Do-It-Yourself
Traditional Artisans: Preserving the Folk School Education
Apprenticeship once offered an individual the opportunity to learn a craft from masters of that craft. Nowadays, apprenticeship is difficult to come by, which is precisely why this workshop/class/school/folk festival is being created. The purpose of this workshop/class/school/folk festival is to bring together the skills of old to pass them on to others in an effort to preserve the beauty of not only the craft but the culture of the craft. If you are interested in traditional skills/crafts, we welcome you to join this workshop. When enough interest is generated, we will begin offering opportunities to learn the following skills and begin planning our own Folk Festival - complete with an evening barn dance!?!:
Spoon/Knife Carving
A Spoonful of Creativity: Learn to Carve a Wooden Spoon and/or Cheese Knife
October 30, 2011; 12-5ish (material fee ~$30, beginners and experienced carvers are welcome)
Class size will be ~10 apprentices/professional instructor with additional craftspeople available to assist. Bring a high quality, sharp knife (Mora Knifes are great!)
Many folk traditions include the carving of beautiful spoons for use at home and as treasured gifts. The purpose of this class is to pass on that tradition by sharing the joy of learning traditional knife strokes and carving techniques to carve your own beautiful, durable and useable wooden spoon and/or butter/cheese knife! This class will begin with a brief presentation on spoons from across the world while you prepare to carve a useable spoon and/or knife. While you carve, the instructor will share mesmerizing folk tales and discuss woodcarving topics such as sharpening, decorating, finishing and design techniques. Feel free to bring your new and old wooden spoons to share. We will have some tools for student use and additional spoon blanks for sale.
Audio Electronics
Audio Electronics, project building more self selected project oriented than previous versions of class
Location
Hand Stitching and Basic Sewing
Tuesdays 12- 2pm
June 28 - July 19
Location: 2740- A Louisiana Ave. Louisiana Court
This class teaches hand stitching and sewing machine parts and basic
sewing stitching for creativity.
Phone / email for the class location: 952-933-0411 / nomracc@comcast.net
Location
Ropemaking
) This class will be to practice twisting rope from natural materials.
) As a group, we will develop a schedule to gather materials and decide what to discuss during the class hour.
) An example will be provided.
) If participants are able and willing, we may collaborate to pay for some materials, but money is not required. This will pay for permission to gather plants from private property, including natural hemps & prepared fibers such as flax / bamboo / buckthorn / snake plant / cotton etc. & furtherance would be on a list to this.
*Please be aware that the class will explore ethnobotony and as of yet I am unaware of runoff fields nearby plants, so there is a chance that in the gatehring process we could be exposed to country measles. Consult doctor for allergies: Jewelweed prepared as the nettle leaves in compress & you can just fight it.
) No tools are necessary and scraps could be put towards a mulch campaign.
) I will be bringing some stories to share:
"Saber tooth bone smuggling in Alexandria'
'Calf pocket'
'Horses as unicorn'
Speakers by,
Caeboca of Ibojwa
&
Snowflake the crayola tempest
-If you were misled & looking for our thieves guild Contact Dragonflyhouse@hushmail.com; They are studying karma and etiquette.
Location
Fermentation Basics
Wednesdays 12-2pm (June 29 - Aug 17)
Location: 2205 Bloomington Avenue
The class will be mostly hands-on, collaborating to make different fermented foods and drinks, with a little information thrown in about the science, history, health benefits, and traditions associated with the different processes. People with all levels of experience are encouraged to participate. Things we've made in past classes include: tempe, kimchi, sourdough breads, hot sauce, beer, kombucha, miso, ginger beer, and vegan cheese.
Location
Toward a Community Owned Economy
Workshop and discussion about the need for an economy based not on growth and markets but on production for community needs. Covers views of the future (possible vs. probable), the collaborative model used so successfully by large corporations, the participatory-collaborative model of Mondragon, and the work beginning now to create a "community-owned economy" here (expanding on Mondragon), with land and agriculture as its base
Location
Mecánica
Mantenimiento de vehículo basico. La teoria pero más práctica. Incluye Tune-up, Frenos, Cambio de aciete.
HORARIO:
Los Domingos a las 4 a 6 PM.
03/13
03/20
03/27
04/03
04/10
04/17
04/24
05/08
No habrá clase el 05/01 por motivo de festivál Mayday.
Location
Green House / Gardening with kids
This gardening class is part of Baker Mondays, a weekly community night at Baker Community Center on the West Side, St. Paul. There is a free community dinner at 5:15pm.
Location
Gardening: planning to canning
This course is a full season introduction to growing vegetables in a community garden. We will begin meeting in mid March to begin planning the garden and ordering seeds. Through the growing season, class participants will share the work and the bounty. The aim of the class is for participants to finish the season with the skills and confidence to start their own gardens next season.
Ideally, participants will be committed to being involved in the care of the garden for the entire season. Of course, a benefit of sharing a garden with a group is that the work is shared and there's always someone to cover for you if you go out of town.
This class is being hosted by the Minnehaha Avenue Community Garden. The class will benefit from being in a community garden, as we can see a very diverse set of approaches to growing vegetables in nearly identical plots of soil.
Location
Go Wild! Sharing Survival Skills for Uncertain Times
In times where financial crisis, climate change, energy problems, and rampant government corruption are the norm, localization becomes increasingly important. This class will be organized as series of action based skill-share dialogues with the aim of developing basic skills for self-reliant communities. Each skill-share will be organized around a theme; however, the content will be purely driven by the participants. Everyone involved will act as both a student and a teacher speaking from personal experience as well as their knowledge of the theme. This class seeks not only to develop skills but to develop lasting relationships and building community in the process.
3 dialogues will be held between throughout April with the following themes:
First-Aid & Health Care (Saturday April 2nd)
Community knowledge of healthcare is a useful tool for reduced reliance on a broken state system, but can also act as a empowering act of resilience. First-aid and health care is an important skill to possess whether you're planning a camping trip or are planning for armageddon. Please bring skills from treating wounds, to making herbal medicines, to addressing mental health, everything in between and anything else you can think of. Or just bring yourself and your personal experience of how you've related to personal health in the past. This dialogue will be action based, participants are asked to bring materials helpful to sharing their skills.
