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Policies & FAQ
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Class FeesEly Folk School classes typically fall into two categories: workshops and demos. Students who participate in workshop-style classes register in advance to engage hands-on with the material of their craft. Students who attend demonstration-style classes will have the opportunity to follow along as the instructor annotates the process. Demo students need not worry about pre-registration. The standard fee for Ely Folk School demos is $20 at the door. Fees for select classes and programs are modeled differently according to their unique needs. The materials fee reimburses the entity who purchased the supplies given to you to use for your class project. Some classes may give you the option of purchasing the materials or supplying your own If the cost of registering for a class is prohibitive, consider volunteering for the Ely Folk School. Select responsibilities earn volunteers tuition credit in exchange for time. Volunteers can earn 1 hour of class credit for every 3 hours of volunteering. You could also serve as a class host. Class hosts are asked to refrain from participating in the actual craft during the class, but hosts have access to class content.
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AccessibilityWheelchair accessibility is located through the back entrance. Please park in the Saint Anthony’s Church parking lot.
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CancellationsClass payments are due upon registration. Class fees are fully refundable 14 days before a class starts, and are refundable minus a 25% administrative fee up to seven days before a class starts. Because instructors must arrange their schedules and order materials, cancellations in the last week before a class starts will not be refunded except in the case of true emergencies.
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Personal PropertyThe Ely Folk School is not responsible for the security of property belonging to students and instructors.
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All Are WelcomeThe Ely Folk School is committed to providing a culture of inclusion. We strive to serve as a welcoming and safe space for folks of all opinions, beliefs, cultures, races, gender expressions, sexual orientations, ages, and abilities.
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What is the Ely Folk School?Ely Folk School builds community by providing learning experiences that celebrate the wilderness heritage, art, history, culture, and craft of the people of northern Minnesota. What does that mean? We offer classes and events in traditional skills, knowledge, and craft – education that is intergenerational, non-competitive, and that embraces the body, heart, and mind. We encourage learning for life – being a lifelong learner of things that will enrich your life. Ely Folk School believes that craft is the foundation with which we, as a society, can build community, personal enlightenment, empowerment, cultural memory, and community resiliency.
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How do I register for Classes?The Ely Folk School upcoming class list can be found here. Follow the prompts to register for classes. For a calendar view of classes, please visit this link.
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Can I bring a group to the Ely Folk School?Yes, if you arrange it ahead of time! Contact us at info@elyfolkschool.org to schedule a private class for a group, family, or business.
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Can my group rent your space?The Ely Folk School is available for rent! Pricing depends on seasonality, timing of request in relation to the event, and class schedule. Please reach out to lucy@elyfolkschool.org to submit an inquiry.
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Can I bring my pet to the Ely Folk School?Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome to come to EFS with you. If another student or event participant has an allergy or other conflict, we may ask that you keep your pet at home or outside. It never hurts to call and ask in advance! Service animals are of course always welcome.
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How do I sign up to teach a class at Ely Folk School?Visit our Teach page to learn more about instructing. Then, use the New Class Proposal form to think through a potential class and indicate your interest to Ely Folk School programmers. Staff will follow up with you to discuss feasible possibilities. Staff also are available to help you structure a class.
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Where should I park?Students and visitors are welcome to park behind EFS, on the west side of the St. Anthony Catholic Church Parking Lot. Walk through the EFS Pocket Park to Sheridan Street and enter through our front doors.
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How can I visit the Ely Folk School?The Ely Folk School is located in the heart of downtown Ely, at the top of the hill on Sheridan Street. Street Parking is available year round, but restricted to two-hour intervals in the summer season. St. Anthony’s Catholic Church parking lot is located behind EFS, of which St. Anthony’s generously allows EFS use.
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What are the hours Ely Folk School is open to the public?The Ely Folk School is currently open Wednesday through Saturday from 9-6, Sunday from 10-3, and we are also open during classes outside of those hours.
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How can I stay informed about EFS happenings?Want to stay in the know with all things EFS? The best way to do that is to read our twice-monthly email newsletters! You can sign up for the email newsletter here. You can also follow and engage with EFS on Facebook and Instagram @ElyFolkSchool
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How can I sell my goods in the Ely Folk School Mercantile?The Ely Folk School Mercantile consigns art by our Instructor Artisans. If you have taught a class or are teaching a class within one year from date of inquiry, you’re eligible to consign your artwork! Occasionally, we will enter into wholesale contracts with artists or with art materials providers. Contact us to learn more.
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Can I bring my child(ren) to classes?Taking a class but have a kiddo in tow? We understand! A folk education is for everyone, no matter your age or ability to find childcare. Many of our classes are suitable for people ages 14 and up, and we can be flexible, depending on maturity and attention to detail. Kids under 8 are welcome to come with a guardian. Staff can help set kids up with an age appropriate craft while you focus on your class.
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I want to take a class, but I cannot afford it. Do you offer scholarships?The Ely Folk School does not offer scholarships. We do offer a sliding scale payment system for many classes. Contact us for more information.
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How do I volunteer?Fill out our volunteer interest form to learn about current volunteer opportunities.
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Is the Ely Folk School a non-profit?Yes! The Ely Folk School is a 501c3 nonprofit, established 2015. Our Federal EIN is 47-2706626.
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