Ann Arbor Free Skool

BIG CHANGES at Ann Arbor Free Skool

2012-03-06T09:40:00.000-08:00

For a little while now, we have been discussing Free Skool’splace and relevance in our community as well as our current capacities asorganizers to support the Free Skool. We have decided to make some changesbased on the interests of our community and the best management of ourresources. We believe these changes will better support and engage our teachers, students, organizers, and the greater Free Skool network.

We’re excited about this newshift – we hope you’ll be too!

We're going to be taking a curriculum in a slightly differentdirection. We will no longer beprinting calendars or doing extensive organizational support for ongoing classes(finding locations, promotions, gathering supplies). We will continue to maintain an online calendar of existing classes, workshops, learning groups and eventsthat are free and fit in with our mission statement. We'll still be meeting ona regular basis as organizers to hash out the logistics of our projects.

This scaling back on regular classes will allow us to focusour energy in two directions:

DIY Fests

Being that DIY Fests are freaking awesome and well attended,we're going to start consolidating our classes and workshops into day longevents that will take place every month or every other month. This means TEACHERS will have more students inevery class, STUDENTS only have to clear their schedules once to attend a bunchof workshops, ORGANIZERS will be able to focus our energy & resources oncreating one amazing event and EVERYONE will be able to experience uniquecommunity skill-share events on a regular basis.

We're also going to start exploring the world of themed DIYFests:

Drawings from our Figure Drawing class at the most recent DIY Fest

Think about it – a day of DIY art classes for example – withpainting, poetry, figure drawing, photography and more where you can get yourcreative juices flowing for an entire day with other artists. Or a day on DIYFood – starting with gardening workshops and classes on buying local, andending with cooking classes and a community ~~potluck~~ FEAST.

There’s a lot of opportunities here for collaboration withother groups and creating unique learning experiences. Get Excited! Because weare.

Research projects and knowledge record-keeping

Katy sharing her zine for A Queer History of Ann Arbor - at our most recent DIY Fest

With the recent success of two workshop-spawned zines, we'regoing to direct some of our energy (and funds) toward archiving the knowledgewe are sharing with each other. This can include physical copies of zines andother literature to accompany workshops at DIY Fests, as well as an onlinearchive project where we scan in Free Skool documents of past and present,creating a freely accessible online database of sweet, sweet knowledge.

We’ll also be continuing our monthly Zine-making workshopsand be thinking of other unique ways to support these projects. This is a great new opportunity to share your knowledge with the Free Skool and the community.

What this means...

More of this!

...For teachers:

If you're interested in teaching a class, sharing a skill,or facilitating a workshop, we want to hear from you! We'll still need folks toteach and share at DIY Fests. If you know of an ongoing class or learning groupthat already has a location and aligns with our mission statement, send us thedeets! Tell us the date, time, location and address of the class, and give us abrief description, and we'll add it to our online calendar. We are not currentlyable to find locations, flier, or purchase supplies for ongoing classes, but wedo want to continue to support a community of learning.

...For you:

Less facebook invites. MORE DIY Fests. MORE zines. Noprinted calendars. An online archive of zines and literature from pastworkshops and classes, documenting our work together and creating a freelyaccessed database of knowledge – coming soon! Plus, you'll be able to check outour online calendar anytime for info on free, ongoing classes.

Thoughts or questions about the changes? Can't bear to seeprinted calendars go?

Pick up the slack and churn them out yourself! We'd be happyto show you everything we know about making calendars and supporting ongoingclasses. Remember, Free Skool is a non-hierarchical, volunteer-based collective.We would love to have you join us in imagining, shaping and facilitating thisproject. We’re still meeting Sundays at 7pm at Café Ambrosia. If you can't makeit to organizing meetings but want to get more involved or have your opinion heard, shoot us an e-mail andwe'll help make it happen!

DIY Fest is THIS FRIDAY, FEB. 24 2-7PM at Hotel Midwest!!!!

2012-02-20T06:55:00.000-08:00

This Friday the organizers of Ann Arbor Free Skool and Sneeze The Beak join forces to bring you 10 workshops and skillshares by local artisans, crafters, ziners and musicians all LIVE at Hotel Midwest. Enjoy out FREE STORE and COMMUNITY POTLUCK all day long. This event is the kick-off for Sneeze the Beak! Get your zines with all the details for the weekend and STB T-Shirts screen printed LIVE here!

What's Sneeze the Beak? Here's Everything you need to know

Hotel Midwest is located at 1508 Jewett. Here is a map.

Let us know you're coming on Facebook.

We're bringing you outstanding workshops and skillshares ALL DAY LONG. Here is our full schedule:

2-3pm

A Radical* Queer History of Ann Arbor

Facilitated by Katy Clark

It's hard to find out what radical queers were up to in traditional historybooks. We've scoured the library, town archives, and old publications &zines and will share what we've learned with you. Leave with your own zine on AA’squeer history!

*Orjust A Queer History of Ann Arbor. Most of it isn't radical, except for maybethe critical insight that most of it isn't radical.

Crochet Circle

Facilitated by Christine Barrera

Learn how to crochet, including patterns and techniques, or sit-in and workon your own project with us!! All levels of experience welcome.

Supplies you may want to bring: Some supplies will be provided, but please bring yr own if ya gotit.

3-4pm

Improvised Music (Part 1 of 2)

Facilitated by Matthew Endahl

The first hour of this class will involve listeningto various recordings of free improvisation through history, and a discussionof free improvisation as an approach to music.