Fire & Water (Saturday April 16th)
From warmth and cooking to drinking and bathing, fire and water are two of the most important resources to human survival. This skill-share will explore fire creation and building techniques, as well as water collection and purification methods. These and other practical uses of fire and water will be explored based on the will of the group. Please bring any materials and resources helpful to sharing your skills.
Food Foraging (Saturday April 30th)
Location
Cooking in your Community: Connecting People through Food - Cocinando en su Comunidad
Participants in the class will learn about food,
culture, and language through cooking workshops and group
conversations. Facilitators will share some of their own knowledge and skills, but we encourage participants to share their own knowledge of other languages and methods of cooking. The class will be very interactive and hands-on.
People who love to eat or cook will enjoy the class. Participants who speak languages other than English are strongly encouraged to participate. However, no special skills are required to be in the class and we welcome all participants regardless of skills or experience cooking. If you would be interested in leading one of the classes, start to
think about a type of food you know how to cook and would like to
share with the class. We'll base the class around the skills and
interests of the people who decide to participate. We may have a few
guest cooks as well!
Participantes aprenderán de comida, cultura y lenguaje por talleres de cocinar y conversaciones de grupos. Facilitadores compartirán su propio conocimiento, pero formentamos que participantes comparten su propio experiencias en otros lenguajes, culturas y métodos de cocinar. La clase será muy interactiva y experiencial.
Personas que encantan a concinar o a comer les gustará la clase. Participantes que hablan otras idiomas aparte de inglés son fuertamente formentados a participar. Sin embargo, no habilidades especiales de cocinar son necesarios y todos participantes son acogidos. Si haya personas que les intersen a demostrar una receta para una clase, empiece a pensar sobre un tipo de comida que sabe a concinar y que le gustaría a compartir con la clase. Construiremos la clase sobre la habilidades y los intereses de los participantes. Tendremos unos concineros invitados también.
Mon, 03/07/2011 - 6:00 - 8:15 PM
Mon, 03/14/2011 - 6:00 - 8:15 PM
Mon, 03/21/2011 - 6:00 - 8:15 PM
Mon, 03/28/2011 - 6:00 - 8:15 PM
Mon, 04/04/2011 - 6:00 - 8:15 PM
Location
Knit & Such
Come and knit with us! We can teach you the basics (we have some supplies to get you started), help you through a rough spot in your pattern, or just keep you company while you work on your own fantastic creation. Crochet, hand spinning, cross-stitch, embroidery, latch hook, origami, bookbinding, friendship bracelet making, macrame, calligraphy, collage, and anything mostly portable and not too messy or noisy are also very welcome.
This is a friendly knitting group. We occasionally meet at folks' houses, we potluck, we celebrate silly birthdays. We would love to see some new faces, whether you can only make it once in a while or every week. There's a facebook group, Knitting and Such, if you'd like to check us out before you join us for an afternoon.
Location
Make Media, Make Trouble – Classroom & Action
CANCELLED
CANCELLED
CANCELLED
Unfortunately due to a lower number of signups and some other issues, this workshop has been cancelled. If you're still interested and want to get on a list to hear about future similar offerings, or learn more about TC Indymedia, please contact this facilitator (info below). Apologies for the inconvenience!
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Day 1: Saturday, April 23, 2pm-4:30pm (Note day change from previous listing)
Walker Library
2880 Hennepin Ave S. at Lagoon Ave, Minneapolis
Day 2: “In the field” at annual May 1 protest demonstrations (we will meet at a nearby location, then split into teams and head to the demonstration to make media.)
---Attendance at Day 1 OR previous experience with TC Indymedia (such as at a previous workshop or as a volunteer) is required to join us for Day 2. Attendance at Day 1 without participating in Day 2 is allowed (but Day 2 is the really fun part!).---
***Day 1:
In this 2 1/2 hour participatory workshop, we'll first collectively examine some movement media (that is, media created from inside social movements) from various local--global struggles crossing race, age, class, gender and sexuality identities. Then, we'll explore some tools anyone can use to make media that stimulates and agitates for change. Bring your creative mind, political passions and readiness to interact!
The workshop will also include a brief introduction to Twin Cities Indymedia and our work locally. Participants will leave with tricks, tactics and inspiration for taking action to make another wor(l)d possible. Printed resources will also be available for participants to take home.
This workshop is open to anyone and everyone interested in using media as tools for progressive, radical and revolutionary social change.
***Day 2:
Location
home assesment, a dialog with comunity members & trades people on finding and maintaining a home
a discussion group in order to design a class for future Exco sessions
for who: home buyers, home owners, land lords, renters with housing livability issues
What: home assessment, Project assessment, cost assessment
Garden Perspectives
This class is designed for participants who already have a basic level of knowledge and experience around gardening/farming and are looking to expand upon this knowledge.** It is broken into two components; 1- Gardening 201, and 2- Exploration of Garden Philosophies.
Gardening 201
Soil - biology > nutrient cycling > creating fertility management plan.
Water - catchment > storage > irrigation methods.
Plants - basic biology > disease and pest pressures > starting your own transplants > seeding techniques > creating a crop rotation plan > seed collecting.
Season Extension Techniques
Garden Philosophies
Permaculture
Biodynamic Gardening/Farming
Bio-intensive Gardening
Urban Agriculture
Due to the winter time exploration of this topic, hands-on practice will be limited. However, where possible, the facilitator will incorporate such elements.
**requires a brief description of class participants basic garden knowledge and how they hope to apply this knowledge.
Mecanica Automotriz
Ensenanza de la mecanica como afinacion, frenos y los conocimientos basicos.
Location
Cocina Mexicana
Seran clases de comida variada tales como mariscos, ensaladas y un poco de soya. Tratando de no usar aceites ni grasas para mantener una mejor salud.
