CREATIVE MIX
The line for those who:
- like to be creative and experience new sides of yourself
- love to engage in different forms of art
- wants to go to folk high school, but can't find the course
- want to go to Japan
Hear from former students
Marie Rognli Rodahl
At Toppen, I have cultivated new and old interests and gained experiences that I will look back on with great pleasure. The people around me have contributed to great conversations and taught me things that I bring to life. The Northern Lights are a big plus!
Anne
Course content
This line should give impetus to change, creative energy, inspiration, good ideas and initiative. As a student, you yourself help shape the content of the line. But while the content varies from year to year, it will be something that is similar.
Felles
Common
Autumn
Spring
Have you done a bit of sewing before or are you completely new to the world of sewing? Here you will have the opportunity to develop from whatever level you may have. We have sewing machines and a overlock machine. You will learn to operate the machines and get acquainted with different types of fabrics. You can get to sew smaller projects such as shopping mesh, scrunchie or a bucket hat. Or you can challenge yourself sell by sewing a piece of clothing or maybe a sack. Here the possibilities are many. We have lots of reusable materials available and are thinking of redesign when possible. You will also get to decorate on fabrics with paints, markers, embroidery and the like.
With us you will have the opportunity to both draw and paint. You can try out both watercolor paints, watercolor markers, watercolor pencils and acrylic paints. You will train your eye with drawing exercises and provide a good basis for you to continue working on both small and large painting/drawing projects.
We have two rounds of immersion project during the year. A two-week period in the fall and one in the spring. In these weeks, you choose a project you will like to work on. You can work individually or as a group. Examples of projects previous pupils have had; Painting, sewing project, monologue, rehearsing an instrument, knitting, drawing, embroidery, photo, animation, video, text writing, performance art etc. Here you are very free to choose something you want to spend more time on.
We focus on sustainability and reuse throughout the school year. We shop in second-hand shops whenever we have the opportunity and only buy the equipment we need. We try to stick as much as possible to natural products. We reuse paper/canvas and textiles when appropriate. We use our local area for experiences and inspiration, such as tours and cultural events.
Becoming who you want to be is a lifelong project. By working with the whole, one initiates exciting processes in which one develops, step by step. Here we work with themes and projects that stimulate self-development. The goal is for you to develop greater security, stress management, self-understanding and understanding of inner processes.
There is a lot of great inspiration and artistic learning out in nature, not to mention that a trip outdoor is always good for the soul and body. We don't go far, so everyone can join in. And we have a lot of great hiking opportunities in the local area.
Høst
Common
We learn about different types of wood and their properties. We practice working with, and shaping wood. Those who are interested can get to hollow out and shape their own "kokse" (wooden cup), make knife, or shape small sculptures in wood. Here you can make something that lasts a long time.
Whether you have stitched and embroidered before is not important. Here it is always a step further, and you yourself get to set the ambitions. Some embark on large knitting projects, while others are satisfied with something smaller. Embroidery can turn into so much, everything from ornaments on clothes to wall pictures.
Through working with drama and theatre, you learn a lot about yourself, process work and purposeful collaboration. First, we learn basic techniques and exercises. Then we work out a production together with an instructor, which we show to a selected group. Often it is fellow students who get to come to the show. But it is also possible to invite others.
We get out of the classroom and make exciting Land Art. Land Art is an art form that is performed outdoors and preferably with nature as a material. It is immortalized only when you have taken a picture of the work, because the art often disappears with the wind, the waves or the weather.
You will learn how to take good pictures and make small films, and become familiar with various techniques and tricks to get a good result. For example, you can try your hand at Stop Media.
Vår
Common
There will be an introduction to ceramics where you will learn techniques in working with clay. A wonderful opportunity to get to work with your hands and create a product from scratch. After the first burning, you will get to decorate the ceramics with glaze. We get a guest teacher in who teaches us great tricks and then we can make the nicest things. The school has its own pottery kiln.
Something that is exciting to learn about is indigenous art, which has meant a lot to the cultural development. We visit the Southern Sami Knowledge Park in Hattfjelldal where we get to learn about the culture and test traditional food. You will learn Sami crafts (Doudji). We will learn about the use of lasso and experience joik up close. We will also learn a little about the art of indigenous peoples elsewhere in the world and discuss its significance.
You will learn to work with different media, e.g. photo, drawing, painting, woodwork, paper, textiles, etc. You will also learn how different media can be combined, and you will get to try to shape your own mixed media artwork.