Painting

Facilitated by Arian Monceaux

Group painting with constructive assistance and direction. Arianwants to help others make what we imagine visibly tangible in anopen-ended way while still holding onto the basic principles of design. Therewill be still life subjects for use but it isn't required of the students tobring them into their paintings. It is for all kinds of artists, whether youare just trying to break into the medium or if you're just looking for peopleto be creative with.

Supplies you may want to bring: Some supplies will be provided, but please bring yr own if yagot it.

4-5pm

Improvised Music (Part 2 of 2)

Facilitated by Matthew Endahl

The second hour will be a workshop in which musicwill be made through collective improvisation. Various techniques will beexplored.

Supplies you may want to bring: Bring an instrument, or anything that makes aninteresting sound.

Potluck& Community Time

Take a breather in between classes to enjoy foodfrom our Community Potluck, check out the Free Store, and listen to the musiccreated by our improvised music class. You’ll have plenty of time to show offyour crocheted & painted creations, or brag about your history knowledge.We’ll also be handing out zines for Sneeze the Beak detailing events for therest of the weekend.

Free Store: Give your old bronzed walnut-shaped walnut cracker a new placeto call home at the Free Store. Bring whatever you have that you think someoneelse would like (clothes, knick-knacks, food, art, tools, books - anything) andpick up some jazzy "new" treats for yourself. You'll be amazed atwhat you'll take home.
Community Potluc*: Don't forget to whip up your favorite dish to pass for TheShared All Day Potluck. We need your help to make this happen. No food = Nopotluck.
Screen Printing: Change your boring old t-shirt, pants, socks, g-string into awork of art!We will be doing live silk screen printing with the original Sneezethe Beak design! Donations appreciated.

Supplies you maywant to bring: FOOD, Stuff you want togive away at the Free Store, Something to Screen Print

5-6pm

Flower Essences

Facilitated by Heather Brumwell

Naturehas so many ways that it helps us to feel comfortable here. One of those is flower essences. We will talk about what flower essences areand the many possibilities of how to use them. There will be an option to take a personalized flower essence home withyou too.

Supplies you maywant to bring: If you'd like to take a flower essence home, please bring your ownsmall bottle with you.

Figure Drawing

Facilitated by Becky Canary-King

Open to all skill levels. Class will feature one model doing avariety of poses in order to practice gestural drawing. Poses will slowly getlonger to provide a longer time to complete sketches. Someinstruction/facilitation provided.

Massage Therapy (2 Hours)

Facilitated by Ed Weymouth

Yourhands are sad sometimes, massage makes them happy. Help your extremities toward happiness withmassage therapy, some reflexology and Thai massage used, a well as contemporarywestern. Be ready to touch and betouched by other people. There will be ashort focusing and breathing session before we begin to help with intent, animportant part of massage and then a basic work up on both hands and feet. If we have extra time, shoulders and head.

6-7pm

The Word Coop; Poetry Writing Workshop

Facilitated by David Trombley

Joinus in celebrating creative self-expression through the spoken and writtenword. Learn new ways to find yourvoice. Share your journey of listeningwith others. Bring copies of your poemsto share and discuss if you’d like, or just bring yourself and be ready todiscover that creative spark inside! Beginners welcome!

Supplies you maywant to bring: Copies of your poems to share

Radical Mental Health

Facilitated by Josiah Seng & AlexHusted

TheIcarus Project envisions a new culture and language that resonates with ouractual experiences of 'mental illness' rather than trying to fit our lives intoa conventional framework.

Weare a network of people living with and/or affected by experiences that areoften diagnosed and labeled as psychiatric conditions. We believe theseexperiences are mad gifts needing cultivation and care, rather than diseases ordisorders. By joining together as individuals and as a community, theintertwined threads of madness, creativity, and collaboration can inspire hopeand transformation in an oppressive and damaged world. Participation in TheIcarus Project helps us overcome alienation and tap into the true potentialthat lies between brilliance and madness.

Second Hour of Massage Therapy

Facilitated by Ed Weymouth

We hope to see you there!

Everything you need to know about Sneeze the Beak - FRIDAY, Feb. 24 - SUNDAY, Feb. 26

2012-02-20T01:00:00.000-08:00

The FINAL SCHEDULE is out and there’s not a day or event to be missed! It’s cold out and you’re getting grumpy, so don’t hang around your house – come out to see LIVE MUSIC and get up to SCHENNNNANERGANS with us.

Friday, February 24

DIY Fest @ Hotel Midwest
1508 Jewett in Ann Arbor; 2pm – 7pm

Ann Arbor Free Skool and Sneeze The Beak join forces to bring you 10 workshops and skillshares by local artisans, crafters, ziners and musicians all LIVE at Hotel Midwest. Including our FAMOUS Free Store and Community Potluck. Pick up your Sneeze The Beak Zine & Schedule here and get your own T-Shirt/Bandana/Jorts screenprinted live with our original STB design.

Full Schedule & Details.

Woods Evening Music Event; 8:30pm-?
Attend the DIY Fest for all the details.

Saturday, February 25

Saturday ~~Morning~~ Afternoon Cartoons
The Gravel Pit - 914 Fuller St in Ann Arbor; 2-5pm

Get cozy with warm drinks and old school cartoons as the Gravel Pit transforms into the Gravel Pit Cafe. We’ll try to have enough slippers for everyone, but you gotta bring your own snuggie.

Check out the list of shows we have, or bring your own!

