November 2020
COVID Update

As you very well know, every day has been a new challenge in this global fight against COVID-19.  In agreement with Michigan’s new Three-Week Health Department Emergency Order, and in cooperation with Washtenaw Community College and Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, MFS has canceled all in-person workshops from Wednesday, November 18, 2020, until Wednesday, December 9, 2020. 

We recognize the impact that this cancellation has on you and we're truly sorry. We do believe in the power of craft to build community, and we know that community is needed more than ever in times like these. However, protecting the health of our students, instructors, and staff is our highest concern. With 95% of our annual income coming from courses, this cancellation represents a financial impact to the Michigan Folk School. If you are able, we would be incredibly grateful if you would consider one of the following remedies:

• You could take your refund in the form of a gift certificate to apply towards future coursework, 
• Or, you could donate all, or a portion, of your refund to sustain our mission of enriching lives and building community. And if not, we get it! These are hard times for all, and we'll make it through together. 

Simply email us and let us know your choice: Request a full refund in the form of a gift certificate for future coursework,  Request a Partial or full refund, or a full or partial donation, but only if you are able. When responding please also let us know the name and date of your course.

In appreciation and on behalf of everyone at the Michigan Folk School, we hope to see you very soon.  Until then smile big (a smile is the best contagion), get crafty, and Find Your Flow!

Jason Gold
The Michigan Folk School, 501c3

COVID-19 Measures 

Student Count
The first change is that the student count for each class in June and early July will be reduced by half to enable greater social distancing. Classes that normally host 10 students will be halved to 5 students, 6 students to 3 students and, so on.  

Class Scheduling
​We are actively working on a 2020 summer schedule.  Each week we will post more classes and open for enrollment for these classes. In June and early July, the number of classes will be limited.  As we receive good news data, we will add more classes.

Studio Use
At this time we have suspended studio days (rent the physical space to work on a personal project).  We expect these to resume in the fall. 
   Blacksmithing classes will occur in our indoor blacksmithing studio equip with an exhaust  
   system.  
   Studio classes will occur both inside the studio building (less then 10 people in 675 sq ft) and right
   outside the building under a tent with access to the building for bathroom.

Children’s Classes and Workshops
Since 2012, we have hosted a few children’s classes in the folk crafts of woodworking, leather smithing, cob building, and blacksmithing. We are planning to offer more classes in late July/early August for kids ages 9-17.  From blacksmithing to papermaking, these classes will be a way for kids to receive a high-quality folk education.  Please look for this new schedule by the end of June.

Participation Requirements
We are taking several conservative precautions in order to allow everyone to enjoy their experience and stay safe.  As good news data keeps coming to light we will begin to ease some of these requirements as it is easier to remove restrictions then add them. Therefore, ALL of the following precautions are mandatory:

• Masks must be worn upon entry and during instruction.  If blacksmithing, once the forges are blazing and you are at your smith station you may operate with your mask pulled down.  If you leave your smith station for the restroom, a short break, etc., we require you to secure your mask in place.  Your instructor will help remind you.  Other classes have similar mask requirements.  If you do not have a mask we will be happy to provide you with one. 
• Social Distancing will be required during instruction lounging and crafting.  With a reduced student count per class and the general make-up of our physical location, we believe that social distancing will be easy to accomplish.  
• Temperature checks will be required of each student to enter a folk school building.  Anyone who has an elevated temperature will not be permitted to attend class.  Please stay home if you are feeling even the slightest bit under the weather. 
• Hand Sanitizers will be stationed around the folk school building for all to use.  Please use it often.
• A Sanitized Bathroom will be available for you during your class.  Please help by pitching in and use provided paper towels and sanitizing solution on surfaces so the bathroom remains sanitized after your use.