Printable Booklet with registration info
For the optimal experience and updated class information please visit our Facebook events page, and sign up using that medium.
Giants of the Earth Heritage Center Facebook Events Page
Genealogy: Who Do You Think You Are?
Learn research techniques and tools from resident historian and genealogist Georgia Rosendahl and genetic genealogy specialist Johnathan Storlie, PhD.
Wednesdays from 10:00AM until 5:00PM
with focused instruction at 11:00 and 4:00
Ballard House – Free Will Donation
Hootenanny for All Ages
Young and old gather to sing together. Re-learn songs from your childhood as well as new ones from kid’s current repertoire and teach children songs you love. Learn some Norwegian folk songs too. Open to all ages. Free milk and cookies!
Wednesdays February 2 through March 9 from 3:30-4:30PM
Wednesdays September 21 through October 19 from 3:30-4:30PM
Ballard House – $1.00/child. Adults accompanied by a child are free.
Musicians: Bovee and Heil, and Rachel Storlie
Bob Bovee and Gail Heil of Spring Grove have been performing together since 1980, singing and playing American traditional music of the Southern mountains, the Midwest and the West with fiddle, guitar, harmonica, banjo, and autoharp. They love to play traditional American rural music. With a repertoire including dance tunes, ballads, cowboy songs, humorous and sentimental numbers, blues and rags, their show is spiced with stories, history, and folklore that will entertain audiences of all ages.
Rachel Storlie of Spring Grove grew up in Caledonia and graduated Luther College as a Voice major in May of 2010. She sings all the time and loves jazz, classical, art songs, and musical theatre songs. Rachel said, “I want more people to learn that life is enriched by song, and anybody can sing. These times together on Wednesdays are going to be so much fun. I can’t wait!”
Gals and Dolls Tea
This will be an excellent opportunity for children to learn or brush up on proper introductions, dining etiquette and other social graces. This experience can build confidence and skills that make social situations easier – and bring benefits that last a lifetime.
Bring your Favorite Doll – Fancy dress is encouraged, or dress to match your doll’s costume! There are three rest rooms at the Ballard House where one could change clothes after school.
Special Craft Finale: Volunteers will help inspire each girl to create a special card and matching envelope for her Valentine. Girls will use stickers and decorative paper to make a one-of-a-kind card. (No paint will spoil fancy clothes.)
February 11 right after school
Ballard House – Free to girls who make reservations in advance by calling Jill at 498.3586. Doll friends are free and one doll chair will be provided for each girl. For all adults and for girls who do not make advance reservations, the fee is $3.
Singles and Sweethearts Soiree
Guys, Be Smart for your Sweetheart! There’s a cool Valentines Party at the Ballard House, 163 West Main Street in Spring Grove. Enjoy heritage soups, hearty appetizers, and fabulous desserts like crazy cool fondue (chocolate), blotkakke (whipped cream cake), veiled farm girls from the 1870s and more. Dancing is encouraged, so dress in the period of the 1870s or the 1970s if you wish. Music will be by Bovee and Heil and from favorite LPs of the 1970s.
February 12 beginning at 3:30 PM
Ballard House – $20 per person; Reservations by calling 563.419.0986 and save $5
Learn How to Sew a Busserull
Celebrate Syttende Mai wearing this traditional Norwegian
garment (shirt). Learn the history of the busserull. Wear it when the King and Queen come to visit.
February 24, March 3 and 10 from 4:00 to 5:30PM.
Ballard House – $15.00 plus cost of materials (estimated at $98)
Instructor: Jill Storlie
Each set of classes is limited to 10 Registrants
You may choose to bring your own sewing machine.
Beading with Megan
Learn how to design and create beautiful jewelry pieces for yourself or for gifts. No previous expertise required. If you own a kit to bead Norwegian costumes, bring it. (Kits may be ordered through Giants). Ages 14 and up.
Tuesdays, March 8, 15, 22, 29 at 7:00 PM
Pre-register by February 28.
Ballard House – $10.00 plus materials; Instructor: Megan Jones
Sew a Spring Grove Bunad
to Wear Before the King and Queen
If you don’t already own a bunad, make a utilitarian one now.