Sneeze the Beach: Indoor Beach Party
The Dreamland Theater - 26 N. Washington in Ypsi; 9pm-3am

Killer bands. Tons of Shenanigans. Dance all night in your bikini at the Dreamland theater. It's better than spring break in Cabo. Featuring the sounds of The Plurals, Trabajabamos, Kkrusty, Dr. Striker, Watabou/Walk Your Bike & Inflatable Best Friend.

More Details on the artists.

Sunday, February 26

Holistic Eco Polar Spirit Plunge
Huron Bridge Park (Map) 12-1pm

Shock your mind and body and aura and all that crap into total fucking harmony the natural way: by inducing trauma in the sympathetic nervous system, at one of Ann Arbor's many public natural freshwater reservoirs chilled just for you (by the universe).

Confirm your commitment on facebook.

World’s First (???) SAUNCERT
The Far House – 2606 Packard in Ann Arbor 2-7pm

We take you for a plunge, but then immediately warm you up. If there's anytime Sneeze the Beak will melt your frozen winter heart, it's at our Sauncert. We haven't checked but we're pretty sure it's the WORLD'S FIRST. Get steamy in our DIY Sauna in the backyard of Far House. Featuring LIVE TUNES by Sam Singleton-Freeman, Brian Tucker, Fear of Holes and the Josh Hedges Psychedelic Jungle Experience.

More Details on the artists.

Basement show finale!!
The Far House – 2606 Packard in Ann Arbor 7-11pm

Immediately following the world's first (and best!) ever Sauncert, come down into the basement of your favorite DIY house venue for even more live music by: JDSY, MKO, Pikoboy & DJ Cactus. This will also be Sneeze the Beak’s CLOSING CEREMONIES.

More Details on the artists.

We hope to see you there!!!

February will warm your heart.

2012-02-06T07:35:00.000-08:00

Skip worrying about Valentine's Day - we've got a schedule this month that will melt away the winter blues. In addition to our usual line-up of classes, we're also throwing a DIY fest and helping out with Sneeze the Beak, events guaranteed to get you out of the house and ready to face the season.

Check out all class and event descriptions here.

Upcoming Events: SNEEZE THE BEAK and DIY FEST

2012-01-31T17:38:00.000-08:00

Just like Seize the Week this summer, we're helping to throw a weekend full of kickass DIY events and shenanigans called Sneeze the Beak from February 24-26th. Our opening event will be a DIY fest hosted by Ann Arbor Free Skool on Friday.

Below is the schedule of events, but why wait to get involved with the action? You can join in on the fun now by:

Partying with us! Our second fundraiser is THIS FRIDAY (2/3) at Elks Lodge! Come lift yourself out of the winter blues by dancing your booty off: https://www.facebook.com/events/306425599409628/
Attending Planning meetings - We still need doers, thinkers, movers & shakers to help us put this all together. Join us Sundays at 5:30pm at Cafe Ambrosia (right befoe the Free Skool meeting!)
Liking us on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sneezethebeak

What we're planning to do:

Friday, February 24

DIY Fest2-7pm - Hotel MidwestHosted by Ann Arbor Free Skool: We've got classes ranging from winter survival skills to mental health care to the queer history of Ann Arbor. Full schedule will be out soon!
Woods Bar8pm - ??? - Woods behind Elks Lodge: Enjoy live & improvised music, a frozen bar with warm drinks & a rustic barbarian potluck while you keep warm by the fire

Saturday, February 25

Adult Sled:Daytime, Hunt Park: Sledding, relays, maybe a guerilla ice rink? Come hang out in the snow with us & join our winter olympics
Summer ShowNighttime, Location TBA: We've got some killer bands. Expect Shenanigans.

Sunday, February 26

Polar PlungeDaytime, Huron River: You know what this is, but are you up for it?
(First ever?) SauncertDaytime, Far House: Warm up from the plunge with live music in our DIY sauna.
Closing CeremoniesNighttime, Far House: Bring a winter offering to the Sneeze the Beak gods to have a great rest of the season. Will there be live music too? Duh.

January Calendar is out!

2012-01-10T08:41:00.000-08:00

For Class Descriptions - Check here

Not included on this calendar - Yoga on Thursdays!

December Calendar

2011-12-03T17:50:00.001-08:00

Hey all you fancy-cats! Ready for the winter? This month's calendar is out!

There's more classes than you can see one here! For more classes and descriptions check go here!

**As of 12/18/11 Self Defense classes are cancelled**

Also folks! We need your help! Wanna help us organize? Draw Calendar art? Teach a class? Know of a space we can use? Hit us up: a2freeskool(at)gmail.com

-Or-

Come to our organizing meetings! Every Sunday, 7pm in the basement of Cafe Ambrosia. We may be moving our meeting place to a more accessible space for January! We'll keep you posted.

<3 A2 Free Skool <3

November Calendar

2011-11-12T08:18:00.001-08:00

We have two calendar this month - Collect them all!

For descriptions of classes see our Classes-Workshops-Events page

Also - Check out the workshops & events happening at Occupy Ann Arbor:

Occupy Ann Arbor -- Education Committee Facebook Group

You're Totally Here for the November Calendar, Right?

2011-11-08T05:04:00.000-08:00

Well, we haven't posted up the digital copy of the calendar quite yet, but you can see a list of classes HERE

Also, here's some exciting news: This month we have three different calendars! The same classes are on them, but the art is different. COLLECT THEM ALL!(like ~~Cereal Box Prizes~~ Pokemon)

<3 A2FreeSkool

Updates!

