March 8-11: Navajo Weaving Workshop
Dates: Saturday, March 8 – Tuesday March 11 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily (studio access after hours available)
Location: Rochester Folk Art Guild, 1445 Upper Hill Road, Middlesex, NY
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Navajo weaving in this rare opportunity to learn from acclaimed weaver Marilou Schultz, one of the finest Navajo artisans in the world. This workshop not only offers participants the chance to weave a small rug on an upright loom but also provides invaluable insights into the cultural significance and technical intricacies of this revered art form. Throughout the course, discussions will cover the traditional preparations of wool—carding, spinning, and dyeing—when time permits. This unique learning experience is open to all skill levels.
Course Outline
In this immersive four-day workshop, participants will explore the art of Navajo weaving under the expert guidance of Marilou Schultz. The course will cover foundational techniques, design concepts, and individualized support as students create their own woven rugs on upright looms. Throughout the workshop, participants will engage in discussions about Navajo culture and history, culminating in a demonstration of advanced techniques and rug finishing on the final day.
Course Tuition
The cost of the Navajo weaving workshop is $800 for the Commuter Package, which covers all materials fees, instructor compensation, and administrative costs. For those wishing to stay on-site, we offer additional overnight accommodation options:
4-night Stay: $1,050
5-night Stay: $1,125
Register by February 1st to receive $100 off all packages.
We also offer scholarships to all BIPOC students to make the course more accessible. Please email us for more information about this reduced tuition rate at programs@folkartguild.org.
Dates: Saturday, March 8 – Tuesday March 11 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily (studio access after hours available)
Location: Rochester Folk Art Guild, 1445 Upper Hill Road, Middlesex, NY
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Navajo weaving in this rare opportunity to learn from acclaimed weaver Marilou Schultz, one of the finest Navajo artisans in the world. This workshop not only offers participants the chance to weave a small rug on an upright loom but also provides invaluable insights into the cultural significance and technical intricacies of this revered art form. Throughout the course, discussions will cover the traditional preparations of wool—carding, spinning, and dyeing—when time permits. This unique learning experience is open to all skill levels.
Course Outline
In this immersive four-day workshop, participants will explore the art of Navajo weaving under the expert guidance of Marilou Schultz. The course will cover foundational techniques, design concepts, and individualized support as students create their own woven rugs on upright looms. Throughout the workshop, participants will engage in discussions about Navajo culture and history, culminating in a demonstration of advanced techniques and rug finishing on the final day.
Course Tuition
The cost of the Navajo weaving workshop is $800 for the Commuter Package, which covers all materials fees, instructor compensation, and administrative costs. For those wishing to stay on-site, we offer additional overnight accommodation options:
4-night Stay: $1,050
5-night Stay: $1,125
Register by February 1st to receive $100 off all packages.
We also offer scholarships to all BIPOC students to make the course more accessible. Please email us for more information about this reduced tuition rate at programs@folkartguild.org.
Dates: Saturday, March 8 – Tuesday March 11 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily (studio access after hours available)
Location: Rochester Folk Art Guild, 1445 Upper Hill Road, Middlesex, NY
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Navajo weaving in this rare opportunity to learn from acclaimed weaver Marilou Schultz, one of the finest Navajo artisans in the world. This workshop not only offers participants the chance to weave a small rug on an upright loom but also provides invaluable insights into the cultural significance and technical intricacies of this revered art form. Throughout the course, discussions will cover the traditional preparations of wool—carding, spinning, and dyeing—when time permits. This unique learning experience is open to all skill levels.
Course Outline
In this immersive four-day workshop, participants will explore the art of Navajo weaving under the expert guidance of Marilou Schultz. The course will cover foundational techniques, design concepts, and individualized support as students create their own woven rugs on upright looms. Throughout the workshop, participants will engage in discussions about Navajo culture and history, culminating in a demonstration of advanced techniques and rug finishing on the final day.
Course Tuition
The cost of the Navajo weaving workshop is $800 for the Commuter Package, which covers all materials fees, instructor compensation, and administrative costs. For those wishing to stay on-site, we offer additional overnight accommodation options:
4-night Stay: $1,050
5-night Stay: $1,125
Register by February 1st to receive $100 off all packages.
We also offer scholarships to all BIPOC students to make the course more accessible. Please email us for more information about this reduced tuition rate at programs@folkartguild.org.
Meet the Instructors:
Marilou Schultz
Marilou Schultz brings a wealth of experience and heritage to her role as instructor. Hailing from Leupp, Arizona, located on the Navajo reservation, Marilou is deeply connected to her cultural roots as a member of the Tabaaha and Tsi’naajinii clans. She draws inspiration from over four generations of weavers in her family, learning the art of weaving from her mother and grandmother. Marilou's dedication to preserving and advancing the legacy of Navajo weaving is evident in her remarkable body of work, which has been exhibited in prestigious venues across the globe.
Marilou's artistic achievements have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including the Santa Fe Indian Market Excellence in Weaving Award, the Heard Museum Indian Fair and Market's Best of Division Award, and the Conrad House Special Award. Her work is not only celebrated within the Native American community but also within the broader art world, as evidenced by her inclusion in Who's Who in American Art and Who's Who of American Women.
Accommodation: All housing is shared, dormitory-style bedrooms, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among participants. For more information about our housing, visit our Retreat Center page. We have accessible housing options available with wheelchair access and accessible bathrooms.
Early Bird Discount: Register before February 1st and receive $100 off the above prices.
BIPOC Discount: In our commitment to equity and inclusion, all self-identifying BIPOC students are eligible for a $200 discount on course fees. Email us at programs@folkartguild.org to inquire about reduced tuition costs
Package Inclusions: All course fees, materials, lunches, and snacks each day are included. Overnight packages cover lodging fees and breakfast each day. Packages do NOT include dinner Saturday-Tuesday.
Materials: Materials fees are included in the ticket price. Materials include: Pre-warped loom (about 20” high by 15”), Dowels, warp, yarn, and rope plus a finishing needle.
Accessibility: This program will take place in our Romeo Retreat Center, which is accessible via a wheelchair ramp and has first floor accessible bathrooms. For quesitons about our site accessibility, please email us at programs@folkartguild.org
What to bring: Students will bring the following supplies to class: weaving batten and weaving comb (we will provide sources to purchase these), Scissors and a measuring tape, and pillow for sitting
Have questions? Feel free to contact us at programs@folkartguild.org
