17, 2009
North House Folk School welcomes the return of Inuit guest instructor, Ohito Ashoona, winner of the 2002 National Aboriginal Achievement Awards, for two hands-on soapstone carving classes as he visits Minnesota in conjunction with the Sivertson Art Gallery’s Inuit Art Premiere.  Ohito’s soapstone carving classes complement Sivertson Art Gallery's Inuit Art Premiere, an annual weekend event that features a variety of Inuit art and cultural traditions and activities

The event weekend includes two featured soapstone carving courses (see full details below) courses plus the array of programs/ demonstrations at Sivertson Gallery.

Download Inuit Art Premier PDF Schedule
www.sivertson.com

Inuit Soapstone Carving Traditions  
Ohito Ashoona
Session Options:
. . . 3/12/2009 - 3/13/2009
“Words will never do his carvings justice.” So state the jurors of the National Aboriginal Awards on the work of Ohito Ashoona.  “Only when you behold the tenderness between a mother polar bear and her cub as created by Ashoona’s hands and mind, or watch cold serpentine stone evoke the warmth and caring this artist has watched and then brought forth from his Arctic home and culture, can his skill truly be felt.”   Students in this course are introduced to the skills and techniques of soapstone sculpting under the direction of Ashoona.  This course offers participants first-hand experience in soapstone carving, a rare opportunity to learn traditional techniques from this respected carver.  Participants will each carve variations on a seal basking on the ice or standing stones known as an Inuksuk, both reflections of Inuit cultural identity.  Your materials fee covers two 4-5 lb pieces of asbestos-free soapstone to work on.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 2
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $190
. . . Materials Fee: $20
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Level: All levels

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Inuit Stone Sculpting   
     - Movement On Ice
Ohito Ashoona
Session Options:
. . . 3/15/2009 - 3/17/2009
Ohito Ashoona spent his formative years living a traditional Inuit lifestyle, subsisting entirely off the land while learning carving skills from his grandmother, Pitseolak Ashoona, a soapstone carver who helped pioneer this evocative art form.  His style consistently has a relationship with nature; whether it is a bear sneaking up on a seal basking in the sun, a mother bear walking with her cub, a bear on an ice floe, or two bears playing on the snow, each tells a story.  In this course students will carve more complex forms on a larger sculpture.  Student projects for this course draw inspiration from animistic symbols of the Arctic, the polar bear and seal, to accentuate 'movement' in sculpture.   Your materials fee covers on large 10-12lb piece of asbestos-free soapstone and one smaller 4-5lb piece to carve on.

Course Details:
. . . Length in Days: 3
. . . Hours: 9am-5pm
. . . Tuition: $285
. . . Materials Fee: $27
. . . Intergenerational Age: na
. . . Level: All levels