2011-10-29T20:54:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Hope all is well. Also, we've spruced up the website a little, so we hope you like what we've done with the place.

Just wanted to update everyone on what's new with A2 Free Skool.

Firstly, we're almost finished with November calendar, should be out within the week! Look at our Classes-Workshops-Events page to read all our class descriptions for this month.

Secondly, exciting news! We've been accepted to speak at Ann Arbor's Ignite 6 this Sunday, November 6th, 7pm at Blau Auditorium. It's a totally free event with a set of 5 minute talks by lots of cool people around town, about lot's of interesting things. And we're on the program! How about that? If you're interested in seeing our presentation, register soon. You can do so, here.We're super nervous about presenting in front of 500 or so people, so we could use your support!

That's about all! Except for inviting you to our organizing meetings every Sunday, 7pm in the basement of Cafe Ambrosia. We could use all the help we can get!

<3 A2 Free Skool <3

October is here!

2011-10-06T17:11:00.000-07:00

We have awesome classes this month!
Click to see the full list of classes and descriptions

Also, we invite you to our organizing meetings every Sunday, 7pm @ Cafe Ambrosia (326 Maynard St)

Want to teach a class? Hit us up! a2freeskool@gmail.com

<3 Ann Arbor Free Skool <3

September is Here!

2011-08-21T18:26:00.000-07:00

Bring in the fall with Ann Arbor Free Skool!

For the full list of class descriptions, times and locations click here!

CURRENT EVENTS DISCUSSION/ACTION GROUP HAS BEEN MOVED TO SUNDAYS, 5PM AT 418 THOMPSON ST!

Seize The Week Starts this WEDNESDAY!!

2011-07-24T09:53:00.000-07:00

Seize the Week is a full week of DIY Events, Live Music and Summer Shenanigans hittin’ the streets of Ann Arbor July 27th- 31st.

Get your Seize The Week Event Zine at any EVENT

For latest updates & details visit Seizetheweek.org

RSVP for events and invite the world at facebook.com/seizetheweek

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Wednesday, July 27th- Seize The Week Kick-off Extravaganza!

DIY Fest @ The Kerry Town Farmers’ Market, 4pm – 9pm Ann Arbor Free Skool and Seize The Week join forces to bring you over 15 workshops and skillshares, local artisans, crafters, ziners and music all LIVE at Ann Arbor’s Finest Farmers’ Market. Bike Trekking, DIY Instruments Making, Tai Chi, Michigan Legislation, Record Pressing, Body positive photo shoot, pickling and much much more. Pick up your Seize The Week Zine Schedule here!

Live @ The Gravel Pit (914 Fuller St), 9pm- ?
Useless Eaters (Nashville), Yellow Wall Paper (Saginaw), Totally Boring & Found Object Orchestra (Detroit)

Thursday, July 28th- Woods Day

Woods Day @ Bluffs Nature Area, 1pm - 7pm
An afternoon of wilderness workshops & skillshares with local survival enthusiasts. Learn about DIY Water Filtering, Wilderness Emergency Medicine, Fire Building, The Ultimate DIY Survival Kit, Edible & Medicinal Plants & more. Lite group bonfire dinner. Meet & park at the Bluffs Nature Area entrance close to the Elk’s Lodge (220 Sunset Rd ). If you arrive after group has left follow to tree markers on the path to where the group is.

Woods Evening Music Event @ 10pm-?
Attend The Wednesday Kick-off for all the details.  Friday, July 29th

Friday, July 29- Park Day

Park Day @ Hunt Park (1035 Daniel), 2pm- 8pm
Life-size board games, All your favorite lawn games, Monster Wrestling, Kickball, Bike Show & more. BBQ Potluck at 7pm. Bring a dish to pass, your favorite games, 12 friends, and all the awesomenss you can muster.

Critical Masquerade Bike Ride, Meets at N. University & State, 6pm- 7pm
Join your fellow bike-lovers dressed in your finest, weirdest, more creative garb as we zoom through the streets of A2 for a 2-wheel tango of fun.

ARBCO Records presents The Blue Snaggletooth LP Release Show w/ Mare Crisium and Lord Centipede @ The Vault of Midnight (219 S. Main), 9pm- 12am
The release of Blue Snaggletooth’s first full-length LP warrants a rockin’ release party with Lord Centipede, Mare Crisium and, of course, Blue Snaggletooth playing live in the Ultralounge, The Vault of Midnight’s basement vault of rock n’ roll. It’s ALL AGES and just $5! Use the mysterious back alley entrance for maximum something, something.

Sun Spot Hot! Dance Party @ The Elk’s Lodge (220 Sunset) Doors at 9- ?
Hotter than the sun! Get yo booty out to the Elk’s Lodge Underground for a late night bite of dance bliss. DJ Dickslap, Moonboots and Dan Tice spin the hottest grooves in the universe.

Shenan-urday, July 30

Parking Meter Take-Over Party in Downtown Ann Arbor, 2pm- 3pm, State & Liberty Area
Rethink & re-appropriate your urban space as we turn parking spots into tea parties, 80s aerobic dance parties & DIY lounges.

Fairy Doors Eviction Protest! 3pm-4pm, Main & Liberty
EXTRA EXTRA! The Faries of Ann Arbor have hit hard times. Foreclosure and eviction is sweeping our beloved urban fairy community. The fairies are being pushed out. Come join the protest!

