How big are your classes?
We keep our workshops small so that students of varying skill levels can be accommodated in a single class. With a maximum of 6 - 10 students per class, all students get individual attention.
How old do you have to be to take a workshop at Snow Farm?
All Snow Farm workshops are open to students ages 18+. Shorter workshops are also open to students ages 14+. If a student between the ages of 14 and 18 wants to stay on campus overnight, they must be accompanied by an adult. If they are just taking a workshop, they are welcome on their own. During the month of July, Snow Farm Summer is a program for high school students ages 14 - 18. Please note: for everyone's safety, children under the age of 14 and teens under the age of 18 who are not taking a workshop are not allowed to stay on campus while their parents are attending a workshop.
What do the different skill levels associated with the workshops mean?
'Best for Beginners' means the content of the workshop is geared toward basic foundational skills and students with no experience in the given craft or folks looking for a healthy refresher will get the most out of the instruction. 'All Levels' means the content of the workshop is adaptable to both beginners and more experienced practitioners. Basic skill instruction will often be part of the workshop, but instructors are prepared to meet students where they're at and able to provide deeper guidance for more advanced students. 'Some Experience Required' workshops have been programmed with the expectation that students have certain studio competencies, which are outlined in detail in the workshop description. Generally, this allows for instructors to focus on more advanced skills. We rely on students to honestly assess their own abilities against the workshop requirements as the quality of the workshop may be negatively impacted if the instructor needs to re-teach any of these expected competencies.
What is the difference between a materials fee and an instructor kit fee?
Both the materials fee and kit fee assure that you have all the necessary materials for your workshop. The main difference between them is how the materials are sourced and when the fee is paid. When Snow Farm is providing consumable materials, the supply fee is paid to Snow Farm at the time of registration. Some instructors prefer to bring a kit for their students which makes the fee payable directly to instructor at the time of the class. Lastly, in some cases, materials are available for purchase during the class and the cost will vary depending on an individual's choice of project or usage. We provide a range of the cost you might incur.
How do I register for a workshop?
Online registration is simple right from our website. Choose a workshop, add your housing if you are staying at Snow Farm, and pay with a credit card - you're all set. You will need to create an account when you register online which you can access anytime you register in the future. We will save your contact information and account record but not your credit card. You can also call our office at 413-268-3101 Monday through Friday between 9am - 5pm (EST) and we can register you by phone with a credit card. Please note: If you would like to redeem a Snow Farm gift certificate towards your registration, you must call the office to process the transaction.
How much in advance should I register for a workshop?
We encourage early registration. Our classes are small and they do fill up. If a class is full, put your name on the waiting list, and we'll let you know if an opening becomes available. Most workshops have a minimum of 5 students, and if the minimum is not met three weeks before the start of the class, it will be cancelled - another good reason not to wait until the last minute if you want the class to run.
Are your studios accessible to someone with mobility limits? Most of the studios at Snow Farm are converted barn buildings that were built more than a century ago. As such, they are not fully ADA-compliant. However, several studios have ramped entrances and others are in process of being adapted. In addition, we can often accommodate individuals on a temporary basis. See more details here about accessibility at Snow Farm and please call the office (413-268-3101) if you have questions.
When will I know for sure that my class is running?
We confirm or cancel classes four weeks before the date they begin. At that time, we send an e-mail notice to all students about the status of their workshop. If you are making non-refundable travel arrangements, please give us a call (413-268-3101) for more information about the enrollment in your workshop.
What is your cancellation policy?
Snow Farm's cancellation policy is based on being fair and reasonable to students while also limiting the risk and losses to Snow Farm. The full cancellation policy is detailed here.
What is your approach to Covid containment?
We carefully follow public health guidance from the US Centers for Disease Control and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We encourage anyone experiencing symptoms of illness before coming to Snow Farm or during a workshop to act responsibly and limit exposure to other people, i.e. wear a mask or stay home.