Upcoming Workshops
The “Porkies Folk School” of the Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park hosts workshops throughout the year. Please pre-register for classes. Registration and fee payments are accepted by calling Angie at 906-884-4886. All classes are held at the Folk School building located near the Park’s Union Bay Campground. For further questions, call 906-884-4886.
Please note that a Michigan State Park motor vehicle permit (MVP) is required. More information is given below.
2012 Classes
Please register and prepay by calling 906-884-4886. Checks should be made out to “Friends of the Porkies.” Send to: Friends of the Porkies, PO Box 221, Ontonagon, Michigan 49953
- Hand Craft Classes with Sherry Havela
Times: Saturday, January 21 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Eastern time)
Saturday, February 4 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 18 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 3 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Cost: $30, a one-time fee for one or any number of sessions
Minimum number of students: 10 (maximum 10)
Students will learn or improve existing hand craft skills such as Knitting, Crochet, Cross Stitch, Embroidery, Crewel Work, Macramé, Beads, Latch Hook, etc. As students enroll, they should convey to the contact person which hand craft they are interested in learning or improving. If there is interest in a hand craft not listed, that may be accommodated, Instuctor Sherry Havela has much skill and experience.
Materials: **Students must provide their own materials (yarn, cord, floss, etc) and tools (knitting needles, crochet hooks, latch hooks, etc)**. For beginners, advice on materials and supplies may be available if Folk School host is contacted ahead of time.
Registration: Please reserve your place and pay the fee by contacting Angie at the Ontonagon Friends Office, 906-884-4886, by Friday, February 17, 2012.
Questions? If you have any questions please call a class host: Sarah Wagner 906-884-2630 or Karen Berg 906-884-4340.
Special Note: Winter is a great time to get out to the park and beat the winter blues. Snow shoe events may be leaving from the vicinity of the Folk School on some of afternoons when classes are held, and Cross country and downhill skiing is right next door!
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- Snowshoe Hike with Park Naturalist Bob Wild
Date: Saturday, February 25, 2012
Time: 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. (ET)
Fee: None
Equipment: Bring your snowshoes or request to borrow a pair.
(See registration below.)
All ages and ability levels are welcome.
Description: Bob Wild will lead the group at a leisurely pace along the Union River Trail. He will make frequent stops to share information and answer questions about the area we are hiking in…the geology of the landscape, tree species, animal activity, and what it means to call the Porkies a “wilderness” park.
It will be especially interesting to hike with our very own expert.
Registration: Please reserve your place and indicate if you would like to borrow snowshoes, including shoe size, by contacting…
Angie Foley at 906-884-4886 or e-mail by Friday, February 24.
Parking: We will meet at the junction of Park Headquarters entrance road and South Boundary Road. You may park on the side of the entrance road.
Special Note: Bob Wild also features a Lantern-lit Trail for the whole family to ski, snowshoe or hike every Saturday evening in February from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
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WORDS & THE PORKIES WRITERS WORKSHOP
With Author Henry Kisor
Author Henry Kisor will instruct the second (2012) series of 4 creative writing workshops. Students focus on writing about “The Porkies” in a broad choice of genres, whatever is comfortable for each student. At the end of classes, a published book will showcase the best efforts of each student.
Optional short guided hikes and indoor activities will be offered to provide subjects for writing. Casual clothes and suitable shoes are recommended for the outdoor activities.
The instructor, Henry Kisor, assisted by Deborah Abbott, will be available for private consultations (included in the class price) all weekend on those dates, either in person at the Folk School or via e-mail at e-mail
DATES & TIME OF CLASSES:
4 Saturdays, 10 – noon: May 12, May 19, June 2, June 9 2012
Coffee, tea, water, and snacks will be provided.
STUDENT PROVIDES:
1. Meals and lodging if staying in the area.
2. Student should bring their own laptop if they have one. Some computers are available at 2 local libraries but must remain at the library.
3. All assignments should be submitted electronically to the instructor in format discussed at first session – no hand-written assignments, please.
4. WI FI is available at selected locations, but not at the Folk School. Discuss WI FI and computer needs in advance of the first class.
COST: $50 per student, for any or all classes, and includes one copy of published book.
REGISTER: Call Angie at 906-884-4886 to register by April 30, 2012.
