Get Swept Away: A Halloween Eve Broom-Making Workshop

Celebrate Halloween Eve with a hands-on broom-making workshop! Create a one-of-a-kind broom with natural materials and a little autumn magic October 30 | Historic McMenamins Kennedy School | Portland, Oregon As the days grow shorter and autumn settles in, it’s the perfect time to gather, work with natural materials, and lean into a little fall magic. Join Portland artist and ecologist Elan Hagens for a hands-on evening exploring the art of traditional broom tying. Just in time for Halloween, you’ll learn how to transform natural materials into your very own handled broom—something useful, beautiful, whimsical, or wonderfully wild. Whether you envision a hardworking household broom, a rustic statement piece for your home, or a bewitching bit of seasonal décor, your creation will be uniquely yours. Broom making is a tactile, satisfying process that brings together traditional techniques, natural materials, and your own creative expression. Make it your own. Your class ticket includes the opportunity to create a handmade broom, with optional decorative elements and upgrades available to personalize your finished piece. Keep it simple and functional, add a little autumn flair, or go all in on the Halloween spirit. Set in the historic surroundings of Kennedy School, this workshop is a chance to celebrate the harvest season, try something new, and enjoy the pleasure of making something by hand. Come solo, bring a friend, or make it an unusual and memorable autumn outing. Workshop details • Date: October 30 • Location: Historic McMenamins Kennedy School Community Room, Portland • Price: Tickets start at $80 per person • Personalization: Optional decorative elements and upgrades available for an additional cost Come ready to make a little magic—and leave with a broom that’s entirely your own! Meet Your Instructor Elan Hagens is a Portland-based artist, ecologist, mycologist, forager, and outdoor educator whose work explores the connections between people, plants, fungi, and the natural world. A lifelong maker and educator, she brings together traditional practices, natural materials, and hands-on learning to help people reconnect with the knowledge, creativity, and pleasure of making things by hand. Through her workshops, Elan invites people to slow down, explore their materials, and discover how traditional skills can become a meaningful part of contemporary life. Who Can Attend? No broom-making experience is necessary! Whether you’re a first-time maker or a longtime lover of handmade things, you’re welcome to join in. This workshop is recommended for ages 14 and up. Broom making does take a certain level of strength. Parents and guardians are responsible for deciding whether the class is appropriate for younger participants and whether they may attend without an accompanying adult. Please note that the workshop takes place at McMenamins Kennedy School, where alcoholic beverages are served to adult guests. Please reach out to Elan at [email protected] for any questions.