Scavenger Hunt, Meets at Cafe Ambrosia. 5pm- 8pm
Come solo or bring a team as we tear up the streets for this year’s Downtown Scavenger Hunt, rip, gnash, and scavenge your way to glory! Rad Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd .

The Prom @ Dreamland Theater (26 N. Washington, Ypsilanti) , 9pm- ?
Uniting all the people of Ann Arbor for the most special night of your life. Hours of endless Live Music featuring Bubblegum Octopus (NJ), Kkrusty (Chicago), Ryan Gregory (Flint), Saskrotch (Chicago), Scissor Now (Ann Arbor), Jefferson (Ypsilanti), Trabajabamos (Ann Arbor), & Watabou (Ann Arbor, MI)– 8 bands on 2 stages and all your favorite prom fixings- Punch to spike, walls to lean against, flasks to hide, and memories to cherish forever.

Sunday, July 31- Float Fest

Float Fest BMX River Bike Jump, Bandemere Park, 3- 5pm
This is the third year of the BMX River Bike Jump! BMX bikes + Ramps + Dock + Water= Fun. Bring your swimsuit & Snack. Jump in or hangout and watch the excitement.

DIY Raft Race, Huron River, Route TBD, 5pm-7pm
Assemble a team, build a raft and race for glory!
Rules:

No motors
You need to have at least 2 people float down on the raft all must cross the finish-line to qualify to win!
Rafts must not litter or pollute the river.

There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, as well as prizes for most

The Float Fest Floating Concert, Location TBD, 7pm- 10pm
No better way to cap off Seize The Week than with a Floating Concert!! Come join us afloat in the Huron for a LIVE performance by Names Divine (Chicago), John Bellows (Chicago), Rainbow Family Vomit Band (Ypsilanti), & Jim Cherewick (Ypsilanti). Grab your swimsuits and floatation devices – because you’re going to need them!

July Calender is Here!

2011-07-07T20:15:00.000-07:00

June will make you swoon. Keep cooool with Free Skool.

2011-06-03T12:24:00.000-07:00

May Calendar is Here!

2011-05-01T20:21:00.001-07:00

April Calendar is Here!

2011-04-07T14:36:00.001-07:00

Ma-Ma-Ma-March is Here!

2011-03-05T19:31:00.001-08:00

January/February Calender - Start your new year with the Free Skool!

2011-01-22T13:28:00.000-08:00

Here it is folks! The Ann Arbor Free Skools January/February calender for your sensory pleasure! Click the calender above to download and print your own personal hard copy (Or click here for the PDF Version), and be sure to check out our Google Calender to keep up-to-date on any changes of events, classes, and other hi-jinx!

And for a peek inside of our past classes and events, feel free to check out our Flickr Photo Album, and our Youtube channel for some extra good-ness!

Here's what we have lined up for the next two months:

January

Tai Chi Class with The Stone Tortoise Tai Chi Community
Every Monday, 8:30pm- 10:30pm at ICC Educational Center (1520 Hill behind Luther Cooperative)
Jeff Blu teaches fundamentals of Tai Chi, including stretching, breathing, light calisthenic exercises, moving meditation, and simple self-defense techniques. This is a group for the sharing and exploration of practical skills to reduce stress, enhance health, and to progressively develop ones mental physical capabilities.
Beginners welcome.

Simply Cooking
Every other Sunday, 1pm at Luther Cooperative House (1520 Hill St)
Simply Cooking is a series of free bi-weekly culinary demonstrations open to all who would like to learn. Local chefs Aren Stobby and Connor Otto will teach the fundamentals of cooking as well as more advanced techniques as well as share their knowledge relating to culinary arts, nutrition and sustainable practices. For class specifics visit: http://simplycooking-a2.blogspot.com

Capoeira
Every Saturday, 10am- 11:30am at Concourse Hall (4531 Concourse Drive)
Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian art form that combines dance, martial arts, and acrobatics. It’s a strategic “game” to throw your partner off balance or render them defenseless by throwing kicks and sweeps using movements and defensive techniques. Through emphasizing persistence and patience, practitioners can develop stronger bodies, quicker reflexes, greater flexibility, increased awareness, strategic thinking, and the self-confidence to express themselves. Come join us. You are guaranteed to grow, be rejuvenated, and most importantly, have fun.

Learn to Swing Dance
Every Friday, 8pm- 9pm at Mind Body and Spirit Academy (1785 West Stadium Blvd)
Beginner lesson at 8:00pm; Open dancing from 9:00pm to 12:00am. Come out and boogie!

Reflexology - Auricology
Every other Thursday, 7pm at ICC Educational Center (1520 Hill behind Luther Cooperative)
Auricology. This type of reflexology focuses on points in the ears that correspond to the rest of the body. It sounds crazy, right? Seriously though it's awesome and Jedi-like. If you have doubts, come to the class and get them massaged away. There will also be some facial massage to integrate the techniques, yay!

One-Day Ham Radio Class
Saturday, January 8, from 9am - 3pm, Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum (220 E. Ann Street)
Learn everything you need to get your Technician Class amateur radio license, including the basics of electricity and electronics and amateur radio rules and regulations. The class starts at 9am and runs until 3pm, at which time you'll be given the test. While some students have passed the test without any preparation, we strongly encourage you to download and read through the free study guide, which is available at http://www.kb6nu.com/tech-manual. Online practice tests available there. There is a $15 fee to take the test. For more information, contact: Dan R at cwgeek@kb6nu.com.

