Folk Art Guild holds 2026 Craft Weekend August 6 through 9
Folk Art Guild holds 2026 Craft Weekend August 6 through 9
Middlesex, NY. East Hill Farm, the home of Folk Art Guild’s studios, orchards and gardens, is transformed into classrooms during the 2026 Craft Weekend, August 6-9. Individuals are invited into an exploration of creative practices: Writing, Drawing, Theater, Singing and Seed Preservation, Photography, as well as Weaving, Woodturning and Pottery. The Craft Weekend presents an opportunity to find a practical connection with a deeper part of oneself, nature, and a craft which is shared with others in a community setting. Students of all ages study under the guidance of seasoned teachers. Classes vary in size, generally from 5 to 15 students. Delicious meals are enjoyed together in a community atmosphere of sharing. There is time for an individual to slow down, perceive the world around them, and experience closeness to nature. Stay overnight in the Guild's dorm, camp, or commute.
This annual event presents two new unique offerings in 2026! Theater and an exploration of nature and song, Seeds and Songs of Resilience. In Theater, students can participate in an experiment that provides gentle challenges and explorations in a safe space. Using both classical and modern texts, games and improvisations, skilled teachers Paul Schliffer and Jim Post will guide exercises to play, feel, move, and connect with a deeper part of oneself and each other. Seeds and Songs of Resilience is a wonderful offering from Fruition’s Petra Page-Mann and Ithaca musician Tracy Robertson. Together, they propose to play with song, explore gardens, forest bathe, write, reflect, and rest. This is an invitation to explore how embodied creative practices can open pathways for personal and collective resilience.
Other highlights of this four-day weekend are:
- Farm-fresh meals prepared in the Guild kitchen by talented cooks. All participants enjoy a daily lunch. Overnight guests also receive breakfast and dinner.
- Camaraderie with classmates, teachers, and students from all the other classes. There are informal opportunities to share experiences at each meal. People of all ages and backgrounds find encouragement, laughter, and inspiration. The Guild today is a welcoming, intergenerational community.
- Evening activities stretch the days longer. Gather around the bonfire, share music and stories, and gaze at the stars in the clear sky. Enjoying the picturesque terrain of the Guild’s fields and woods at East Hill Farm. The 350-acre property invites exploring the hiking trails and sitting by the pond.
- Optional morning yoga. A gentle Iyengar class before breakfast starts each day.
- The effect of the whole experience allows slowing down, appreciating friendship and the nature all around us..
Writing as Attentional Practice delves deeply into reflection. Through prompts and readings the popular teachers, Nani and Curt Nehring Bliss, encourage you to deepen your connection to your inner voice and craft more honest, integrated stories of self.
Photography and the Art of Seeing and Observational Drawing are both opportunities to learn new skills and perceive the world with new eyes, learning how to record our perceptions in an intentional way.
Weaving, Woodturning and Pottery classes are wait list only.
In Theater, students can participate in an experiment that provides gentle challenges and explorations in a safe space. Using both classical and modern texts, games and improvisations, Paul Schliffer and Jim Post will guide exercises to play, feel, move, and connect with a deeper part of oneself and each other.
Finally, two classes that are almost full but still have room are Photography and the Art of Seeing and Observational Drawing. These are both about perceiving the world around us with new eyes, and learning how to record our perceptions in an intentional way. Local artist Stefan Allen lends his skill and encouragement to adventurous students in the Drawing class.
The Folk Art Guild’s Craft Weekend has become a regular gathering time for several families who travel to the Finger Lakes each summer to share the creative atmosphere with their children. Many elect to stay on the Guild’s grounds, either in indoor accommodations or camping. Others commute from nearby. Registration is easily done online at folkartguild.org/craft-weekend-registration-2026. For registration and lodging questions not covered by the website, email folkartguild@gmail.com.
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Photo Captions
(Cover Photo) An exciting new offering at this year’s Craft Weekend at the Folk Art Guild: Seeds & Songs of Resilience led by Petra Page-Mann and Tracy Robertson.
Tracy is founder of Vocal Bloom (thevocalbloom.com). Petra is co-founder of Fruition Seeds (fruitionseeds.com). Together they propose to spark creativity, curiosity, and connection by exploring the garden and the voice, with the seeds leading, then leaning into song.
Partnering as writing guides, Curt and Nani Nehring Bliss co-teach Writing as Attentional Practice at the 2026 Craft Weekend at the Folk Art Guild, August 6 through 9. They will provide prompts, short readings and quiet time for writing and contemplation, along with opportunities to workshop and share insights.
Jim Lemkin teaches Photography and the Art of Seeing. Students use their phones to see and document the environment in a different way, which may well be transformative.
With the help of local artist Stefan Allen, students in the Observational Drawing class receive help and encouragement in seeing and recording the great outdoors in an intentional and new way.