Location
Becoming Riflemyn - Rifle Marksmynship
This course will supply knowledge and skills required to become a Riflemyn. A riflemyn is a person capable of hitting 20" targets from 500 meters with standard equipment. Information covered will range from fundamental to advanced skills, depending on progress of the students. The goal of this course is to expand responsible rifle knowledge into urban culture. Students will be able to transfer their knowledge to members of their respective communities.
The course will likely be several meetings, beginning with classroom orientation of safety and basic firearms knowledge. This will include discussion of types of rifles for prospective buyers. A comprehensive text will be provided. This will be followed up with one or more range days where one will be able to learn the concepts and knowledge of becoming a Riflemyn. Students are encouraged to provide their own rifles, though this is not necessary. An ideal student will be open to eventually purchasing a rifle and being comitted to learning the trade of Riflemynship through dedicated practice. Please email the facilitator upon registering to explain your level of interest.
It should be noted that while this is an introductory course, it is complete in riflemynship content. If one is dedicated to learning and open to absorbing the information, one will have the skills to acheive a standard of marksmynship that exceeds 99% of rifle owners. We call this the Riflemyn standard. Those who acheive this standard will be considered a Riflemyn, and will recieve a nifty patch. This course is in no way a statement of political belief or motive. It is simply the knowledge of skill. While all are welcome, outwardly oppressive or offensive perspectives will not be tolerated.
fermentation basics
The course will cover a little about the science and history behind different processes of fermentation, and each class will be devoted to making a different fermented food or drink. Some things we've made in past classes include kombucha, kimchi, hot sauce, beer, wine, ginger beer, miso, tempeh, yogurt, and kefir.
Location
Natural Building & Permaculture Design
Get out of the Cities this summer and join us for free, outdoor, hands-on experiences with Natural Building and Permaculture Design at Lily Springs Farm located an hour from the Cities in Osceola, WI. Throughout this short summer series, you will have the opportunity to get your hands dirty with rainwater gardening, terracing and earthworks intensives, natural fencing building, and native planting. Carpooling will be organized and food and beverages will be available onsite. Stay after for bonfires, boating, and swimming if you like! To learn more check out our website at www.lilyspringsfarm.com.
Location
Knit & Such
Come and knit with us! We can teach you the basics (we have some supplies to get you started), help you through a rough spot in your pattern, or just keep you company while you work on your own fantastic creation. Crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, latch hook, origami, bookbinding, friendship bracelet making, macrame, calligraphy, collage, and anything mostly portable and not too messy or noisy are also very welcome.
This is a friendly knitting group. We sometimes meet at folks' houses, we potluck, we celebrate silly birthdays. We would love to see some new faces, whether you can only make it once in a while or every week. There's a facebook group, Knitting and Such, if you'd like to check us out before you join us for an afternoon.
Locations
Loom Building and Weaving
Participants will be building their own small looms and learning some basic weaving techniques. At the end the 3 week session we hope to hold an art show with work from the class participants. The class and show will take place at the "They Won't Find Us Here" gallery - 3500 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis.
We will have a total of three classes on July 7th, 14th, and 21st with a final show on the 24th. Each class will take place from 4 to 7 pm.
Supplies will be provided but participants are encouraged to bring the following if they are able:
A hammer, Yarn, Fabric, Twine or other creative weaving materials. Snacks to share are also a plus!
Call Britt (414 732 9481) or Molly (612 720 3030) with any questions!
Location
Example Workshop
Describe your workshop here.
Workshop Community Owned Agriculture (COA)-- A Step Beyond the CSA
Community Owned Agriculture (COA)--A Step Beyond the CSA
Monday, March 15, 6:30 to 8 pm
Merriam Park Library,
1831 Marshall Ave., St. Paul
How can city folks farm in the country? What would it take to become a food producer on actual farmland, without living in the country? And why would city folks want to do this, when they can grow food at a community garden close to home, or contract with a CSA farmer, or shop at a farmer’s market?
Some reasons:
* To produce essential crops that need more acreage than the city usually provides, such as grains
* To actually own production on a long-term lease or purchase of the land
* To invest assets into real, productive property
* To become part of a group that works together based on interest and investment, without necessarily doing farm work
* To participate in a new type of land and farming reform
* To opt further out of the industrial agriculture system
* To slowly learn the essentials of farming, if desired, for future purposes
This workshop presents a new concept in farming--how to become a co-producer, with others, of food on agricultural land leased or purchased by the group. It describes the first COA effort and how to participate in it.
Presenters: Wilhelm and Leslie Reindl
Wilhelm grew up on and ran a small dairy farm in southern Germany in the 1960s; Leslie was a board member of the Minnesota Food Assocation in the 1990s and has been active in agricultural issues ever since. They live in St. Paul but also own and garden on an ex-dairy farm in Wisconsin.
Sponsored by Wilderness Connections, St. Paul
FFI alteravista@usfamily.net, 651-633-4410
Community Owned Agriculture (COA): A Step Beyond Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
Place: Cahoots Coffee Bar, 1562 Selby Ave., St. Paul
How can city folks farm in the country? What would it take to become
a food producer on actual farmland, without living in the country?
And why would city folks want to do this, when they can grow food at
a community garden close to home, or contract with a CSA farmer, or
shop at a farmer's market?
Some reasons:
* To produce essential crops that need more acreage than the city
usually provides, such as grains
* To actually own production on a long-term lease or purchase of the
land
* To invest assets into real, productive property
* To become part of a group that works together based on interest
and investment, without necessarily doing farm work
* To participate in a new type of land and farming reform
* To opt further out of the industrial agriculture system
* To slowly learn the essentials of farming, if desired, for future
purposes
This workshop presents a new concept in farming--how to become a co-
producer, with others, of food on agricultural land leased or
purchased by the group. It describes the first COA effort and how to participate in it.