Documentary & Discussion Series: Slingshot Hip Hop
Wednesday, January 19th, 8:00pm at Digital Ops (525 Liberty)
Slingshot Hip Hop braids together the stories of young Palestinians living in Gaza, the West Bank and inside Israel as they discover Hip Hop and employ it as a tool to surmount divisions imposed by occupation and poverty. From internal checkpoints and Separation Walls to gender norms and generational differences, this is the story of young people crossing the borders that separate them.

Astrology and Your Child
Saturday, January 29th, 3pm- 5pm at Cafe Ambrosia (326 Maynard)
You're invited to examine the astrological "owner's manual" that came with your child with the help of experienced parents and astrologers, Rodney B Smith and Misti A Delaney. Through your child's birth chart, you can learn the things that are most important to your child, see the potential for stress in her relationship (including with you) and learn some of the characteristic traits that will stay with your child for life, and perhaps how to make the most of those. Please provide your child's birth date, birth time, and birthplace so we can cast a chart before the class.

February

Battle of the Mystery Bands
Saturday, February 5th, Doors open at 8:30pm, 220 Packard
Previously at DIY Fest… 36 strangers were chosen at random and were given 8 weeks to practice and compose 20 minute sets of original music and performance. Join us as these Free Skool Mystery Bands battle with all their might for the glory of playing at the March Free Skool Prom. Costumes and shenanigans encouraged. Hors d’ oeuvres and ambiance for your enjoyment.

How to Manage Your Own Band: The Follow-up Session
Monday, February 7th, 7pm at Cafe Ambrosia (326 Maynard)
Back by popular demand… Join Matthew Altruda, music management guru from the Macpodz for our 2nd journey through the world of Independent Music Management—Promotion, Booking, General Management and much more.

I’m Doing My Own Taxes! - Tax Class
Wednesday, February 9th, 7:32pm at Cafe Ambrosia (326 Maynard)
TAX time is coming soon! Brooke Ratliff, managerial accountant, will take you through the basics of filling out a 1040, as well as address questions like: Do I need to file? What is a dependent? What if I'm starting my own business? What is a 1099? Bring your W2s for a rockin’ evening of tax-awesome. Tax forms provided.

Balancing Your Hormones: Balancing Your Life
Thursday, February 17th, 6:30pm at Aprill Wellness Center (107 Aprill Drive, Suite 4)
This workshop will explore how to safely balance hormones using holistic, sustainable and natural methods. Learn about bio-identical hormones, “ good and bad estrogen”, the effects of estrogen dominance, birth control, soy and other plant based estrogens as well as environmental factors that affect proper hormones balance. Come and learn about various strategies to help resolve issues of menopause, hot flashes, PCOS, uterine fibroids, low thyroid function and adrenal fatigue.

Thneeds: How you can opt out of toxic chemicals for personal care
Saturday, February 19th, 3pm at Café Ambrosia (326 Maynard)
We've all been sold on the "need" for a multitude of products to be well groomed. But do you know what you're putting on your skin? Commercial personal care items contains toxic petroleum based chemicals and toxins known to be associated with cancer and other devastating illnesses. Learn how you can stay clean and healthy without poisoning yourself and your family— and save some money, too!

Documentary & Discussion Series: Don’t need you: A Herstory of Riot Grrrl
Wednesday, February 23rd, 8:00pm at Digital Ops (525 Liberty)
“Don’t need you” tells the story of the origins of Riot Grrrl in the American independent music scene of the 1990s, and how this feminist movement evolved into a revolutionary underground network of education and self-awareness through music, writing, activism, and women-friendly community.

Critical Mass Bike Ride
Friday, February 25th, 5:15pm- 6:30pm. Meets at N. University & State
Join us as we assert our rights as bicyclists to the roads and create awareness of biking and bike rights! The pace of the group will be set wherever applicable to ensure that everyone can keep up. Dress warm and keep on eye out for action/event info. So come flex those hot bike muscles and take back the streets!

Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Want to teach? Have a space for classes?
Drop us an email - a2freeskool@gmail.com

See you all soon!

Mission Statement

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The purpose of the Ann Arbor Free Skool is to provide free, accessible and inclusive classes, workshops and events that promote the exchange of ideas, knowledge, alternatives to consumerism & capitalism, empowerment and community through teaching, learning and self-sufficiency.

Contact

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If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, etc., feel free to contact us in any of the following ways:

E-Mail [a2freeskool@gmail.com]

Facebook

Forums

Forum

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Forum can be viewed in full size, off-site at this link: http://annarborfreeskool.proboards.com

HOLIDAY VACATION

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The Ann Arbor Free Skool is taking a short vacation for the next two weeks.
Stay tuned for our January/February calendar.

We look forward to seeing you in 2011!

December Calendar- Keep warm with the Free Skool

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December may be cold, but there are lots of classes and events planned to keep things warms. Click the calendar above to print your own December Calendar and make sure to always check the Google Calendar for the most up-to-date information on all classes, events, and shenanigans.

Wondering what the Free Skool experience is like? Check out photos of past classes, events, and DIY Fests at our flickr photo albums. And, Yes! We have video too! You can watch us on YouTube. Just type in "Ann Arbor Free Skool" in the search.

Check out what is cookin' this December:

DIY Fest

Saturday, December 4th at 2pm- ? at Luther Cooperative (1520 Hill)

A full day of workshops, classes, live music, fabulous free store, all-day

potluck, and closing bonfire. Bike Winterizing, Soap Making, Capoeira,

Lucid Dreaming, Massage, and many many more! Live Performances by

Scissors Now, Honey, The Rainbow Vomit Family Band and puppet show

by Patrick Elkins!

