East Hill Farm in Middlesex, 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 Fruitions’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.
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.