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CLASS TITLE Bob Ross Landscape Painting with Vicki Kmiecik
DATE OF CLASS June 30, 2012
TIME OF CLASS 10AM – 4PM (lunch provided 12-12:30 PM) EASTERN DAYLIGHT TIME
Cost of Class $85
CLASS DESCRIPTION: Beginners welcome, as well as seasoned art students! Vicki Kmiecik, CRI, will lead students in creating a 16×20” landscape oil painting using the Bob Ross painting method. All supplies will be furnished by the instructor. You bring your hidden talent and enthusiasm!
FOLK SCHOOL REGISTRAR: Angie Foley 906-884-4886 e-mail
MAXIMUM # of STUDENTS: 10 MINIMUM: 9
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2011 Classes
• Cross-Country Ski Class (Wax or Waxless) with Jim Waters •
Time: Saturday, February 5 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Cost: $15, to be paid directly to Jim Waters at the time of class. All profits will be contributed to the Blake Helmet Fund.
Minimum number of students: 5. Minimum must be reached by Tuesday, February 1 for class to be held.
Maximum: 15
Students of all ages are welcome and will meet at the Folk School in the Porkies. For students with skis that need to be waxed Jim will instruct the proper procedures for various weather conditions. He will demonstrate techniques for cross-country skiing and will answer questions you may have. You will have the opportunity to practice on a groomed, level trail. Refreshments will be served at the end of class.
Materials: Students will need skis, boots, and poles. If you do not have your own equipment you may rent it from the Porkies Ski Shop at the ski hill. Please give your shoe size when you register for the class. Then your equipment will set aside for quick pick-up at 10:30 a.m. Rental fee: ?
Transportation: For those who would like transportation to the Porkies meet at the Library parking lot at 10:00 a.m. Kim Sims will pick you up, take you to the ski hill to get any equipment needed, and drive you to the Folk School by 11:00 a.m.
Registration: Please reserve your place and indicate if you need to have equipment reserved for you by contacting Beth at the EDC Office, 906-884-4188 by February 1, 2011.
• Snowshoe Hike with a Park Staff Member •
Time: Saturday, February 26 from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Cost: None
Any number of people (children and adults) are welcome.
A Porcupine Mountains Staff Person will lead the hike. He will provide snowshoes for those who do not have them. Please register for the hike by February 22 so that the leader will know how many pairs of snowshoes are needed. He will meet you at the Whitetail Cabin parking lot, just a short distance beyond the turn-off to the Ski Hill. You are welcome to take the hike whether or not you attend a Folk School class.
Registration: Please reserve your place, and indicate if you will need snowshoes, by contacting Beth at the EDC Office, 906-884-4188 by February 22.
• Writing Workshop with Henry Kisor “Words and the Porkies” •
Time: Four Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – Noon; May 14, May 21, June 4, June 11, 2011
Cost: $25, a one-time fee for any number of sessions
Minimum number of students: 5
Maximum: 20
Students will focus on writing about “The Porkies” in a broad choice of genres, including the travel article, the essay, the journal, memoir, fiction, children’s story, and poetry ~ whatever is comfortable for the student. There will be readings of short passages about the wilderness by famous writers and poets as well as work by Porcupine Mountains Artist-in-Residents. Techniques of observation and fact-gathering, including interviewing, will be discussed. Basic assignments on subjects about The Porkies will be made in consultation with each student. Student work will be read and discussed and suggestions made, but no grading will be done.
Requirements: Students need to have a desire to write and the ability to use a typewriter or computer. It is hoped that students will have access to one or the other, as well as a printer. Some accommodation can be made for those who do not have such equipment.
Special Note: A choice among short guided hikes and indoor activities will be offered to provide ideas for writing. Casual clothes and suitable shoes are recommended for outdoor activities. The Instructor, Henry Kisor, assisted by his wife, Debby Abbott Kisor, will be available for private consultations all weekend of the class dates at the Folk School or by email. e-mail
Registration: Please reserve your place and pay the fee by contacting Beth at the EDC Office, 906-884-4188, by Saturday, April 30, 2011.
• Introduction to Rustic Furniture Making with William Greene •
Time: Friday, June 10 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, June 11 from 1:00 p.m. until project is completed
Cost: $30
Materials Cost: $45. Students will receive one slab for a bench or end table and four legs. When registering for the class the student must specify which project they wish to make. A student may choose not to buy materials and help someone else to build theirs. (The completed project is valued at $100.)