Recycled Card Making

Saturday, December 11th at 1pm, Basement of Cafe Ambrosia (326 Maynard)

Do you love the ritual of Holiday Greeting cards for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, or Solstice,

but hate the idea of adding to the landfill? How about using recycled materials to create the holiday greetings? Don't know how? Come for an afternoon of fun turning recycled materials into fun greeting cards. You can use these ideas for birthday cards, thank you cards, and whatever else you want a card for.

How to Manage Your Own Band

Monday, December 13th at 7pm at Cafe Ambrosia (326 Maynard)

Join Matthew Altruda, music management guru from the Macpodz for

a journey through the world of Indepenent Music Management-

Promotion, Booking, General Management and much more.

Documentary & Discussion- Food Inc.

Wednesday, December 15th at 8pm- Digital Ops (525 Liberty)

Filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the veil on our nation's food industry,

exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that has been hidden from

the American consumer with the consent of our government's regulatory

agencies, USDA and FDA. Featuring interviews with experts as Eric

Schlosser (Fast Food Nation), Michael Pollan (The Omnivore's Dilemma,

In Defense of Food) and other forward thinking social entrepreneurs,

Food, Inc. reveals the truths about what we eat, how it's produced, who we

have become as a nation and where we are going from here.

Reflexology 1.1- Hands

Every other Thursday at 7pm at

ICC Educational Center (1520 Hill behind Luther Cooperative)

Basics of Reflexology and Hand massage. Work at a computer? Text way too much?

Sometimes feel like hitting inanimate objects? This class could be for you.

Come down and learn some basic hand routines and often used reflexology points.

Email us beforehand to receive class info to get practicing. Bring a friend and turn

your hands into hands again.

Simply Cooking

Every other Sunday at 1pm at Luther House Cooperative (1520 Hill)

Simply Cooking is a series of free bi-weekly culinary demonstrations.

Local chefs Aren Stobby and Connor Otto will teach the fundamentals of cooking

and share their knowledge about culinary arts, nutrition and sustainable practices.

Check out the blog: http://simplycooking-a2.blogspot.com

December 5th- Hearty Soups

December 19th- Dips and Condiments

Stone Tortoise Tai Chi Community

Every Monday at 8:30pm at

ICC Educational Center (1520 Hill behind Luther Cooperative)

Jeff Blu teaches fundamentals of tai chi, including stretching, breathing, light

calisthenic exercises, moving meditation, and simple self-defense techniques.

This is a group for the sharing and exploration of practical skills to reduce stress,

enhance health, and to progressively develop ones mental/physical capabilities.

Beginners welcome.

Food Not Bombs

Every Sunday: Preparation at 1:30pm- Far House (2606 Packard)

Dinner served at 4pm- 6pm in Liberty Plaza

Food Not Bombs believes that food is a right, not a privilege, and that poverty

is a form of violence. We provide free meals as a way to protest poverty, war and

violence while advocating for peace, love and freedom; come lend a hand to prepare

and serve these meals. Contact Joe at: jvarilon@gmail.com

Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Want to teach? Have a space for classes?
Drop us an email- a2freeskool@gmail.com

See you soon- Ann Arbor Free Skool

December DIY Fest- This Saturday!

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Special Reminder!
THIS SATURDAY is DIY Fest!
December 4th, 2010: 2pm-? at Luther Cooperative House (1520 Hill)

Here is a peek at what you can look forward to:

A day full of skill shares and workshops!

Over 18 workshops and skill shares such as Bike Winterizing, Soap Making, Capoeira, Lucid Dreaming, Massage, Knitting, Spontaneity, Simply Cooking will be doing Hearty Soups, Tai Chi, Book Making and many more...

Live Music and Performances All Day Long!

We have never had so many live performances! The Appleseed Collective, Honey, The Rainbow Vomit Family Band, Scissors Now! and a LIVE Shadow Puppet Show by the Infamous, Amazing, Handsome Patrick Elkins!

The Free Store!

Give your old bronzed walnut-shaped walnut cracker a new place to call home at the Free Store.
Bring whatever you have that you think someone else would like (clothes, knick-knacks, food, art, tools, books - anything) and pick up some jazzy "new" treats for yourself. You'll be amazed at what you'll take home.

Live Silk Screen Printing!

Change your boring old t-shirt, pants, socks, g-string into a work of art! Modati Studios will be doing live silk screen printing with original Ann Arbor Free Skool designs! Donations appreciated. Check them out at: http://www.modati.com/

Community Potluck, Bonfire, and Surprises!

Don't forget to whip up your favorite dish to pass for The Shared All Day Potluck. We need your help to make this happen. No food = No potluck.
Yeah. There will be fun surprises. Nope we won't spill the beans. You have to come and see.

Come play out of the Cold.

This is an all indoor event with enough space to fit most of Ann Arbor. Hot beverage and food will be served all day long.

As always, there is no cost.
Just bring yourself, friends, a dish to pass (if you can), and a thirst for knowledge.

Wondering what the Free Skool experience is like? Check out photos of past classes, events, and DIY Fests at our flickr photo albums. And, Yes! We have video too! You can watch us on YouTube. Just type in "Ann Arbor Free Skool" in the search.

November Classes, Events & More

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Drum roll please.... dutdutdutdutdudtudtudtudtudtudt!

