Showing up for our "Why" at the Avon Hills Folk School.
Dear Friend of the Folk School,
As I write this letter from my home and look out to the east upon the Avon Hills I find myself thinking of many of you individually who will receive this letter. Each of you have “shown up” in some small or large way to support the Avon Hills Folk School. Some once, some many times. I am grateful for each and every one of your contributions to the ongoing evolution of our folk school.
Recently I was visiting with a friend of mine, and was sharing with him our Mission and Vision for the Avon Hills Folk School for the first time. He looked at me and asked, “Why? Why are you putting that much effort into this?” This surprised me and created some doubt in myself.
You see, this is often really hard work - there are many days and moments when I myself question whether it’s worth it- and ask myself “Why?” But then I remember the moments when I see the impact we are making, the potential and opportunity that exist and my doubts evaporate.
Here is our Why - explained with a few of the many experiences that occur regularly at the Avon Hills Folk School.
A collaboration with CentraCare to create a powerful asset for our community in the form of a Timber Framed Trail Shelter - with visible ties to the German heritage of many local immigrants. Students of all abilities came together to create - leaving with new found skills, confidence and friends.
Camille, a talented, local high school student, and emerging artist of color spent two days with adult artists of color to teach children from our community. Seeing the relationships, friendships, connections and confidence grow among Camille and the other emerging artists is priceless!
Seeing a group of adults gather to learn from multiple artists, makers in a variety of materials and methods. Watching familiarity, connections and friendships develop into a real sense of community.
Children experiencing the woods and creek for the very first time through our youth programming. Being right there when their wonder and sometimes fear turn to confidence and exploration. Watching as these children begin a life-long relationship with nature as their creative confidence grows is among the most powerful and rewarding things I will ever witness.
Our annual Bouja Party exemplifies the community building we seek- friends and strangers gathering together in the beauty of the Avon Hills, sharing each other’s company, stories, and hospitality.
These are a small sample of the stories that are an inspiration and affirmation for us to continue the work we are doing. They confirm the deep desire our community has to discover, learn and create in new and unfamiliar ways together, in this special place called the Avon Hills.
Each year we continue to cast the net a bit wider, welcoming more individuals, groups and organizations to visit, experience and participate in the folk school activities. Increasingly people are showing up and raising their hands to help the folk school in whatever way they can. For that we are immensely grateful.
Your gift at any level is an investment in and a vote of support for the work
we are doing together at the Avon Hills Folk School.
As 2022 comes to a close we ask for your financial support. Your gift by December 31st will go directly towards securing the future of this young organization as we continue our journey into 2023 helping us to:
Continue to bring accomplished local, regional and nationally known artists and makers to campus, to share their passion and skill
Scholarships that ensure people of all backgrounds, young and old, may contribute to and benefit from the experiences we offer
Build upon the success of our youth programming, inspiring more of Central MN youth with the experiences of art and nature.
Provide the time and resources to continue developing relationships with new artists, makers, individuals, and organizations in order to continue our growth and impact
Many thanks to those who have supported us financially in 2022- we have already surpassed individual giving for 2021, which doubled our gifts in 2020. I invite others to join in this support of our Mission.
I’ll end my letter with the words of someone who discovered the Avon Hills Folk School this past year. Their experience and the possibility and potential of what we seek to do here impacted them deeply.
“We hope this small gift can contribute to the work of growing community, sharing knowledge, empowering others and building traditions.”
Wow. I’ve never said it better myself. Thank you.
With gratitude,
Chris Schellinger
Founder & Executive Director
P.S.- We have some big news coming in 2023! Keep checking back - and watch for 2023 Class registrations opening on January 14th.