Minimum number of students: 4
Maximum: 10
Class Description:
Day 1 – Introduction to hole (mortise) and tenon system using hand and power tools. Instruction about hole (mortise) and tenon project designs. Selection of materials for the projectwhere and how to obtain. Basic tool skills and safety. Finishes.
Day 2 – Hands on instruction. Building project. Assembling tips. No projects will be lacquered in class. Lacquering is at the discretion of the student.
Special Note: Students must bring light work gloves, preferably leather, safety glasses, and notepad and pencil.
Registration: Please reserve your place and pay the $30 fee by contacting Beth at the EDC Office 906-88-4188 by Monday, June 6, 1012. The materials fee will be paid directly to the Instructor.
• Timber Framing with Steve Stier and David Suutala •
Time: Sunday, June 12 through Saturday, June 18 (7 days), from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EDT each class day
Cost: $395 for all 7 days
Class Description: Students will finish a service project begun in 2010. Complete a timber frame in preparation for roofing. All skill levels are welcomed. Skilled framers with combined experience of over 40 years will guide participants through design, layout, boring and chiseling mortises, forming and pegging tenons, cutting wind braces and assembling bents for the 20-foot-by-20-foot timber-framed stage roof. The completed roof will be assembled at the Porcupine Mountains Ski Area in preparation of the 2011 Porcupine Mountains Music Festival held August 26-28. The roof will be a welcome addition for musicians and performers who previously had performed under a blistering hot sun.
Provided by Folk School & Instructors: Hand tools, power tools will be shared between students. Safety helmets and safety glasses will be provided. Daily lunch, pop, water, coffee, tea will be provided and included in class price.
Student provides: Wear appropriate work clothing and protective shoes or work boots. Students are encouraged to bring their own safety gear they are used to wearing, work gloves, tools and supplies.
Registration: Call Beth at the EDC Office, 906-88-4188, by Friday, June 10 to register.
Local Accommodations: Call Susan Giesen, 906-885-5317, if you need a referral to lodging in the area.
• Mixed Media Art with Beth Cox •
Star Fairy
Time: Saturday, July 30, from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. EDT with 1 hour lunch break
Cost: $20
Materials and Lab: $20 (paid directly to the Instructor)
Minimum number of students: 4
Maximum: 15
Class Description: Each student will develop a mixed media creation during this 4 hour class using the copper foil stained glass technique. Each project will be formed on a copper wire star and include embellishments of fiber, beads and polymer clay.
Special Note: Students may bring their own beads or fibers to be used for embellishments.
Registration: Please reserve your place and pay the $15 fee by contacting Beth at the EDC Office, 906-884-4188, by Wednesday, July 27, 2011.
• Cedar Bark Basket in Traditional Form with Dawn Walden •
Time: Saturday, August 6, 2011 from 9:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (1/2 hour for your sack lunch)
Optional Class Time: Friday evening, August 5, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. Participants may choose to attend the Friday evening orientation where Dawn will talk about collecting materials she uses to make her all-natural baskets. If you plan to attend, indicate that when you register. (There is no charge for this session.)
Cost: $60
Materials Cost: $10 (paid to the Instructor).
Minimum number of students: 5
Maximum: If more than 10 students register, the Instructor will be notified and will prepare more materials.
Class Description: Dawn will give instructions about gathering materials for the basket with respect for the history and culture of the art and for the environment. Participants/students will experience 2 and 3 strand twining techniques and a traditional folded, twined down rim, working with cedar, sedge and bulrush. The size of the basket will depend on how quickly the individual weaves. It wil measure 2 to 5 inches in width and height. The last two hours of the workshop will be spent learning techniques for making the rim. Students will leave class with a completed cedar bark basket. (For this class Dawn will have gathered and prepared materials. In a class of longer duration Dawn would discuss the gathering and processing methods of these natural materials.)
Optional Class Description: Participants may choose to attend the Friday evening orientation where Dawn will talk about collecting materials she uses to make her all-natural baskets. If you plan to attend please indicate that when you register. (There is no additional cost for the Friday evening class.)
