School is almost out, and the hot, hazy Ithaca summer has already begun to set in. Children and adults who wish to continue experiencing school, in one form or another, may look to “Ithaca FreeSkool” as a way to continue their engagement with the community and themselves. Ithaca FreeSkool strives to equalize the distribution of knowledge by providing a diverse space for free classes, discussion groups, skill shares, projects, and events in a way that propels the growth of both the individual and the community. The summer session, lasting from June through August, offers a range of unique and useful opportunities for learners. I’ll highlight some of them below, but I encourage checking out the FreeSkool website to get a full sense of their mission and their offerings (https://ithacafreeskool.wordpress.com/).
A Novel Idea: Monthly Book Club: Every 1st Sunday of the month at 4pm, Asha Sanaker of Buffalo Street Books will lead a discussion group at Bar Argos. Tasty drinks and compelling book talk, sounds perfect!
Ballet Folkorico de Ithaca: Ballet folklorico is a Mexican folk dance that honors the Mexican tradition and the human experience of love, heartache, war, and celebration. A workshop will be led Mondays at 7pm at Just Be Cause Center. The dances are performed in groups and with partners, and no experience is required.
Ithaca Fixers Collective: Saturdays from 3-5pm at ReUse Center at Triphammer Marketplace, those who wish to fix, help fix, or learn how to repair items are invited to be a part of the group. Electronics, furniture, small appliances and more will all be in the mix.
Memory Rings: Anna Adler will lead a workshop July 9th and 12th from 12-3pm to teach learners how to make simple silver rings through sizing, soldering, and hammering. Tools and materials will be provided (!).
Midnight Mural Tour on Bikes: This mural tour, led by Caleb R Thomas, will happen 6/17…at midnight! Bikers will visit public art and non-permissive art sites alike, learning the stories behind various murals in Ithaca. Participators will also be invited to participate in a conversation regarding the public art they would like to see more of.
RIBs Open Shop: Perhaps you would like to join the mural tour but need to tune up your bike? Recycle Ithaca’s Bicycles is open and ready to provide you with the tools and expertise that will help you learn to fix your own bike. Informal bike repair clinics happen Saturday from 11:30-5 and Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