March 15, 22, 29 and April 5 and 12, 5:00 to 8:00 PM
Ballard House – $25.00 plus cost of materials (estimated at $50 for the jumper fabric, pewter closures and the apron fabric. Blouses may be made in a subsequent class). Pre-register by March 1.
Instructors: Bonnie Krogstad, Barb Solum;
Darlene Fossum–Martin will be the Design Coordinator
T-Shirt Design
Create an original design and learn how to screen print it. Inspired by your favorite activity, or family reunion, or any event you want to advertise, your T-Shirt can be a fashion statement or a commentary on some social issue, a welcome to the King and Queen, or an ad.
Ages 13-16 have first dibs.
CLASS 1: March 24, 31, April 14 and 21 from 6:30-9PM
CLASS 2: September 6, 13, 20, and 27 from 6:30-9:00 PM
Ballard House – Pre-register: 507.498.5617 by March 1
$20. plus materials;
Instructors: Jill Storlie with Karen Fried and Mary Zaffke assisting
Norwegian Folk Dancing
Have you ever heard of these dances? The Seksmannsril, Halling, Springvals, or Reinlander? Join Norwegian folk dance instructor Rachel Storlie on a journey through time to old Norway, where you will learn the dances of our ancestors! From the gymnastic showmanship of the Halling to the fanciful “weaving dance,” let your spirit and body become a part of the cultural cloth of Norway. Sign up with a friend or sibling, your secret crush or life partner! Show off your newly-acquired skills by Syttende Mai! Ages 9 and up–or contact instructor for permission. Level: beginner-intermediate. Be prepared to dance for the King and Queen of Norway
SESSION 1: March 31, April 7, 17 from 7:00- 8:00 PM
April 17 Presentation Performance (along with students from the Two Step Class); Music by Foot-Notes; Public invited to dance following performance. $5 per couple suggested donation for the public.
SESSION 2: September 15, 22 and 29 from 7:00- 8:00 PM
Ballard House – $15 per person each session;
Instructor: Rachel Storlie and a technical assistant
September 29 Presentation Performance; Music by Foot-Notes; Public invited to dance following performance. $5 per couple suggested donation for the public.
Rachel grew up in a highly Norwegian-American household in Caledonia. At the age of 7, she began Norwegian Folk Dance lessons with Sandra Kawatski and Betty Posaas in LaCrosse, Wi, where she learned the gamut of traditional dances over her 10 year commitment to the group. She has performed Norwegian folk dances at numerous Sons of Norway events, private functions, and by special invitation at the grand opening of the Epcot Center’s Norwegian Pavillion at Disney World in Florida. Contact info for Rachel, e-mail: rachel@storlie.org phone: 507.458.1255, address: 144 1st Ave. SW, Spring Grove, MN 55974
Music by the Foot-Notes – Beth Rotto was mentored by Fiddler Bill Sherburne of Spring Grove and Bill Musser grew up in Spring Grove
Victorian’s Secret Fashion Show and Happy Hour
Pre-quel to “The Underpants” showing at the YOOH building at 7PM.
April 1 and 2 at 6:00PM Happy Hour; 6:30PM Fashion Show
Ballard House
Circle Song
Young children, fathers, mothers and caregivers sit on the floor or in chairs set in a circle and sing songs that nurture the spirit, along with songs that are wacky and just old-fashioned fun. Ages birth and up.
Fridays, April and May at 9:30 AM
Spring Grove Assisted Living Lounge
$1 per child, parents/caregivers are free; Leader: Rachel Grippen
Two-Step Time (Cancelled)
Come singly and grab a partner, or bring one with you. Learn, or practice if you’re rusty, this basic dance step. Upon graduation on April 17, the class will be dancing to music by the Foot-Notes at the Fest Building. The Norwegian Folk Dancing Class will perform as well and this will be open to the public. After your performance, the public can join in the dancing.
April 2, 9 and 17 at 7:00 to 8:00PM
Fest Building – $15 per person; Instructor: Alan Hockersmith
Pre-register at www.springgrovemnheritagecenter.org or call 507.498.5070 by April 1 if possible.
