COVID-19 Updates

Reopening in August

Snow Farm friends,

We are delighted to announce that after much discussion and planning, we are confident we can safely offer in-person craft workshops at Snow Farm beginning in August!  We are really looking forward to seeing people again, and we know that you are longing for the peaceful and inspiring respite that Snow Farm offers.

You will not find residential craft school on any of the lists or pages of guidelines about reopening in Massachusetts. Snow Farm is a hybrid organization, so we have consulted the information about lodging, restaurants, schools, and workplaces as we've made our plans. Fortunately, our class structure is already based on small groups, and we have expansive outdoor space at our disposal.  

The success of reopening depends on students, faculty, and staff working together as generous partners. We are all navigating an uncertain new world.  We ask your patience when things don’t go smoothly, and we ask your help in sharing ideas.  We also ask that you consult travel guidelines issued by the state of Massachusetts and your home state to comply with all current regulations.  Being a community is one of our greatest strengths, and it will surely serve us at this time.

Our operating procedures in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic are based on the following best practices and expectations.

  • Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or has had exposure to someone with symptoms or a COVID-19 diagnosis within two weeks prior to arrival, should not attend a workshop at Snow Farm.  Our flexible cancellation policy remains in effect.
  • We expect everyone at Snow Farm to follow these basic prevention strategies:
    • Wash hands frequently and avoid touching your face
    • Wear a mask or face-covering in all indoor spaces and while outdoors if closer than 6' from others
    • Maintain a 6' distance between people, both inside and outside
  • We will implement state-of-the-art cleaning and disinfection practices using a newly purchased electrostatic disinfectant sprayer and UV sterilizers.
  • Snow Farm workshops are a small-group experience, which happens to be a good thing during pandemics! There will be no more than 10 people in any workshop. 
  • Larger group evening events such as instructor slides or Friday night exhibit/auction will not take place (more open studio time!). We may develop alternatives to these events.

Workshops

Intensive small-group workshops are the core of what happens at Snow Farm, and that will not change. Our studios have been adapted to comply with all health guidelines regarding number of people occupying a space, cleaning of surfaces and facilities, air circulation in studios, and more. Across campus, you will see

  • Hand sanitizer stations with anti-bacterial soap in all studios
  • A designated bathroom (portable toilets in some cases) for each studio
  • Covered outdoor spaces for eating, working, or taking breaks
  • New screen doors and extra fans for increased air circulation in all studios
  • Plexi-glass panels between work areas where possible and/or workspaces marked out by tape and signage 
  • Studio access restricted to members of the class
  • Studio access by Snow Farm staff only when necessary
  • New standards for use of hand tools:                                
    • Students are asked to bring their own tools when possible
    • Snow Farm will provide Individual tool kits wherever possible
    • UV sanitizers will be used for cleaning hand tools between classes 
  • Anti-bacterial wipes and posted instructions for cleaning shared equipment between uses 
  • Thorough sanitizing of studios with the electrostatic disinfectant sprayer between uses
  • Increased frequency of cleaning bathrooms and high-touch areas

Take a closer look at each studio.

Dining

Dining will look different when Snow Farm reopens, but guests will still enjoy delicious and nourishing meals. Here’s what you can expect.

  • Food and menu:
    • Dining manager Abby Donovan is Serv-Safe certified and has developed an extensive plan that maintains the great quality of the food, reduces risk, and complies with all health guidelines.
    • Guests will choose a meal plan in advance of coming to Snow Farm which will apply to all their meals. Choices are regular (no restrictions), gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan/gluten free.
    • All meals will be freshly made and packaged for pick-up in the dining hall.
    • At breakfast, a staffed beverage bar in the dining hall will provide coffee, tea, and juice. Guests will have a choice of cold items such as muffins, yogurt, or fruit and a daily special-order hot entrée. 
    • Lunches will feature sandwiches, burgers, and grain bowls, plus dessert and a drink.
    • The dinner menu includes hearty grilled skewers, stir fry, and individual pizzas with delicious sides and salads. A staffed beverage bar will provide coffee, tea, and desserts.
    • Residential guests will get a snack bag with packaged treats to enjoy during their stay. 
  • Mealtimes
    • Outdoor tables and seating will be spread throughout campus. Many will be under cover and some will be open air. New outdoor heaters will keep mealtimes cozy as the weather cools.
    • We also encourage guests to bring a picnic blanket or folding chair to have a meal next to the pond, under a tree, or any place in our gorgeous landscape that looks appealing, while maintaining 6’ social distance.
    • Indoor tables spaced 6’ apart will also be available in the dining hall and other buildings around campus. 
    • Guests will be asked to share tables only with their classmates or traveling partners.
    • In the dining hall
      • Hand sanitation stations have been installed at the entrance.
      • Guests will wear masks, except when eating.
      • If weather dictates that everyone will be eating inside, mealtimes may be staggered.
      • Tables, chairs, and any other high-touch items will be thoroughly sanitized between meals.  

NOTE:  We are unable to provide a shared refrigerator at this time, though ice can be purchased right down the road for personal coolers.

See also: Dining at Snow Farm.

Housing

Staying at Snow Farm turns a regular workshop into a retreat! These changes will assure your safe stay at Snow Farm.

  • All dorm rooms are singles. Members of the same family or people traveling together can request a double by calling our office. 
  • To limit the number of contacts each person has during their time at Snow Farm, dorm assignments will be made to keep classroom groups together as much as possible. As a result, we cannot guarantee single sex dorms.   
  • For safety and for cost-cutting (Snow Farm has incurred many new expenses), guests will bring their own linens: sheets and pillowcases, blanket, pillow, and towels. Rooms are heated but many guests report liking an electric blanket as the weather cools. Please bring your own; we are not able to lend out any extra blankets this year.  
  • Rooms will be thoroughly sanitized with the electrostatic disinfectant sprayer between uses.
  • Dorm bathrooms will be cleaned twice daily. 

See also: Housing at Snow Farm.

Whether you are staying overnight at Snow Farm or joining us just for a workshop, you will find the all the best parts of a Snow Farm experience ready and waiting for you: excellent instruction from professional artists, a generous spriit of sharing knowledge and ideas between classmates, the stunning landscape in summer bloom or fall foliage, the babbling of the brook and the serenity of the pond, and the time and space to relax. Additional information about our reopening plans is available in the FAQs, and of course, please reach out if we can be of any further assistance. 

FAQ