Heidi Jeub has worked as a teaching artist since 2003, teaching bookbinding, visual journaling, and abstract painting. She links STEM concepts into art making, because artists are known for pushing technology to pursue their vision. She has created interdisciplinary art projects, bringing art, manufacturing, science, and math together to engage students in the realities of collaboration and 21st century skills. Her ability to acclimate to different educational settings allows her to work with all ages and backgrounds. In recent years, she has developed an impactful abstract painting workshop that has linked rich vocabulary with expressive paintings, art history, and design concepts.

Heidi will teach participants how to make a hard cover journal using traditional bookbinding tools and materials. We will learn about how to carefully craft a book, step-by-step, so that everyone is successful in the end.

Saymoukda Duangphouxay Vongsay is a Lao American writer. She was born in a refugee camp in Nongkhai, Thailand and immigrated to Minnesota in 1984. Because of her unique background, her work is focused on creating tools and spaces for the amplification of refugee voices through poetry, theater, and experimental cultural production.

Rice Paper Wishes

Using rice paper, markers, and possibly water colors, participants will create ephemeral wish medallions that will live on the branches of trees and limbs of structures around the site. Poet Saymoukda Duangphouxay Vongsay will lead participants in a discussion around wishes and introduce "flash free form poetry" as the vehicle for the wishes to live. There is opportunity for participants to share their draft(s) with others.

Hibaaq Ibriham is a lifelong artist and muralist based in Minneapolis. She is passionate about flowers, plants and patterns found in nature. She is inspired by the vivid colors and beautiful shapes found in local flora and fauna.

Hibaaq will be teaching contour drawing using the environment surrounding us at Avon Hills Folk School. We will use a variety of materials and tools!

Maddy Bartsch is an artist, educator and organizer of decentralized textile economies based in Minneapolis. She is a co-founder and co-president of the Three Rivers Fibershed. Maddy's previous experience includes project management for the Minnesota Hemp Wool Project and the Three Rivers Fibershed Regional Fiber Sourcebook, as a research assistant for the National Mill Inventory Survey, as a Farm Educator at Gale Woods Farm and as a Yarn Incubator. Maddy recently began a plant-based dye business, Salt of the North Dyes, to provide accessible local color to all. Maddy speaks on the topic of local fiber systems and sustainable textiles and teaches fiber arts classes to learners of all ages throughout the Midwest. She can be found most summer days, in her gardens tending to her dye plants.

Jerome was born and raised in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Originally shy and awkward, he came out of his shell through theater and dance. Jerome works at GREAT Theater. When he is not in the office, he is probably teaching at Ms. Melinda’s Dance Studio.

Jerome will be exploring drumming and movement in the natural environment.

Tony Dingmann is a former Fish Biologist for the MN Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and is currently a Hydrologist for the MPCA. Tony has a undergraduate and graduate degree from Bemidji State University and has worked for the State of MN for 14 years. In his current position Tony samples and assesses MN’s rivers and streams for pollution, providing information for the improvement and/or protection of those waters. Tony and his wife Meghan live in Sartell with daughters Sophia and Aubrey, and their black lab Izzie. When not working Tony enjoys spending time with family and friends, hunting, fishing, camping, and coaching his daughters sports.