Suggested donation for the public April 17 is $5 per couple
Singing Songs of Immigrant Families
Learn songs in Norwegian that our forebears sang in this area 150 years ago. The songs teach the stories of our past in a fun and interesting way. Learn songs to sing for the King and Queen. Take the music home with you to keep on singing. Open to all ages. Maximum 20.
April 9, 16, 23, 30 and May 7 at 10:00 AM
Ballard House – $15
Instructors: Rachel Storlie and Kathrine Myrah
Writing Your Family Stories Seminar
Stop thinking about writing your history and just do it! This class will give you practical tips to help you find your own “voice,” and suggestions on how to organize your work. There will always be class time to write, and the ultimate decisions on your work will be yours. You may choose to bring your writing journals or a laptop if you have one.
Tuesdays April 5, 12, 19 and 26 at 7:00 PM; Then once monthly
Ballard House – $20. Instructor Mary Deters
Knot Tying
Learn how to make knots used by sailors in square-masted longboats. The “monkey’s fist” was first used by mariners for throwing a towline to another boat or to shore. The knot is about the size of a “fist” when tied. Mariners coined the name “monkey’s fist” because of its shape. The “monkey’s fist” is an ideal knot for many climbing situations also, where a rope needs to be thrown. It also makes a great toy for cats. Open to ages 10 and up.
April 6 at 3:30 PM
Ballard House – $5; Instructor Jill Storlie
Storytelling
Discover ways to connect with an audience while telling a true story or a yarn. What are the elements of a fabulous story? What do you need to know to tell one? Ages 8 to adult.
Thursdays April 7, 14, 21, 28 at 6:30PM
May 5 will be the public performance
Ballard House – $30; Instructor: Richard Simon Hanson, PhD.
Swing Dance– Beyond the Chicken Dance
Learn for the first time or warm up those rusty muscles and bones to be “the couple” to watch on the dance floor. Just in time for the Military Ball, High School Prom, and Senior Prom. Ages 14 to adult. Participants must bring a partner.
April 8, 15, 22 and 29 at 7:00 PM
April 29 Graduation Dance Night – Music by DJ Joe Deschler
Ballard House – $5 per person each week
Instructor: Alan Hockersmith
Emerging Artist Musician’s Event
Open stage for aspiring talented 12-19 year-olds – Thanksgiving night will be open to people of all ages. Audience will rate performances and winners of the April and May events will “open” for Music in the Park musicians during the summer series at Viking Memorial Park.
Thursdays April 14, May 12, October 13,
and November 24 (Thanksgiving night) at 7:00 PM
Spring Grove Cinema – $5 per contestant; Pre-register by calling 507.498.5617 (so we know if you have special requests to augment your performance).
$1 Admission for audience
Cemetery Walk – Where’d You Get Your Genes?
Choose a name from a tombstone in the West End cemetery or the one next to Trinity Church, known as Pioneer Cemetery. Research the name at Giants of the Earth Heritage Center and create the character of this past resident of Spring Grove. Theater training will include voice and diction exercises, character building, and individual coaching on roleplaying.
Concurrently there will be a photography of tombstones class taught by Kathrine Myrah, photographer. Some of those photographs will be displayed at the Ballard House. Open to ages 11-adult
April 19, 26, May 3 and 10 at 4:00 PM;
October 4, 11, 18 and 25 at 4:00PM
Ballard House – $7 each class
Instructors: Bill Fried, David Storlie, Georgia Rosendahl
Public Performances at the Cemetery on May 17 at 5:00 PM at the West End and on November 1 at the Pioneer Cemetery next to Trinity Church at 4:00 PM.
Wee Masters Open Studio
An Art Exploration Class for three, four and five year old pre-schoolers; We will look at works from Picasso to Pollock and discuss basic terminology. We will offer a variety of media for children to create their own masterpiece to take home. Limited to 10 students.
Fridays April 22 (Good Friday) and 29 from 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Bluff Country Artists Gallery Studio – $10 per family
Instructors: Lara Mendez and Robin Bartell
Picture a Tombstone
All students should bring their own cameras. Meet at Ballard House for opening instruction before going to the West End and Pioneer Cemeteries. All images taken by each will be printed as thumbnails in 8×12 and one enlarged 8×12 will be ready for display before the Cemetery Walks in May and October. Ages 10 and up.