Dance can be so much, but for us the common denominator is movement to music. First of all, for our own pleasure - we're not necessarily going to have a dance performance. We try different ways to use the body for music, and we have skilled instructors from outside. The combination of fun and exercise is a nice break in everyday life, and makes you more free and confident in your body.
We have most of the things you need to attend classes, but you can bring your own camera, memory card/hard drive and laptop.
The classroom is located in an older building with access by stairs, but facilities for facilities for people with reduced mobility. HC standard on the ground floor toilets. In addition to this, classes may take place in other premises outside the school area. One must be able to participate in easier walks outdoors. That means taking walks on the road or trail for at least 1 hour each way. We also attend various shows, concerts or the like where one must be able to sit for 1-2 hours.
After all, this is a very varied line of leisurely activities such as sewing and drawing, and more active things like dancing, yoga and drama. You should be in such shape that you think it is manageable to attend these activities. Please contact us well in advance if you need customizations, or if you are wondering if we can make arrangements for you. This can include impaired vision, hearing, mental health or other challenges.
- Registration fee: NOK 2,700, -
- Living costs: NOK 95,922, - Covers food and living expenses for the full school year.
- Common costs: NOK 10,300, - Includes community excursions/cinema/performances/concerts, laundry, internet and administration costs. In the price you also get a school jacket, a yearbook and various trips locally.
- Line costs cover all costs on the individual line, including material and study trip. The price varies somewhat between the courses.
Total Costs:
Half-year Spring 2026
kr. 82.171, -*
Full Year 2026-27
kr. 147.322, -*
Half-year Fall 2026
DKK 62,036, -
Half-year Spring 2027
kr. 87.511, -*
* Including line trip. Subject to changes.
Miscellaneous additions:
- Those who choose to live in the newer boarding houses pay NOK 5000, - more
- Special diet
- Equipment insurance
- Some electives and voluntary trips
If you have Norwegian citizenship, Lånekassen has excellent scholarship schemes and loan opportunities. If you quit school during the school year, you must pay tuition for 6 weeks from the end date. This also applies if you were to be expelled for violating school rules.
We don't have too many criteria for who can apply, but you have to be 18 years old or become so during the first semester. You can apply from October 1 to next year's courses and we are admitting students on an ongoing basis from November 15. Then you will receive an email from uswith a response to the application. We will continue to admit students untilthe school are filled. In some cases, the composition of the line will determine whether you can fit or have to be put on a waiting list. For example,the composition of instruments may be of importance. If there are more applicants for a line than there is room for, your applicant number will determine whether or not you get an offer. In some cases, gender balance willhave an impact.
Line teachers usually contact those who apply. Then you canget to know each other a little better and find out if you have found the course that suits you best. Maybe you have some questions, are unsecure or have something you want to tell us about yourself.
The line trip goes to...
KYOTO, JAPAN
Do you want to get to know art and culture from a completely different part of the world? Kyoto is the former capital of Japan and a cultural center. There are plenty of opportunities here and you get to choose which art forms we will immerse ourselves in.
Japan has a rich tradition in arts and crafts. Here are some of the things we can learn more about in Kyoto:
pottery: Visiting pottery workshop. Attend workshop and shape your own pottery. See and learn from Japanese techniques and styles.
Calligraphy: Attend courses where you learn to create Japanese calligraphy while learning about Japanese language, way of thinking and Zen philosophy.
Traditional Japanese film production: Visit Toei Kyoto Studio Park where you can experience sets from samurai films, learn about special effects and dress up in traditional costumes.
Woodcuts and Ukyo-e: Ukyo-e is a traditional Japanese art form known for its colorful woodcuts. We visit a workshop where we get to see both process and artwork. Perhaps there will also be opportunities to try the technique.
Architecture and garden art: We visit Japanese temples and teahouses, and we visit gardens known for their beauty and their ability to create a sense of tranquility.
Textile Crafts and Kimono: We visit the museum and workshop. Here we learn about Japanese textile tradition and see how textiles are woven. We can try to weave our own textile. We get to experience Kimono fashion shows. We can try to dress in traditional kimono.
Japan has different standards of politeness and manners than we have in Norway. This we will familiarize ourselves with before departure and learn more about out on the trip.
We are going on a season where we will hopefully see the famous cherry trees in full bloom
Apply to Vefsn Folkehøgskole
Line teacher
Solveig is a creative and versatile lady. Already in adolescence, she began to take an interest in photography. She has carried a camera on outdoor trips around the world, and has a bachelor's degree in photography from studies in the United States. Solveig also has education in sports and outdoor activities, and she has spent countless hours on the football and volleyball courts.