Presenters: Wilhelm and Leslie Reindl
Sponsored by Wilderness Connections, St. Paul
FFI alteravista@usfamily.net, 651-633-4410=
Collective Home Buying Workshop
This workshop comes out of the experience of collectively buying a house, a process that took two years, but finally resulted in an actual house last fall. We'll focus both on philosophical questions behind collective ownership and on the nuts and bolts of house-buying. Our collective still hasn't figured out how to make the house collectively owned on paper, but we will talk about the different options we are exploring.
The format of the workshop will be a skillshare where we will discuss the following questions. We've also created some resource lists to hand out. The class will be held at our house in South Minneapolis. Sign up for the class and check your email for directions.
- What sort of space are you trying to create?
What are collective members' shared values, and how do you ensure the collective stays true to these values (if that's something you want)? (Suggestions: Points of unity, bylaws, processes for entering and leaving the collective.)
- If your collective has a community focus, who is "the community"?
What's the difference between creating an intentional living community and being a community resource? Does your collective want to be accountable to a community? How do you achieve this? What are opportunities for neighborhood involvement? What are you feelings about gentrification?
- How to pay for it?
Mortgages, personal loans, contract-for-deed, co-signers, short-sales, special programs, land trusts.
- Who to ask for help?
Real estate agents, inspectors, lawyers, contractors, friends.
Location
DIY Wind Turbine
In this class participants will build a working wind turbine from scratch - based roughly on DIY plans from MAKE Magazine and the following websites:
http://www.greenterrafirma.
http://www.mdpub.com/Wind_
http://www.velacreations.com/
Location
Knitting for the Kneedy
Our class will knit or crochet things which we will donate. There will be folks around who can teach you to make your first dishcloth if you've never made a stitch in your life, or to keep you company while you stitch if you're working on your 346th Norwegian sweater, or to give you a pointer or two if you're somewhere in the middle. There will be yarn for you to work into something useful, and needles and patterns to help you. There will be organizations happy to recieve the useful something you've made. You provide your hands and time, the rest will be there waiting for you.
We're looking into a couple of organizations to which to donate, but don't yet know for sure which ones it will be.
Knit & Such
Come and knit with us! We can teach you the basics (we have some supplies to get you started), help you through a rough spot in your pattern, or just keep you company while you work on your own fantastic creation. Crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, latch hook, origami, bookbinding, friendship bracelet making, macrame, calligraphy, collage, and anything mostly portable and not too messy or noisy are also very welcome.
This is a friendly knitting group. We meet at folks' houses, we potluck, we celebrate silly birthdays. We would love to see some new faces! We've got a facebook group, Knitting and Such, if you'd like to check us out before you join us for an afternoon.
Location
Pillow Making/Sewing Class
Knowledge of basic sewing skills helpful but not necessary. Students will learn hand stitching, button sewing and pillow making. By the end of the series they will have produced something special they can be proud to display. This will be a fun and easy class.
Location
Reporting 101
You’ve always wanted to get into writing and reporting, but you need some
basic skills. In this two-part session Gary Gilson teaches the basics of
identifying and developing a story idea, digging, cultivating sources,
organizing the material, identifying a lead and writing clearly, cogently and
engagingly. And on deadline.
Location
Open Poetry Collective
We are looking to start an open creative expression environment (poetry, art, songs, creative writing, etc) We want this to naturally evolve through a consensus of the group. So far ideas are that it would generally just be a once a week gathering for folks to share what they've been working on, free of judgements and free of needing to have what you have to share "be perfect." Maybe once a month there could be a positive criticism feedback if desired of the expressor at the end of a sharing. Generally, the key concept is to have a comfortable place to share.
Location
Knit and Such
Come and knit with us! We can teach you the basics (we have some supplies to get you started), help you through a rough spot in your pattern, or just keep you company while you work on your own fantastic creation. Crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, latch hook, origami, bookbinding, friendship bracelet making, macrame, calligraphy, collage, and anything mostly portable and not too messy or noisy are also very welcome. Our class is working on a blanket that, when it's finished, we will donate to a to-be-decided but definitely worthy cause.
From time to time we'll be meeting at one of our homes. Make sure to give us a call or send an email if you'd like to join us to get the right location.
We changed the days of the class! We'll now meet Sunday afternoons.
Location
Girls on the Move! (Postponed)
Title of Course: Girls on the Move!
Facilitator: Emily Hanson
Email: eehanson21@gmail.com Phone: 651-323-0037
Class Time: Friday afternoons 1-4 PM and Tuesdays 3-4:30 PM
Class Dates: July 10,14, 17, 21,24, and 28
Place: Sibley Bike Depot, 712 University Ave.
Course description: This is a short, three-week basic bike maintenance class just for girls! It is targeted toward girls ages 9-13, but girls slightly younger or older are welcome. We will cover the basics of bike maintenance in a fun, hands-on shop setting, learn the tools and parts of a bicycle, and go on fun rides on Tuesday afternoons. We will also cover safe riding, how to find the best route for your bike trip, and have fun in an empowering female environment! This class is intended to get girls excited about the world of biking, which is often dominated by men. They can bring in their own bike to fix, and if they don’t have a bike of their own, they can begin accumulating shop hours so that they can earn a bike to keep!
Class size: Minimum ____4_____ Maximum ____12_____
What experience do you bring to this class? I just started working on bikes less than a year ago, and have been hooked since taking the basic bike maintenance class at Sibley. I currently have a grant through Macalester to be working with Sibley this summer, spending lots of time in the shop learning and developing youth programming. Mostly, I bring lots of enthusiasm for biking and all its benefits, and want to spread that excitement to girls!
Complete Bicycle Overhaul: August
Class Time: Thurs evenings August 6-27 6:30-9pm, Sibley Bike Depot (712 University Ave in St. Paul)
- This class will build upon the skills taught in the Basic Bike Maintenance class and expand through overhauling an entire bicycle. Participants will take apart, clean, and repack all bearing systems, including hubs, headsets, and bottom brackets. In addition, the will install new cables and housing on brakes and derailleurs as needed, and lubricate/adjust all shifting systems. In full, folks attending this class will learn how to perform a complete tune-up/overhaul of a bicycle. Participants will work with the same bike through the class, in order to see the complexities and intricacies of one specific bicycle.