April 30 and October 22 at 3:00 PM
Ballard House – Cost per student $10; Instructor: Kathrine Myrah
Ga På Tur Nature Walk
Trail traverses meadow, woods, and large overgrown rock quarry with ponds and new growth. Learn to identify trees and plants with DuWayne Oakes and others.
First Saturday each month May through October at 9:30AM
Meet at Red’s Hometown Market parking lot, south edge;
$3 per person
Print Making
Children will create original designs inspired by the scenes and images on the walls of the Ballard House walls – stamping, block printing and more to make note cards and artwork for presents, wrapping paper or to hang on the family’s fridge gallery. Kids ages 6-8.
Mondays May 2, 9, 16 and 23 from 4:00 to 5:00 PM
Ballard House – $15 plus materials; Instructor: Doris Morken
Soapmaking
Immigrant families made their own soap using lard and ashes. Jean Custer has a home-based business of hand-made soaps. Learn how to make soaps for gifts or for yourself. 90 year-old Valborg Clauson will come and tell how she and her family made soap. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
One day soapmaking will be the old-fashioned kind and the other will use more modern methods.
May 6 and 7 at 10:00 AM
Ballard House – $5 per session, plus materials
Instructors: Sharon Wiste, Rebecca Lingen and Jean Wiste Custer
Syttende Mai Celebration
Please see website for comprehensive listing of events Giants will be hosting during the Syttende Mai celebration.
May 15 at 2:00PM – Luren Singers Concert
at Trinity Lutheran Church
May 20, 21, and 22
Fishing Apron Sewing Class for boys and girls
Make an apron to wear fishing when you go to Schech’s Mill on June 21 (see listing later in this booklet). Bring two yards of fabric or let us know if we need to get it for you. Patterns will be furnished. Learn how to use a sewing machine.
Tuesday June 7 at 9:00AM
Ballard House – $5; Pre-register by May 24.
Instructors: Marian Bunge, Geneva Tweeten and Janet Fossum
Photography
Stills, videos, architectural detail Learn composition from photographer Karen Fried. Record life in the now as it happens around you because it is tomorrow’s history. Become familiar with the standards set forth by the MN Digital Library. Bring your own photo equipment. Ages 10 to adult.
Tuesdays, June 7, 14, 21, and 28 at 7:00 PM
Ballard House. $25; Instructor: Karen Fried
Let’s Go To Country School
Pack a lunch. Please bring your journal to document your thoughts and experiences of this day.
Go for a ride and spend a day just like kids did a hundred years ago. You will learn how to respond to your teacher before you can ask or answer a question. You may have to learn how to pump water, or use an outhouse toilet.
Tuesday June 14 at 9:30 AM – Leave from Ballard House on bus
Teachers who will tell about their experiences and inform you of country school etiquette:
Lois Morken, Norma Reed and Shirley Sylling
Knitting Norwegian Winter Wear
Tuesdays, June, 14, 21, 28 and July 5 from 6:00 to 7:15PM
Ballard House – $20, plus materials as needed
See Giants’ web site for suggested materials.
Instructors: Karen Fried and Patty Storlie
Schech’s Mill Fishing Excursion
Let’s pretend it’s 1875 and you don’t have to help on the farm today. Boys will wear straw hats (which will be purchased for you if you let us know in advance). All will wear aprons (over their dresses and pants, no shorts or jeans) they made in the sewing class.
Each person will pick an immigrant name (first name only) for the day, best if you ask your parents to help you before you come. Please bring a sack lunch. We will tour the Schech’s Mill to learn how the stone-grinding wheel crushed grain. Then we will fish in the trout stream using cane poles, eat our picnic lunch, and maybe even fish some more. Please bring a journal so you can record your thoughts about the day.
June 21; Leave the Ballard House at 10:00 AM
$10 each for admission and transportation
Basketry
Learn to weave baskets for different uses.
June 24, July 1 and 8 at 9:00 to 11:00 AM
Ballard House – $5 per session plus materials.
