Art Classes

The Ely Folk school works with over 80 individual artists, 75% of whom have homes in Ely, to put on educational programming in fiber arts, folk arts, music, metalworking, humanities, and Northwoods skills and crafting, along with youth classes. The creativity, passion, and knowledge of the Ely community has allowed the Folk School to grow and thrive. 

Ely’s artistic nature has roots in early immigrant communities working in the mines. The arts were a way for the community to gather together and weather difficult times. Says Ian: “We did not have a lot. The moments that we were together were filled with song and dance.” 

Gallery 24 is a non-profit collaborative space run by more than two dozen local artists from Rochester and the surrounding communities. Located at 120 Elton Hills Dr. NW, the gallery is open six days a week. When you visit in store, the volunteers you meet are the same people who have created everything on display.