NSI finds new home in Talkeetna

A grand opening will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27, at the new home of the Northern Susitna Institute, which has have moved into its new home at the site of the former Christian Center in downtown Talkeetna.

NSI has signed a lease-option to buy contract with the Church on the Rock that provides NSI an opportunity to develop the approximately 3-acre property into a campus for “Real Learning in the Real World.”

According to board president, Erin Aulman, “We feel the former Christian Center site is an exceptionally good location to establish a community learning center. Our plan is to develop and support hands-on learning programs that blur the line between teachers and learners.”

One of NSI’s new programs is the Alaska Folk School. Folk schools originated in Denmark and teach traditional skills to students of all ages. This includes classes such as sustainable agriculture, woodworking, fiber arts, dance and more.

AFS program director Diane Ziegner is scheduling events and activities for the school and the NSI building. “As someone who’s used almost every space in town, I’m excited to have a facility that can serve the community in lots of ways,” Ziegner said. “I’m currently looking for people who want share their expertise by teaching classes in our new building.”

NSI programs include Talkeetna Build A Plane, Classroom With A View, CEAL Academy, and the Alaska Folk School.  For more information, visit NorthernSusitnaInstitute.org or call 733-7111.