Instructor: Jill Stephenson
Kolrosing
Kolrosing is a very old method of giving fine line surface decoration to wood. It started centuries ago with simply using the tip of ones’ belt knife to make fine decorative cuts – and then rubbing coal dust into it to bring out the pattern. Kolrosing is an old Scandinavian tradition, dating back to Viking times and was most often used to decorate utilitarian objects, such as spoons, small bowls or boxes, cups, etc. In Viking times, the designs were more geometric or “Celtic” in origin. These types of designs are very effective and popular today.
Contemporary kolrosing is not limited to traditional patterns – any design which can be drawn with a pencil can be done with a kolrosing knife, from simple borders to animal forms. Use your imagination! Ages 12 and up.
June 28 and July 5, 12, 19 at 10:00 AM
Ballard House – $15 plus materials
Instructor: Darlene Fossum-Martin
Field Trip to Clay Studio
Students of all ages will board a school bus and travel to Nate and Hallie Evans’ studio. They will get an in-depth look at the firing, including talk about loading the kiln, why they built the kiln the way they did, etc., learn how the wood-fired kiln is stacked with objects to be fired, and learn about the chemistry of the firing process and how long it takes to fire and cool the kiln. Nate and Hallie will explain how different spots in the kiln produce different effects, and guests can tour the workshop/showroom, etc. Please bring your journal to record your impressions.
Sunday, July 3, Leave Trinity Church at 10:15AM
$5 for the day, plus bring a sack lunch
Pre-register by June 21 so we can arrange for a bus.
Sample Locally Grown Natural Foods
Tour farms and learn what plants and animals are grown at that location, and learn answers to questions you may pose to the owners.
Some area farms may include:
Christian and Trish Myrah-lamb, grass-fed beef and eggs
Chris Blanchard – Rock Spring Farm – vegetables
Ryan Jepsen – bacon, grass-fed beef, hot dogs
George Griffin – chickens and heritage turkeys
Katie Wiste – goat cheese
At the conclusion of the tour participants will be served a meal of these locally grown natural foods.
July 9 from 10:00 AM to (approx.) 3:00 PM.
Leave from the Ballard House; $5 for cost of bus, plus cost of the meal. Please see the web site for updated info concerning the cost of the meal. Tour Guide Jim Gray.
Sculpting Like a Master Fladager
Learn how to sculpt and carve clay into an art piece you have envisioned. You will study giants of the sculpting world, and visit the bronze sculptures in Viking Memorial Park. Please bring a journal to record your experiences in the “studio” as well as inspirations after learning about previous sculptors. Ages 12 and up.
July 25, 26, 28, 29
July 27 is a free day when students can work one-on-one with Craig
Ballard House – $20 plus materials.
Instructor: Craig Bergsgaard
Introduction to Rosemaling
Learn this traditional decorative art medium. Bring your own brushes or purchase on site. Ages 10 and up.
August 6 or 13 day-long course (see website for updated info)
Ballard House – $30 plus materials (estimated at $25)
Pre-register by July 15; Instructor: Betty Dowe
Beginning Norwegian
Learn to speak like the young people who lived here 150 years ago.The King and Queen of Norway are coming to America, and we hope that they will be persuaded to visit Spring Grove. We want all the young people here to greet them in Norwegian. Open to all ages. Youth especially are encouraged to attend. Hint: Bring a tape recorder.
Sundays August 21 – October 9 from 4:00 to 5:30 PM
Ballard House – Kathrine Myrah, coach. Kathrine grew up in Norway.
Mudpies, building with Clay
Brick factories were prevalent in Spring Grove during the 1890s-1910s. Many houses and the Trinity Church are still standing. Participants will hike to one of the sites from which clay was available for the brick works. Mix brick dust from the belfry of Trinity Church with clay which may be purchased or dug from the hillsides near Spring Grove to make your own personal bricks for a garden, paperweights or to make a gift for a Confirmand. Bricks may be taken home or donated to Giants of the Earth Heritage Center. Ages 8 and up.
Thursday, August 25 6:00 PM
Ballard House – $10 plus materials
Instructors Nate and Hallie Evans and Doug Cole
Hardangersøm Embroidery
Anyone with good eyes who can count and handle a scissors is capable of doing this form of Norwegian needlework. Kloster blocks, eyelets, button hole, satin, and cable stitches along with woven bars are used to form squares, rectangles, triangles and diamonds. Thread and drawn work techniques are worked on even-weave 22 count cloth to create heirloom household items. Ages high school through adult.
