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FAQ

Arrival

What time does my workshop start?
All workshop sessions begin with a welcome dinner and intructor slideshow on the night before instruction begins. Check-in is between 4 and 6 pm on arrival day. All intructional days start at 9am. For example, if your workshop dates are May 1 - 4, May 1 is the arrival day and workshop instruction starts on May 2 and ends on May 4. Consult the schedule for more specifics about your time at Snow Farm. 

If I am taking a workshop and not staying on campus, can I attend the slide presentation on arrival night? 
Yes! Commuter students are enthusiastically encouraged to come to dinner on arrival night and stay for the instructor slideshow!  If you buy the limited meal plan, the arrival dinner is included along with the lunches. Of course, if you wish to come only for the slide show, that's OK, too. Either way, be sure to introduce yourself to the coordinator when you arrive!

Can I arrive earlier than the check-in time on my schedule?
We have a lot to do between workshop sessions to get the studios and campus ready for a new group, so we appreciate your arrival at the designated check-in time. If you do have some extra time, we recommend stopping by the Williamsburg General Store for an Apple Wrapple or a cup of coffee. Visiting Northampton is always fun, too. 

When will I get my room assignment?
When you register for a workshop online and select housing, you will be able to select your own room. If you forget which room you reserved, the coordinator will have all the room assignments at check-in. If we need to change your room for some reason, we'll always let you know. 

Staying at Snow Farm

Are the dorm rooms heated?
The dorm rooms have in-room wall heaters for the chillier nights, but some people like to bring an extra blanket or sleeping bag.

Are the dorm rooms air conditioned?
The Single Plus, Single Deluxe, and Queen Plus rooms have air conditioners, as does the Cottage. We have tabletop or box fans for most rooms; to be sure thatyou will have a fan to use, you may want to bring your own if the weather is expected to be steamy during your visit. Most of the studio spaces also have window units for air conditioning.

Are there TVs in the dorm rooms?
The dorm rooms at Snow Farm are simple and furnished with beds, side tables with reading lamps, some shelves, and pegs for hanging clothes. There are no TVs or other electronics in the rooms. There is WIFI in the dining hall and some people like to watch shows (using earphones) in the evenings on a personal computer, phone, or tablet. Also, during the longer workshops, we sometimes offer a movie night once during the session.

Is there a refrigerator I can use to store some personal food items or medicine?
A refrigerator is available for guest use. The onsite coordinator will provide directions about access.

Is there a quiet place I could do some work in the evenings?
We encourage you to leave work behind and take advantage of the retreat nature of a Snow Farm workshop. However, we know that sometimes that's not possible. Guests who bring a personal laptop can access the internet in the dining hall.

Can I bring my cat/dog/lizard/hamster?
For the comfort of all guests, animals are not allowed on campus; please do not bring any pets.

What is Snow Farm's policy on smoking and drinking on campus?
Snow Farm is a mostly smoke-free environment; there is one area of campus where smoking or vaping is allowed. While marijuana is legal in Massachusetts, Snow Farm complies with federal law and does not permit the use of recreational marijuana in any form on campus. For guests over the age of 21, we have a  Bring Your Own (BYO) policy for alcoholic beverages, which can be consumed only in the dining area, on the grounds, and in the dorm rooms, but never in the studios. You can review our full policy on tobacco, alcohol, and drug use here.

Other

In case of an emergency, how can my family reach me?
Most cell phones get good service at Snow Farm, so your personal phone is the best way to reach you directly. The Snow Farm office is open M - F, 9am - 5pm EST and can be reached at 413-268-3101. Lastly, outside of business hours, the onsite coordinator can be reached until 9pm at 413 - 387-3181. This phone number is monitored overnight for on-campus emergencies only. 

Can I buy Snow Farm "merch" while I'm at my workshop? 
Yes! We have a small gallery that carries Snow Farm t-shirts, hats, aprons, and art made by our students and instructors. The gallery is open only when workshops are running and purchases can be made with the coordinator. We prefer payment by check but credit cards and cash can also be accommodated.

Can I make a financial donation to Snow Farm when I am on campus?
Yes! Snow Farm is a nonprofit organization, and we rely on gifts from our community so we can continue to provide over 200 annual art and craft workshops for teens and adults. You can leave a check or use a credit card with the onsite coordinator. For other questions related to supporting Snow Farm, please send a message to Mary Jo Murphy, Executive Director.

Can I donate a piece of my artwork to Snow Farm to sell in the gallery? Yes! We accept small items, generally priced under $100. Please leave your donation with the onsite coordinator.