Brooks In Minneapolis, empty space downtown makes room for a new folk school

Minneapolis's Center for People and Craft will host an open house this weekend, inviting the community to explore its new facility focused on traditional crafts. Situated near the Walker Art Center, the center will feature five classrooms dedicated to hands-on learning experiences. Project leader Lindall highlighted the center's role as “the medicine we need right now,” aiming to connect individuals through crafting in a time of widespread anxiety. The initiative is supported by a grant from the city’s Arts & Cultural Affairs Department, which has provided more than $950,000 to local artists and entrepreneurs this year. Lindall, who has taught Nordic handcraft, envisions the center as a celebration of Minnesota's cultural diversity, offering a wide range of traditions and crafts.

The open house will also showcase other projects funded by the Vibrant Storefronts initiative, highlighting the creative potential of empty spaces. Lindall's passion for community and craft stems from her own upbringing in a family of crafters, and she aims to make crafting accessible to all. As the center prepares to launch, it seeks additional instructors and donations to fully realize its vision.