September 8, 15 and October 6 and 13 from 4:00 to 6:00PM
Ballard House – $20 plus the cost of class kit ($15)
(The kit contains everything except a small scissors- you will need to bring one with tips that are very pointed, narrow and sharp).
Maximum of 10 students in a class; Pre-register by September 1.
Instructor: Gale Buhr
Class of 1949 Reunion
September 10, 1:00PM at the Ballard House
Details at springgrovemnheritagecenter.org
Foods from other Cultures
Learn the social ways of another culture and prepare and eat food from four different cultures.
September 15 at 7:30 PM
Spring Grove Public School Home Ec Room; $5
Pre-register by September 1
Instructor: Nancy Gulbranson
Kolrosing for Kids in September
Make a bookmark or Confirmation present as well as other things.
Thursday, September 22 at 4:00PM
Instructor: Jill Storlie. Ballard House
Inspired by Headlines and Photos
Upon seeing historic photos or hearing old news stories, youth will create their own visual art or poetry or creative writing to respond to what they have seen and heard. Ages 9-12.
Tuesdays Sept 27, October 4, 11 and 18 from 3:30-4:30 PM
Ballard House – $4; Instructors: Janna Myrah, Georgia Rosendahl
Uff-Da Fest Celebration
Please see website for comprehensive listing of events Giants will be hosting during the autumn Uff-Da Fest celebration.
September 30 and October 1
Learn to Make Norwegian Foods
Learn the tricks to making great authentic Norwegian foods from members of the Sons of Norway.
October 6, 20, 27, November 3 at 6:30 PM
Ballard House – $5 per person per class Pre-register by Sept. 15.
Instructors: Members of Sons of Norway
Carving with Harley Refsal
Learn to make figures out of wood from a master woodcarver and Gold Medalist at Vesterheim, and paint them. Professor Emeritus Harley Refsal is internationally recognized in carving and is the 1996 recipient of the St. Olav Medal from the King of Norway. Begin the tradition of carving an annual ornament for your Spring Grove Christmas tree. Open to ages 10 and up.
October 8 – This course will run approximately 8 hours.
Ballard House – $80; Instructor: Harley Refsal
Hedebosøm Mini Course
A person doesn’t need to be Danish to master the simple techniques of hedebosøm. This class is designed to teach beginners the basic stitches of this unique form of needlework that originated near Copenhagen many centuries ago. Thread rings, buttonhole stitches and pyramids are combined to make interesting forms of needle lace that can exist independently or be used as inserts in fabric.
Thursday, October 20 and Saturday, October 29 from 9 AM to noon
Ballard House – $20 plus class kit fee of $5; Instructor: Roger Buhr
Ages: youth 7th grade and above to adult
Maximum number of students is 10; Pre-registration by October 12 is necessary so the instructor can prepare the kits
Pressing on in Clay
Each participant will create a unique-one-of-a-kind ornament out of squishy greenware clay – then complete the ornament with an application of glaze, that when fired will be rock-hard and ready for the Christmas tree! In the process you may get dirty – the clay does wash out – but don’t wear your Sunday best to class! Ages 10-Adult
Saturday, October 22 and Saturday, October 29 at 10:00 AM
Finished pieces can be picked up November 6
Ballard House – $10 plus materials
Instructor: Dawn Deines-Christensen, artist
Precious Metal Clay Sculpture (CANCELLED due to the current high cost of materials)
Scandinavian-inspired Artist Norma Refsal, certified by the Precious Metal Clay Guild, teaches a technique where participants will learn to create their own pieces from a clay and silver material. The object is then fired and the resulting silver object can be polished, soldered or enameled to finish the personal piece during this course. You will leave with your own piece! Lunch break will coincide with kiln firing process.
The PMC Guild is an educational organization founded in 1997 to promote instruction, research, teaching and exhibition of Precious Metal Clay. The Guild maintains this web site, sponsors a conference, publishes a magazine, and fosters a community of sharing and support. Membership is open to all.
