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Meet the Instructor
Marilou Schultz
Marilou Schultz is an internationally acclaimed Navajo weaver, artist, and educator from Leupp, Arizona, on the Navajo Nation. A member of the Tábą́ą́há (Water's Edge Clan) and born for the Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People Clan), she comes from more than four generations of weavers and learned the art from her mother and grandmother. Her work combines deep knowledge of traditional Navajo weaving with a spirit of innovation, drawing inspiration from Navajo cultural traditions, mathematics, science, and technology.
Marilou's weavings have been exhibited nationally and internationally, including at documenta 14 in Germany and the Museum of Modern Art in New York as part of the exhibition Woven Histories: Textiles and Modern Abstraction. In 2026, the Hessel Museum of Art at Bard College presented the first survey exhibition dedicated to her work, Replica of a Chip: The Weaving Technology of Marilou Schultz.
Her artistic achievements have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Santa Fe Indian Market Excellence in Weaving Award and the Heard Museum Guild's Conrad House Innovation Award. In addition to her work as an exhibiting artist, Marilou is a dedicated educator who has spent decades teaching both mathematics and Navajo weaving, generously sharing her knowledge with students of all experience levels.
More Information
Discounts
BIPOC Discount: All self-identifying BIPOC students receive $300 off course fees. Please email us for more information on this discount.
What is included
All course fees, loom and weaving materials (see more information about tools and materials below), lunches, and snacks each day. Overnight packages cover lodging and breakfast.
What is not included
No dinners are included in the package. There is a full kitchen available in Romeo for preparing meals.
Students should also plan to bring their own weaving batten and comb, see below for more information.
Accommodations
All housing is shared dormitory-style bedrooms, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among participants. More information on our housing is available on our website: https://www.folkartguild.org/guest-center-1
The workshop takes place at the Rochester Folk Art Guild, a nonprofit craft education center in New York's Finger Lakes offering hands-on workshops in traditional craft. We are located on a 350-acre rural farm and this is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in both craft and nature.
Dietary restrictions
We are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions. Please let us know when you register, or email programs@folkartguild.org before the class.
Schedule
The class runs daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM with a break for lunch. Students are welcome to work on their pieces during breaks and in the evenings. On Tuesday, instruction will end after lunchtime, approximately 2:00pm.
Who Should Attend
Beginning and experienced weavers
Fiber artists interested in traditional textile techniques
Artists and craftspeople seeking hands-on instruction
Anyone interested in Navajo weaving and textile traditions
Materials and Tools
All basic materials are included in the course fee. This includes a pre-warped loom (about 20” high by 15”), dowels, warp, yarn, rope, and a finishing needle.
Students are also required to bring their own weaving tools:
A weaving batten (at least 15" long by 1"–1 1/4" wide). As the weaving progresses, narrower battens or heavy/thin needles may be useful for finishing.
One weaving comb
One Afghan hook or crochet hook (used to thread wool through the warp; available at craft shops or large retailers like Walmart or Hobby Lobby)
A pair of scissors
A measuring tape
A pillow for sitting (this workshop involves sitting for prolonged periods of time while working and we find that many people are more comfortable with a pillow to sit on)
Suggested sources for weaving tools
Some tools will also be available for purchase from the instructor. Please email us with questions about supplies!
Still have questions?
Please reach out to us at programs@folkartguild.org. We are happy to answer any questions.