- This is an advanced beginner/intermediate level class that builds upon the principles taught in Sibley's Basic Bike Maintenance. Students who have taken Basic are welcomed to register (if you feel worried about your mechanical level, feel free to come to Open Shop hours to improve your basics). Folks who have some basic bike maintenance experience but have not taken Basic Bike Maintenance are welcomed to attend as well.
- All participants will fix SHOP BIKES. At the end of the class, we will discuss different possibilities and reach consensus on an organization (or multiple organizations) to donate the bikes to.
- Place: Sibley Bike Depot, 712 University Avenue in St. Paul (1.5 blocks west of Dale Street on University)
- Maximum 20 participants
Complete Bicycle Overhaul: Sept-Oct
Class Time: Thursday evenings September 24-October 15 6:30-9pm, Sibley Bike Depot (712 University Ave in St. Paul)
- This class will build upon the skills taught in the Basic Bike Maintenance class and expand through overhauling an entire bicycle. Participants will take apart, clean, and repack all bearing systems, including hubs, headsets, and bottom brackets. In addition, the will install new cables and housing on brakes and derailleurs as needed, and lubricate/adjust all shifting systems. In full, folks attending this class will learn how to perform a complete tune-up/overhaul of a bicycle. Participants will work with the same bike through the class, in order to see the complexities and intricacies of one specific bicycle.
- This is an advanced beginner/intermediate level class that builds upon the principles taught in Sibley's Basic Bike Maintenance. Students who have taken Basic are welcomed to register (if you feel worried about your mechanical level, feel free to come to Open Shop hours to improve your basics). Folks who have some basic bike maintenance experience but have not taken Basic Bike Maintenance are welcomed to attend as well.
- All participants will fix SHOP BIKES. At the end of the class, we will discuss different possibilities and reach consensus on an organization (or multiple organizations) to donate the bikes to.
- Place: Sibley Bike Depot, 712 University Avenue in St. Paul (1.5 blocks west of Dale Street on University)
- Maximum 20 participants
Location
REGISTRATION CLOSED Basic Bike Maintenance: August
Registration is now closed...look for our next class on Sundays in September, after labor day, Sept 13-Oct 4
Class times: August 9-30 (4 consecutive Sunday afternoons 4:15-6:30pm
This class is designed as a complete introduction to the basics of maintaining your bicycle yourself. Learning to fix your own bike can save you money, ensure access to reliable transportation, and be a rewarding personal experience to understand how your vehicle functions. Participants aren’t expected to know anything beforehand – the only thing you need to bring is your lovely selves, your bike if you want, and a creative desire to learn!
Class Breakdown is as follows:
Week One: Fixing a flat tire and adjusting your brakes
Week Two: Shifting systems maintenance and adjustment
Week Three: Wheel truing and hub adjust/overhaul
Week Four: Headset and bottom bracket adjust/overhaul
E-mail: Phone: 612-232-2737
Place: Sibley Bike Depot, 712 University Avenue in St. Paul (1.5 blocks west of Dale Street on University)
Class size: Minimum ___4_____ Maximum ___25____
Introduction to Computer Programming
Title of Course: Introduction to Computer Programming
Facilitator: Seth Viebrock
Email: seth2@viebrock.us Phone: 612.387.4302
Class Time: 7:30pm-8:30pm
Class Dates: Tuesdays (starting July 7th, ongoing until Fall semester)
Place: 3144 Fremont Ave S, Minneapolis, MN (Uptown) Please use the side door, the class will be held downstairs.
Course description:
“High-level” programming languages such as Perl, PHP, Python, and Ruby allow us to abstract away certain details of the computer, providing an ideal medium for a top-down approach to learning introductory programming, with lower-level concepts from Computer Science emerging only as they become necessary. We will take a “learn by doing” approach as much as possible, utilizing open source software and programming languages. Each student will specialize in one language but concepts will be expressed in multiple languages, illustrating differences in language “syntax” as well as somewhat universal concepts like variables, data structures, iterative operations, classes, and subroutine definitions. The students who took this course the previous semester (and are now taking my intermediate course) will be available to help and mentor, and as time and skill allow, introductory students will be able to help with the development project that the intermediate students are working on. Computationally-curious and/or mathematically-minded individuals are encouraged to enroll, with basic computer and text processing knowledge a requirement, and a laptop highly, highly recommended (please do what you can to procure or borrow one for class as there will be many hands-on activities). The class website can be found at www.flossclass.com . PLEASE NOTE: Due to the infrequent meeting periods and short meeting time of this course, students will be expected to do some homework outside of class, with help and guidance given remotely.
Introduction to Auto Mechanics -REGISTRATION CLOSED
Title of Course: Introduction to Auto Mechanics
Facilitator: Benjamin Sai and Phil Schaefer
Email: b.spoken@gmail.com Phone:
Class Time: Thursdays 7 – 9PM
Class Dates: July 2nd – July 30th
Place: South Minneapolis
Course description: An introduction to auto mechanics geared to provide a foundation of knowledge for auto repair and maintenance. No experience is necessary and beginners are encouraged to attend.
This class can be customized to a variety of knowledge levels, but is planned to begin with identifying basic parts of an engine and tools. It would then move on to:
* basic maintenance (keeping fluids up and etc)
* air filter, oil change, and lube
* installing new spark plugs + cap and rotor
* changing the fuel filter and trouble shooting
Tools and a garage will be provided. There is potential to work on students vehicles, if available. A vehicle will be provided if needed. Any parts or consumables will need to be purchased by the owner of the vehicle.
Class size: Minimum __4_______ Maximum __10_______
What experience do you bring to this class?
Phil was a professional auto mechanic years ago. Ben has done basic auto repair for several years on a non-professional level.