Precious Metal Clay, PMC, is an exciting material developed and patented in the 1990s by Mitsubishi Materials of Japan. Microscopic particles of silver are mixed with a moist binder to create a material that has the feel and working properties of modeling clay. Using simple tools, objects are easily given shape, texture, and character. After air-drying, the objects are heated to temperatures approaching the melting point of the metal, where the particles fuse together to make a dense, fully metallic object. Fired PMC work can be polished, soldered, enameled, and enjoyed like any other silver item. PMC is available in three different versions of silver and in a 22k gold alloy
October 23 from 10 AM to 3 PM
Ballard House – $35 each; Maximum 8 participants
Instructor: Norma Refsal
Art for a Cause: Making Fleece Caps for Kids
This is a way to give back to the community while feeding your creative spirit and by giving kids a chance to improve their design eye. We will work side-by-side in an assembly line. Children will choose their own fabrics that adults cut, piece, and stitch while the child observes. The cap is presented to the child immediately upon completion.
October 25 – Spring Grove Fourth Grade Classroom
Free; Sewers Karen Gray et al
Words That Need to Be Written
Writers Gather and Share their Work, and a Joe Langland Retrospective
Recognized area writer Emilio DeGrazia, will read from his own work. Following his presentation, audience members will each have three minutes to read their original work in an inviting, non-threatening atmosphere. DeGrazia, a long-time resident of Winona, MN, began publishing poetry and creative prose in 1973, and founded Great River Review, the state’s most enduring small press literary magazine, in 1977. His published books include two novels, two collections of short stories, a collection of essays and most recently a memoir, Walking on Air in a Field of Greens. He and his wife Monica have co-edited two anthologies for Nodin Press of Minneapolis, Twenty-Six Minnesota Writers (1995) and Thirty-Three Minnesota Poets (2000). Recently DeGrazia assembled Seasonings, his first collection of poetry. His secret desire is to be a poet when he grows up.
The Joe Langland Retrospective will be mounted in the space adjacent to the Writers. Poet Joe Langland, recently deceased, is a Spring Grove native.
October 25 and November 15 at 7:00 PM
Pre-register by October 17 and November 6
$5.00 per audience member
Ballard House – $5 per audience member;
Those who read from their own work will receive a refund of their fee
Hand-Made Kiln-Fired Clay Ornaments
Play with clay to design and paint ornaments for your home for the Holiday Season. Nate and Hallie will teach you the properties of clay, how to explore texture and use under glaze as decorative art. At least one parent with their child(ren)
Sunday, November 20 from 2-4 pm
Ballard House – $5. per person or $20. per family
Instructors: Nate and Hallie Evans
Juletrefest
Learn to make traditional decorations for a Christmas tree. Decorate the Ballard House tree with one and take one home for your tree. Sing carols around the tree by joining hands and rotating in concentric circles walking in opposite directions. Enjoy eating special Norwegian food treats. Experience a visit from the Julenisse and learn what Julenissen do in Norway. Take home a bag of treats.
December 10 and 11 from 1:00 until 3:00 PM
Ballard House – $2 per person
Giants of the Earth Members only Little Christmas Eve Celebration
Celebrate as the Norwegians do. Desserts, kaffe, and other treats
Thursday, December 22 at 7:00 PM. Ballard House
Tatting for Beginners
January 12, 2012 at 7:00 PM
Ballard House – Instructors: Bill Fried and Kristi Myrah Griffin
AartStravaganza – And Baby Makes Three
Sigmund Aarseth, Recipient of the 2010 King Olav Medal for painting from the Norwegian Crown paints murals on four walls of the west room in the Ballard House. Author of Painted Rooms: where traditional Scandinavian arts meet contemporary living, he is an expert in this medium. Local high school students who have art as an elective will come to the Ballard House to watch him paint and have dialogue with the artist. “And Baby Makes Three” is an event at the local cinema; date to be announced. Sigmund will paint a four foot by five foot canvas of the fourth in a series of murals while he and the audience listen to music.
DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED
Spring Grove Cinema – $5 admission
Dinosaurs, Vikings and Dragons
For boys ages three and up. More details to follow.
Date to be announced; please see website
Ballard House; Instructors: Kris Bjerke and friends