Materials: Students will need a small scissors, spray bottle or small dish for water, and a kitchen size towel. (Optional: a small awl or large eye darning needle, a recycled plastic bag, a small sharp knife or x-acto knife or a single edged razorblade.)
Registration: Please reserve your place in the class and indicate if you plan to attend the Friday evening class by contacting Beth at the EDC Office, 906-884-4188. Pay the class fee by August 1, 2011.
Both classes will be held at the Porkies Folk School in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park of Michigan.
• Copper Bowl Making with Ed Gray •
Time: Saturday, September 17, 2011, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. EDT with 12 hour lunch break
Cost: $65 plus $30 for materials (total cost $95)
Minimum number of students: 8
Maximum: 20
Class Description: American Indians living in the U.P. discovered outcroppings of a very pure form of copper, the most pure in the world. They forged tools from the copper to fit their needs. This Ed Gray workshop will follow the same ancient methods. Workshop participants will form a copper bowl by using primitive tools. The copper bowl will be annealed by fire until the forming process has been completed. Then the bowl may be embellished with beads and/or found objects. The completed bowl will be about 6 inches in diameter.
Special Notes:
1. Embellishments will be provided, but students may bring their own beads or objects.
2. The class will be conducted outside at the Folk School, rain or shine, so prepare for comfort while working outside. (Suggestions: rain gear, hat, gloves, sunscreen, bug repellent, etc.)
Registration: Please reserve your place and pay the $95 fee by contacting Beth at the EDC Office 906-884-4188 by Tuesday, August 30, 2011.
• How to Make Lake Superior Soap with Dar Fredrikson •
Time: Sunday, September 18, 2011 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Porkies Folk School
Cost: $20 (includes materials)
Minimum number of students: 5
Maximum: 10
Class Description: From rendering tallow and dissolving lye, to stirring the mixture to complete saponification, you will learn how soap is made. A bar of soap molded by birch bark will be yours to take and cure at home. You will receive the recipe and put your know-how to work as you make your own soap.
Special Note: Traditional Finnish egg coffee made over an open fire will be served at 3:00 p.m. with homemade cinnamon rolls.
Registration: Please reserve your place and pay the $20 fee by contacting Beth at the EDC Office, 906-884-4188, by Monday, September 12, 2011.
What To Bring:
Winter: In the winter, come dressed and prepared for lake-effect snows! Our building is quite warm, but you may want to get out and enjoy the fresh air. (Winter interpretive programs) We recommend bringing boots, a warm coat, a hat, gloves/mittens, and a scarf. You may want to think about bringing cross-country skis or snowshoes to enjoy an afternoon hike or lantern light skiing on Saturdays from 7 to 9 p.m.
Summer: Please bring your favorite folding chair, bug dope, sunscreen, sunglasses, an extra layer of clothing, and a rain jacket. There are lots of things to see and do in the park after hours; it stays light until about 9:30 p.m. (Interpretive programs) The Porcupine Mountains Folk School site is quite close to Lake Superior, so be prepared for cool mornings.
What to bring in all seasons: We also ask that you bring a bag lunch or some money to purchase lunch from one of the local eateries. We will provide menus, phone numbers, and driving directions for each. All locations are within 5-15 minutes of the Folk School. Meals are quite affordable ($5-$15), and some of the restaurants will deliver. We have a refrigerator to store lunches and beverages. Bottled water, coffee, tea, and a variety of sodas will be available throughout the day. In addition to these items, some workshops require other materials. Please check the details below. If needed, bring personal safety equipment (eye protection, hard hat, gloves). We will have some of these items if you do not bring them, but please bring gloves. You will be attending class in a Michigan state park; a motor vehicle permit will be required. They can be purchased at the park office or campground. No smoking please.
MOTOR VEHICLE PERMITS (MVP)
If you are a Michigan resident you may check “yes,” agreeing to pay an additional $10 on your license plate renewal each year. You will receive a sticker to put on your vehicle window, and you will gain admission to all 98 Michigan state parks and recreation areas. The non-resident annual recreation passport is $29. The daily admission for a vehicle is $8, and for a motorcycle it is $5.
To reach us at the Folk School call 906-885-5545.
The Porcupine Mountains Folk School is sponsored in cooperation with the Porcupine Mountains State Park and the Friends of the Porkies, whose mission is to promote and enhance the use of the Porkies. The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural resources for current and future generations.
