The artisans at the Rochester Folk Art Guild announced that the Craft Weekend, a popular family event, is happening August 11 through 14.
Registration is open for the craft classes and some of them are filled already. There are options to stay over in one of the Guild buildings, to camp on the grounds, or to commute each day. There is also a Work Study option, to support the project by helping behind the scenes and receive discounted tuition. All of the choices are laid out at the folkartguild.org website, under Craft Weekend.
This event has become a highlight of the year for the 65 year old craft community, both for the students and the instructors. There are 15 hours of studio time and the creative energy has ample time to flow. Thursday evening there is a welcome dinner, and a short session in each workshop to get acquainted. Then, there are two full days of instruction, with delicious home cooking for all three meals. Sunday’s schedule is a half-day, winding up after lunch with a fun session where each shop’s participants have a chance to show their new work.
The intriguing variety of classes includes the favorite Guild craft, Pottery. Weaving and Woodturning have filled but are starting a waiting list. There is space in Documentary Filmmaking, Block Printing on wood and linoleum, Writing Poetry, and finally Natural Dyeing and Eco Printing. Spaces fill up quickly, so it is a good idea to register soon online, and reserve a place. Often several family members attend together to share the creative experience.
Filmmaking is perfect for those who have shot a little video with their phones, but now want to learn how to make a compelling short film from their footage. Jim Lemkin is an experienced teacher who has made many short documentaries. He conveys a passion for the medium and the process, and always stimulates his students.
For those who wish to experiment in two dimensions, Linda Davis takes her class into the world of block printing. Students learn how to see and carve in negative space, since the white space that is cut away from the surface is as important to the design as the untouched inked space. Last year some chose to print onto cloth, too.
Writing Poetry is a class for those who love to work with the sound and meaning of words. Besides writing and sharing one’s own poems, reading from favorite poets punctuates the sessions.
All of the details, and slideshows of past classes are up at folkartguild.org/craftweekend. The registrar, Beth Barnet, is available to answer questions about classes, accommodations, and covid protocols at [email protected], or call her at 585 314-6131.
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