Knit and Such
Title of Course: Knit and such
Facilitator: Aaron Hottinger & Michelle Larsen
Email: aaron.hottinger@yahoo.com, michellemlarsen@yahoo.com
Phone: (952)297-7248 (952)807-3450
Class Time: Tuesdays, 7pm-9pm
Class Dates: June 16- August 18
Place: For now, Loring Park (near the statue of the violin man). If Mother Nature doesn't agree, Espresso Royale, 13th and Hennepin, downtown. We'll figure out our permanent space during the first class.
Course description:
Come and knit with us! We can teach you the basics, help you through a rough spot in your pattern, or just keep you company while you work on your own fantastic creation. Crocheters are also welcome, of course, but we’re considerably less accomplished at crocheting.
Class size: Minimum ____3_____ Maximum ____∞_____
What experience do you bring to this class?
Michelle: I initially learned to knit at Girl Scout camp five years ago; since then I've been learning new techniques and such from friends, the Internet, and books. I have knit a plethora of scarves and hats, some socks, a few mittens and gloves, and a sweater or four.
Aaron: I have been knitting since 2007. I have knit more hats than can be counted. I’ve knit half of at least three sweaters. I have knit & crocheted lace. Right now I am learning to knit and crochet Amigurumi!
Loom building and weaving
Title of Course: loom building and weaving
Facilitator: Molly Erickson and Britt Malec
Email: oneflanelaway@yahoo.com Phone: 414-732-9481; 612-720-3030
Class Time: 6-8pm
Class Dates: *Aug. 10th, 11th, 12th*
Place: 1921 Elliot Ave.; Minneapolis
Course description: Aug 10th – talk about the history of weaving while we construct our own small looms.
Aug 11th – weave together while we show examples of different weaving styles and textiles.
Aug 12th – based on class interest; possible field trip to a fiber studio, felting demo, sewing demo
Class size: Minimum ____5____ Maximum _____9____
What experience do you bring to this class?
Britt- All around fiber dork and art school dropout. Molly- Much passion, good fashion. Maker of things.
Eat 4 Free in the T.C.
Title of Course: Eat 4 Free in the T.C.
Facilitator: Nathanael Secor, Jenny Neudeck
Email: mplsfoodnotbombs@riseup.net, jennyneudeck@gmail.com Phone: 612.722.1183, 612.729.1854
Class Time: 1-4 pm
Class Dates: Sundays starting June 14th
Place: to be determined
Course description:
We all hold the power to nourish ourselves and our communities. Join us as we explore together the fundamentals of gathering and preparing food for free. We will investigate topics such as urban gleaning, foraging wild foods, fermentation, improving your cooking skills and nutrition -- although the class focus will depend on participants’ interests. All knowledge and skill levels are strongly encouraged to participate. Cook, create, discuss and debate…come learn and show us how to eat for free in the T.C.!!!
Class size: Minimum __5_______ Maximum ___10______
What experience do you bring to this class?
Nathanael has been involved with Food not Bombs for about three years but has been foraging, cooking, and gardening much longer.
Jenny has a B.A. in Cultural Studies & Comparative Literature from the U of M, and has been involved with Food not Bombs for one year.
Introduction to HTML and Web Development
Title of Course: Introduction to HTML and Web Development
Facilitator: Chris Mason
Email: crstffr@yahoo.com Phone:
Class Time: 8:00pm to 9:30pm
Class Dates: Wednesdays, June 10th – July 29th (8 weeks)
Place: 3144 Fremont Ave S, Minneapolis, MN. Please use the side door, the class will be held downstairs.
Course description:
This class will cover the introductory principles of how to create and manage a web site. Topics covered will include: the fundamentals of good web design, working with images for the web, tools of the trade, organization of project files, domain registration, web hosting, writing basic HTML, CSS, JavaScript. The class is aimed at beginners, but moderate computer skills are still required. Must be comfortable creating files, folders, and installing programs with your operating system of choice. Linux, Mac and PC welcome. Students encouraged to bring their own laptops as none will be provided.
Class size: Minimum ___2____ Maximum ____15_____
What experience do you bring to this class?
I’ve been a professional web monkey for about 8 years, building e-commerce sites and web based applications for IBM, Macy’s, Northwest Airlines, as well as a plethora of small companies. I specialize in designing user interfaces and back-end server programming. I received an AAS in Multimedia Design in 2001.
How to be Green
Title of Course: How to be Green
Facilitator: Mike Franck
Email: fran0092@yahoo.com Phone: 612-396-3175
Class Time: 1:30pm to 4:30pm
Class Dates: July 12th, 19th, & 26th
Place: Rondo Community Library, Dale & University Ave., St. Paul, MN
Course description: In 3 weeks, we will learn more about what it means to be Green and understand what actions each individual can take to change their consciousness and behavior to be more mindful of the environmental impact of our everyday lives.
Class size: Minimum ___4______ Maximum ___12______
What experience do you bring to this class? I am working on this, too.
How to Solve a Rubik’s Cube
Title of Course: How to Solve a Rubik’s Cube
Facilitator: Mike Franck
Email: fran0092@yahoo.com Phone: 612-396-3175
Class Time: 7pm to 8:30pm
Class Dates: June 18th , 25th & July 2nd
Place: Hamline-Midway Public Library, St.Paul, MN
Course description: In 3 weeks, we will learn the techniques of solving a Rubik’s cube & then compete for speed to see who can solve the cube the fastest.
Class size: Minimum ___4______ Maximum ___12______
What experience do you bring to this class? I can solve the Rubik’s cube & teach others to do it.
EXCO Web Development and Design Workshop
Title of Course: EXCO Web Development and Design Workshop
Facilitators: Seth Viebrock, Eli Meyerhoff
Seth's Email: seth2@viebrock.us
Seth's Phone: 612.387.4302
Class Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Class Dates: Every other Tuesday (starting June 16th)
Place: 3144 Fremont Ave S, Minneapolis, MN (Uptown) Please use the side door, the class will be held downstairs.
