Students will be reading The Children's Blizzard by David Laskin, a gripping account of the deadly 1888 blizzard that caught the Great Pains settlers by surprise and claimed the lives of more than 100 children. We will also read Across the Deep Blue Sea by Odd S. Lovoll, which chronicles the early Norwgian immigrant experience and the important role Canadian cities played as gateways to North America from 1850 until the late 1860. Students may check out books at the Rapid City Library, purchase at local bookstores, or access digital copies. 

Rosemaling or ‘rose painting’ is a folk art that began in the lowlands of Norway in 1750 and very important to their culture. You see it on plates, bowls, trunks, wooden boxes, etc. Rosemaling can also be done on cupboards, walls, ceilings, ornaments, and picture frames. We will review the basic painting strokes, brush care and work toward finishing a beautiful project of your own. All materials will be provided to you. There is a strict limit on class size. NOTE: Additional supply fee paid to instructor at class of up to $30. 

Woodcarving and whittling is an ancient form of expression…and some classify it as a 'lost art'. Even with very little experience, you can make creative and interesting projects. This class will focus on beginning carving. You will learn about tools, types of wood, and various techniques. Wood and other supplies for small class projects will be provided, but students will need to bring their own basic woodcarving knife (1 to 1 ½ inch blade), that can be found at Who’s Hobby in Rapid City, other local hobby stores, or various online woodcarving retailers. Good brands to look for are FlexCut, Warren Cutlery, Mastercarver, BeaverCraft, etc. Ages 18 yrs old and older are welcome. There is a strict limit on class size. NOTE: Additional $30 supply fee paid to instructor.

New to crochet? This focused, hands-on “Boot Camp” is designed for absolute beginners who want to learn the basics in a single afternoon through a structured, supportive, and immersive session. You’ll receive step-by-step instruction, guided practice, and individualized support as you learn how to hold yarn and hooks, make a slip knot and foundation chain, and work single and double crochet stitches while understanding tension and stitch height. By the end of class, you’ll also be able to recognize and correct common beginner mistakes and feel confident continuing on your own. Students will complete a small practice swatch to demonstrate the stitches learned, as this is a skill-building workshop rather than a full project class. Please bring worsted weight yarn in a light color, a 5.5–6.5 mm hook (or size appropriate for your yarn), scissors, and optional stitch markers; no prior experience is required, and breaks will be included.

Have you always wanted to record your memories onto paper so your family can cherish your stories for years to come? This class is open to all ages and writing levels of adults providing writing prompts which will encourage participants to pen their life memories through sensory detail. Creative writing has many benefits aside from preserving valuable memories. It helps sharpen the mind and provides a therapeutic outlet for emotions. Please bring writing materials to each class. For information on the instructor, who has a doctorate in adult education, please visit www.mollybarari.com.

In this eight week-long class, you’ll explore the art of creative writing through fun prompts, group activities, and supportive feedback. Whether you’re drawn to short stories, poetry, or something in between, you’ll experiment with different styles and discover your unique voice. No experience needed! You just have to bring your curiosity, a notebook of choice (if you have a preference), something to write with, and a willingness to play with words. By the end of the course, you’ll leave with new writing skills, fresh ideas, and a collection of your own creative pieces to be proud of.

In the session you are guided though the steps on how to build a multiple-signature book. You will learn how to use basic binding tools. This class is a great introduction to book making and participants will leave with their own hand bound, leatherbound journal. Note: An additional $50 supply fee paid to instructor at class for supplies/materials.

New to crochet? This focused, hands-on “Boot Camp” is designed for absolute beginners who want to learn the basics in a single afternoon through a structured, supportive, and immersive session. You’ll receive step-by-step instruction, guided practice, and individualized support as you learn how to hold yarn and hooks, make a slip knot and foundation chain, and work single and double crochet stitches while understanding tension and stitch height. By the end of class, you’ll also be able to recognize and correct common beginner mistakes and feel confident continuing on your own. Students will complete a small practice swatch to demonstrate the stitches learned, as this is a skill-building workshop rather than a full project class. Please bring worsted weight yarn in a light color, a 5.5–6.5 mm hook (or size appropriate for your yarn), scissors, and optional stitch markers; no prior experience is required, and breaks will be included.