Building and enriching community in the Avon Hills of Central Minnesota
What is a Folk School?
Folk schools, originating in 19th-century Denmark, emphasize hands-on, intergenerational, and non-competitive learning for its own sake. They aim to preserve traditional skills lost to modern efficiency, valuing the satisfaction of craftsmanship and the sense of community it fosters. Folk schools serve as a response to cultural and technological changes, striving to retain creative, hands-on knowledge, while building and enriching our community in the process.
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Upcoming Courses and Events
Card Weaving
March 14, 2026
Dating back to the early Iron Age, card woven bands were used to create the starting and selvedge bands for warp-weighted looms. Decorative bands are also added to woven textiles along the hem line, and as belts and straps. In this class we will create bands approx 3⁄8-3⁄4” wide and 36”-48” long. Students will have a variety of patterns to choose from. By the end of class, students will have the understanding, skills, and resources to continue band weaving at home.
"The entire feeling of Avon Hills Folk School is inspiring and it's hard not to feel creative and energized while taking classes there."
Kind Words.
“The location is beautiful. The woods feel like home to me. It is far enough away from The Cities that it feels like a getaway, and I can experience more nature and dark skies than I can at home, but it is close enough that it doesn’t take long to get there.”
"Instructors were great. The environment was casual and very comfortable. Participants were engaged and very friendly."