Course description: This is a workshop developed with an internship mindset: participants will gain professional web development experience in Drupal, PHP, CSS, and HTML, helping to improve EXCO’s website and general technological efficiency as an organization. Participants will learn about open source software, version control, collaboration methodologies, UNIX, and improve their skill in web technologies and design. PREREQUISITES: Participants without prior, solid HTML and CSS knowledge should concurrently enroll in Chris Mason’s Introduction to HTML class. Failing that, participants should come with extreme motivation and willingness to do catch-up work and studies at home. Graphic design knowledge may come in handy but is not a prerequisite. The course website will be at www.flossclass.com. As time permits we will schedule “hackathons” to work on projects together in a group, and otherwise participants are encouraged to volunteer time outside of class to work on tasks and projects.
Class size: Minimum ____3_____ Maximum ____15_____
What experience do you bring to this class?
Intermediate-level Computer Programming Workshop: Hands-on Development Experience
Title of Course: Intermediate-level Computer Programming Workshop: Hands-on Development Experience
Facilitator: Seth Viebrock
Email: seth2@viebrock.us Phone: 612.387.4302
Class Time: 8:30pm-10:30pm
Class Dates: Tuesdays (starting June 16th)
Place: 3144 Fremont Ave S, Minneapolis, MN (Uptown) Please use the side door, the class will be held downstairs.
Course description: This is a workshop-format course for those with prior programming experience and a passion for technology, development, and open source software and programming languages. Each class consists of the following components: (1) microprojects (to bring everyone up to speed on simple, universal concepts, applicable in any language), individual project questions/updates, and questions from anything you are working on outside of class (say, for your job), (2) student presentations, any lecture notes that I have for the day, (3) collaborative project time (our current group project is named “Price Scout”, a web application that calls various XML-based web services to obtain pricing information about products (handled by client-server scripts written in Ruby) which connects via REST-style calls to and from a web user interface written in Ruby on Rails (more info here: https://flossclass.lighthouseapp.com/projects/29861-price-scout), and last but certainly not least (4) time to have fun, hang out, and talk about trends in technology, allowing for unstructured brainstorming / group-building time. Individual projects of current students consist of an iPhone application, an XML database for file tagging and categorization, and a more academic route to beefing up skills in Ruby and Rails. PREREQUISITES: Prior programming experience, having either (1) upper beginning level in the higher-level dynamic languages (Ruby, Perl, Python, etc) , or (2) upper intermediate-level experience in Java or non-dynamic languages such as C/C++.
Class size: Minimum ____3_____ Maximum _15_
Fermentation Basics
Title of Course: Fermentation Basics
Facilitator: kirstin
Email: kirstin@resist.ca Phone: 612.729.2261
Class Time: Thursdays 6-8pm
Class Dates: June 18 - August 13, 2009
Place: 3036 Longfellow Avenue, Minneapolis
Course description: We’ll cover a bit about the history, science, and health benefits of fermentation and make a variety of fermented foods and drinks. The class topics will be catered toward whatever people participating want to learn about. Some things we’ve made in the past include miso, tempeh, hot sauce, beer, wine, mead, kombucha, sauerkraut, kimchi, sourdough bread, yogurt, and ginger beer. People who have taken the class before are welcome again, and everyone is encouraged to share their knowledge and experience.
Class size: Minimum ____5_____ Maximum __25_______
What experience do you bring to this class? I first became interested in fermentation while working in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, brewing and using a solution of micro-organisms to remove toxic molds from people’s houses. I’ve done a lot of experimenting since then and am excited to share my experience and get other people interested in fermenting.
Designing for a Changing Future: Understanding the Past as a Basis for Better Designs for the Future
Title of Course: Designing for a Changing Future: Understanding the Past as a Basis for Better Designs for the Future
Facilitator: Wilhelm Reindl
Email: alteravista@gmail.com Phone: 651-633-4410
Class Time: Saturdays 10 to 11:30, 11 to 12:30, or 1 to2:30 (or a Monday evening 7-8:30)
Class Dates: Consecutive Saturdays: July 11, 18, 25 (the 4th session listed will be informal and held only if participants wish it, at a time convenient to them); and repeated August 8, 15, and 22 if there is interest
Place: Macalester College, Campus Center Room 207
Course description: Design is a (human) response to a situation, challenge, or problem constrained by insight, means, opportunities, and environment. The response can reach far beyond the designer's intent or conception. Today's solution-driven designs for society can be dangerous propositions.
This class will examine the listed constraints, taking into account the humanistic and philosophical concepts that underly today's society (understanding where we have come from) and will engage students in applying a resulting broader vision to specific design problems.
Four 1 1/2-hour sessions, each including class discussion:
1) Purpose of design, principles, and analysis of conditions leading to today's design environment, illustrated with slides
2) Cultural filters to which current designs must conform, illustrated with slides
3) 3) Development of new design principles and student analysis of a design problem
4) 4) Student creation of ongoing hands-on designing sessions
Class size: Minimum ___5-6______ Maximum ___20______
What experience do you bring to this class?
Better Eyesight Without Glasses
Title of Course: Better Eyesight Without Glasses
Facilitator: Noah Strom
Email: chiropractor.noah@gmail.com Phone: 612-275-9212
Class Time: 7 pm Tuesday
Class Dates: June 16 - July 14
Place: Hidden Falls Regional Park, North Gate Pavilion
Course description: Vision is a phenomenon involving many more parts of the body than just the eyes. It is, in essence, a whole body experience. This course will cover the basics of how vision works. This course will include:
1. An anatomical and physiological description of the eye.
2. The relationship between eyesight and posture.
3. Specific exercises to improve vision without glasses (or contact lenses or surgery)
4. Lifestyle recommendations for improved sight.
This course is perfect for anyone who has ever wondered if vision can really improve without increasing one's prescription and for anyone who is seeking a fuller experience of life in their body.