The November Calendar is ready for your knowledge-hungry pleasure! You can find the flyer above and find the most-up-to-date electronic version here (Click it! It's our google calendar.) Or cut and paste this! http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=a2freeskool%40gmail.com&ctz=America/New_York

Wondering what the Free Skool experience is like? Check out photos of past classes, events, and DIY Fests at our flickr photo albums. And, Yes! We have video too! You can watch us on YouTube. Just type in "Ann Arbor Free Skool" in the search.

This Halloween Weekend- Look for the Free Skool Monster Bus cruising around town.You can't miss it. Join us for a dance party inside or a trick-or-treat surprise!

Here is a quick peek at this months classes, workshops, and events:

Tai Chi
Every Monday 8:30pm-10pm at the ICC Educational Center (1520 Hill Street behind Luther Co-op)
Jeff Blu teaches fundamentals of tai chi, including stretching, breathing, light calisthenic exercises, moving meditation, and simple self-defense techniques. This is a group for the sharing and exploration of practical skills to reduce stress, enhance health, and to progressively develop ones mental physical capabilities. Beginners welcome.

Heal Your Digestive System, Heal Your Life
Wednesday Nov 17th, 6:30pm- 8:30pm at the Aprill Wellness Center (107 Aprill Drive, Suite 4)
A healthy digestive system is essential to a healthy life. This workshop will explore the basic strategies of healing our digestive and immune systems. Topics of discussion will include the use of digestive enzymes, healthy eating life styles, probiotics, essential fatty acids, vitamin D as well as methods of testing for allergies and gluten intolerance.

Reflexology 1.2
Every Other Thursday (4th and 18th) 7pm- 8:30pm at the ICC Educational Center (1520 Hill Street behind Luther Co-op)
This class will go over the basics of reflexology. This system of massage works on areas of the feet that are correlated with internal and sensory organs other parts of the body. You will learn a basic 15 minute massage routine with some specific points on the feet, such as the heart and shoulder points, brain points and the wondrous insomnia point. Bring a partner or come by yourself and be ready to confront your fear of toes.

Simply Cooking
Every other Sunday 1pm at Luther Cooperative House (1520 Hill)
Simply Cooking is a series of free bi-weekly culinary demonstrations open to all who would like to learn. Local chefs Aren Stobby and Connor Otto will teach the fundamentals of cooking as well as more advanced techniques. They will display various cooking techniques as well as share our knowledge relating to culinary arts, nutrition and sustainable practices. Check out the blog: http://simplycooking-a2.blogspot.com
November 7th- Sushi November 21st- Thanksgiving Fixings

Documentary & Discussion Series- Garbage Warrior
Wednesday, Nov 10th 8pm at Digital Ops (525 E Liberty)
For 30 years New Mexico-based Michael Reynolds and his green disciples have devoted their time to advancing the art of "Earthship Biotecture" by building self-sufficient off-the-grid communities where design and function converge in eco-harmony.

Kombucha Speakeasy & Potluck
Sunday, November 21st 7pm at the Far House (2606 Packard)
Come and peacefully subvert authority in our underground Kombucha Brewery. Classy attire and a(easy) password required. Bring a healthy dish if you like to share. Live music, a variety of kombucha and delicious food will set the mood.

Critical Mass
Every last Friday of the month at 5:15pm at N. University & State
Join us as we assert our rights as bicyclists to the roads and create awareness of biking and bike rights! The pace of the group will be set wherever applicable to ensure that everyone can keep up. So come flex those hot bike muscles and take back the streets!

Food Not Bombs
Every Sunday: Preparation- 2:00pm at the Far House (2606 Packard); Serving Dinner-4pm at Liberty Plaza
Food Not Bombs believes that food is a right, not a privilege, and that poverty is a form of violence. We provide free meals as a way to protest poverty, war and violence while advocating for peace, love, and freedom; come lend a hand to prepare and serve these meals.

Woah! Come on out! Spread the word and let's spread the good times.

October Calendar of Events and Classes!

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Having trouble navigating our site?
Check out the 'MENU' list on the upper right hand corner of this page to access the other sections.

Where can you learn about all the awesome October Classes and Events? Click right here to access The Ann Arbor Free Skool Google Calendar- where you can find the most up-to-date and detailed information and descriptions on all A2 Free Skool happenings. Join us this month for:

Check out the event flyers below!

October DIY Fest & events!

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Having trouble navigating our site?
Check out the 'MENU' list on the upper right hand corner of this page to access the other sections.

DIY Fest This Saturday October 2nd at 2pm- ?
at Black Elk Cooperative (902 Baldwin.)

Come join us this early October for DIY Fest! 18 free amazing workshops, live music, fabulous free store, community Halloween costume making workshop,
potluck dinner, and closing bonfire.
Live Performances by Honey, Manhood, & Why I Oughta.

October Calendar is almost here!!!

Here is a little sneak peak of some new adventures....

A Conversation with Legendary John Sinclair
Saturday, October 9th at 7pm- 9pm at Luther House Cooperative (1520 Hill)

Reflexology 1.2
Every other Tuesday at 7pm at
Body Mind Spirit Wellness Center (1785 W Stadium Blvd)

Documentary & Discussion- The Garden
Wednesday, October 13th at 7pm- Digital Ops (525 Liberty)

Tongue Ticklers’ Fun Time Parade Potluck
Friday, October 15th at 7pm at 433 Huron View Blvd

....... just a little bit- No bein' greedy....

Drop us an email is you have any questions! a2freeskool@gmail.com

See you Saturday!!!