March 6-9: Navajo Weaving Workshop with Marilou Schultz

from $1,000.00

Dates: Saturday, March 6 – Tuesday, March 9, 2027
Time: Saturday-Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (studio access available after hours).

Tuesday: 10:00 AM – approximately 2:00 PM.
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 offers participants the chance to weave a small rug on an upright loom while gaining invaluable insight into the cultural significance and technical traditions of this revered art form. Throughout the course, discussions may include the traditional preparation of wool, including carding, spinning, and dyeing, as 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 covers foundational weaving techniques, design concepts, and individualized instruction as students create their own woven rugs on upright looms. Discussions of Navajo culture and history are woven throughout the workshop, with the final day devoted to advanced techniques, rug finishing, and completing projects before the workshop concludes around 2:00 PM.

Course Tuition

The tuition for the Navajo Weaving Workshop is $1000.
All BIPOC students are eligible for a reduced tuition of $700.

Overnight packages are available and include lodging and breakfast each day. The prices below reflect the total cost of tuition plus accommodations:

4-night stay: $1,400
Arrive Friday, March 5 and depart Tuesday, March 9

Please email programs@folkartguild.org for more information about reduced tuition or overnight accommodations. Additional overnight options are available.

Package Types:

Dates: Saturday, March 6 – Tuesday, March 9, 2027
Time: Saturday-Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (studio access available after hours).

Tuesday: 10:00 AM – approximately 2:00 PM.
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 offers participants the chance to weave a small rug on an upright loom while gaining invaluable insight into the cultural significance and technical traditions of this revered art form. Throughout the course, discussions may include the traditional preparation of wool, including carding, spinning, and dyeing, as 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 covers foundational weaving techniques, design concepts, and individualized instruction as students create their own woven rugs on upright looms. Discussions of Navajo culture and history are woven throughout the workshop, with the final day devoted to advanced techniques, rug finishing, and completing projects before the workshop concludes around 2:00 PM.

Course Tuition

The tuition for the Navajo Weaving Workshop is $1000.
All BIPOC students are eligible for a reduced tuition of $700.

Overnight packages are available and include lodging and breakfast each day. The prices below reflect the total cost of tuition plus accommodations:

4-night stay: $1,400
Arrive Friday, March 5 and depart Tuesday, March 9

Please email programs@folkartguild.org for more information about reduced tuition or overnight accommodations. Additional overnight options are available.

Meet the Instructor

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.

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

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.

Still have questions?
Please reach out to us at programs@folkartguild.org. We are happy to answer any questions.

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!