The recommended text for this course is The Bates Method for Better Eyesight Without Glasses, by William H. Bates, M.D.
Class size: Minimum 4_________ Maximum 100_________
What experience do you bring to this class? I have, personally, experienced a reduction in my reliance on glasses through understanding and applying the principles I have learned through self-experimentation, literature research, clinical experience (as a doctor of chiropractic), and through the study of the human body (as an anatomy and physiology instructor).
__PENDING RESCHEDULE__ Junior Mechanics Class at the Sibley Bike Depot (June)
__THIS CLASS WILL BE RESCHEDULED FOR SOMETIME IN JULY. PLEASE SEE HERE FOR UPDATES__
This class is designed for youth aged 12-18 to come learn bike maintenance and build up a bike to take home at the end of the program! During the three week class, youth will learn about all aspects of fixing and maintaining a bike, from oiling the chain to adjusting the brakes to overhauling the bottom bracket. Youth who pass through the class will have the opportunity to volunteer during Open Shop hours if they want to continue to learn about bikes!
Class time:
3:15-5:15 Mondays and Tuesdays, June 1-16.
Class contact: Kevin Kalla
kevinkalla@gmail.com
REGISTRATION CLOSED - Complete Overhaul Bike Class at the Sibley Bike Depot (June)
REGISTRATION CLOSED we will be offering the class again starting in the middle of July - check out the EXCO summer class listing for more info.
Class Time: Thursday evenings June 11-July 2; 6:30-9pm
This class will build upon the skills taught in the Basic Bike Maintenance class and expand through overhauling an entire bicycle. Participants will take apart, clean, and repack all bearing systems, including hubs, headsets, and bottom brackets. In addition, the will install new cables and housing on brakes and derailleurs as needed, and lubricate/adjust all shifting systems. In full, folks attending this class will learn how to perform a complete tune-up/overhaul of a bicycle. Participants will work with the same bike through the class, in order to see the complexities and intricacies of one specific bicycle.
This is an advanced beginner/intermediate level class that builds upon the principles taught in Sibley's Basic Bike Maintenance. Students who have taken Basic are welcomed to register (if you feel worried about your mechanical level, feel free to come to Open Shop hours to improve your basics). Folks who have some basic bike maintenance experience but have not taken Basic Bike Maintenance are welcomed to attend as well.
All participants will fix SHOP BIKES. At the end of the class, we will discuss different possibilities and reach consensus on an organization (or multiple organizations) to donate the bikes to.
Place: Sibley Bike Depot, 712 University Avenue in St. Paul (1.5 blocks west of Dale Street on University)
Maximum 20 participants
Basic Bike Maintenance at Sibley Bike Depot (June) - CLOSED!!
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED...we will offer another Basic Bike Maintenance class in July, keep an eye on the EXCO website for summer class offerings. Class times: June 14-July 5 (4 consecutive Sunday mornings 9:30am-noon)
This class is designed as a complete introduction to the basics of maintaining your bicycle yourself. Learning to fix your own bike can save you money, ensure access to reliable transportation, and be a rewarding personal experience to understand how your vehicle functions. Participants aren’t expected to know anything beforehand – the only thing you need to bring is your lovely selves, your bike if you want, and a creative desire to learn!
Class Breakdown is as follows:
Week One: Fixing a flat tire and adjusting your brakes
Week Two: Shifting systems maintenance and adjustment
Week Three: Wheel truing and hub adjust/overhaul
Week Four: Headset and bottom bracket adjust/overhaul
E-mail: Phone: 612-232-2737
Place: Sibley Bike Depot, 712 University Avenue in St. Paul (1.5 blocks west of Dale Street on University)
Class size: Minimum ___4_____ Maximum ___25____
REGISTRATION CLOSED!! Complete Overhaul Bike Class at the Sibley Bike Depot (May)
Class Time: Thurs evenings May 14-June 4 6:30-9pm
- This class will build upon the skills taught in the Basic Bike Maintenance class and expand through overhauling an entire bicycle. Participants will take apart, clean, and repack all bearing systems, including hubs, headsets, and bottom brackets. In addition, the will install new cables and housing on brakes and derailleurs as needed, and lubricate/adjust all shifting systems. In full, folks attending this class will learn how to perform a complete tune-up/overhaul of a bicycle. Participants will work with the same bike through the class, in order to see the complexities and intricacies of one specific bicycle.
- This is an advanced beginner/intermediate level class that builds upon the principles taught in Sibley's Basic Bike Maintenance. Students who have taken Basic are welcomed to register (if you feel worried about your mechanical level, feel free to come to Open Shop hours to improve your basics). Folks who have some basic bike maintenance experience but have not taken Basic Bike Maintenance are welcomed to attend as well.
- All participants will fix SHOP BIKES. At the end of the class, we will discuss different possibilities and reach consensus on an organization (or multiple organizations) to donate the bikes to.
- Place: Sibley Bike Depot, 712 University Avenue in St. Paul (1.5 blocks west of Dale Street on University)
- Maximum 20 participants
REGISTRATION CLOSED!! Basic Bike Maintenance at Sibley Bike Depot (May)
Dates Changed! New dates: May 17-June 7 (4 consecutive Sunday mornings 9:30 AM to noon)
This class is designed as a complete introduction to the basics of maintaining your bicycle yourself. Learning to fix your own bike can save you money, ensure access to reliable transportation, and be a rewarding personal experience to understand how your vehicle functions. Participants aren’t expected to know anything beforehand – the only thing you need to bring is your lovely selves, your bike if you want, and a creative desire to learn!
Class Breakdown is as follows:
- Week One: Fixing a flat tire and adjusting your brakes
- Week Two: Shifting systems maintenance and adjustment
- Week Three: Wheel truing and hub adjust/overhaul
- Week Four: Headset and bottom bracket adjust/overhaul
Place: Sibley Bike Depot, 712 University Avenue in St. Paul (1.5 blocks west of Dale Street on University)
Maximum class size: 20
