Discover the timeless craft of stonework in this hands-on introductory class. You’ll learn the fundamentals of selecting and collecting stone, along with techniques for building sturdy and attractive walls, whether for gardens, retaining structures, home features, or creative projects. The class covers both dry-stacked and mortar-set methods, as well as basic stone cutting skills. We’ll also explore existing on-site stone structures to see these techniques in action, giving you practical insight and inspiration to start your own projects.
Date: Sunday, June 28, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Ages: Adults only
Materials Fees: $2
Location: Rural Gays Mills, WI
Instructions: Please bring leather work gloves, work pants, and sturdy shoes. You may also bring 2 or 3 favorite rocks to tell us about.
Sliding Scale Course Fee Guidelines (not including Materials Fees)
Supporter Level Ticket: $70
If you move through the world with financial ease and the means to fulfill many of your wants as well as your needs – you are able to eat out when you want, abundantly meet your needs through employment or can comfortably not work, have access to family wealth, own property, etc. – consider paying at this level, which will help us ensure the long term sustainability of our programs while keeping our offerings accessible to those with access to fewer resources.
Sustainer Level Ticket: $55
If you are able to meet your needs with relative ease while budgeting your educational and entertainment spending – for instance, you are able to take classes and eat out occasionally as long as you are mindful – consider paying at this level, which will help sustain the work of the Folk School at a modest level.
Supported Level Ticket: $40
If you struggle to fund your basic needs and have limited access to resources in your family and community, or if you would not be able to access this offering without a discounted payment option, consider paying at this level. We value your presence and contributions to our community and do not want any economic circumstances to be a barrier to attendance!
Instructor Bio - Rikardo Jahnke
Rikardo has been orcharding since 1996, and grafting longer than that. He has been selling apples, berries, cider, jams, and other value-added products at the Viroqua Farmer’s Market since 2000. He gets great joy from satisfied customers who are “fruit explorers.” He grows 53 varieties of apples. Rikardo lives in Crawford County, WI at the Dancing Waters Permaculture Co-operative, an intentional community that has existed for almost 40 years.