Our Upcoming Events
The Rochester Folk Art Guild: Celebrating Seven Decades of Craft and Community at the Rochester Public Library
Celebrate 70 years of craft and community with the Rochester Folk Art Guild at the Central Library of Rochester. Historic and contemporary work, archival photos, and a timeline tracing the Guild’s story. March 16 – May 23.
East Hill Gallery Opening Weekend
Celebrate the opening of East Hill Gallery with a new season of handcrafted work from the Guild.
Broom Making Workshop
Learn the traditional Appalachian craft of broom making with Curt Cable at the Rochester Folk Art Guild, May 15–17, 2026. Over three days, participants will craft several styles of handmade brooms while exploring the history, techniques, and natural materials behind this enduring folk art tradition. No experience needed.
Lecture on the Lawn: What is Folk Art?
Join us for the kickoff of the 2026 Lecture on the Lawn series with a conversation with Guild craftspeople exploring what folk art is and how it takes shape through practice and process.
Lecture on the Lawn: Poetry to Music
An afternoon of poetry set to music with Curt & Nani Nehring Bliss.
Lecture on the Lawn: Mushroom Dyes 101
Join us for a talk with Tonya Pettit, exploring the process of working with mushroom dyes and the incredible world of color they offer.
Mushroom Dyeing Workshop
Explore the rich and unexpected colors of fungi in this two-day hands-on workshop focused on natural dyeing on silk with Tonya Pettit
Lecture on the Lawn: Shake on the Lake presents A Comedy of Errors
Join us for an afternoon of live theater with Shake on the Lake as they bring A Comedy of Errors to life with humor, movement, and inventive staging.
Craft Weekend 2026
Join us for Craft Weekend 2026! Four days of hands-on craft workshops like writing, drawing, theater, seed sowing, pottery, woodworking, and more, with about 18 hours of instruction alongside experienced makers. Meals, open studios, and time outdoors are all part of the experience.
Lecture on the Lawn: Poetry Reading- Local Voices
An afternoon of poetry under the trees with local writers sharing original work.
Lecture on the Lawn: Mennonite History and Culture
An introduction to Mennonite life, history, and tradition with Ivan Martin.
Open House & Apple Festival
Save the date for our annual Open House and Apple Festival at the Folk Art Guild!
Lecture on the Lawn: End of Life, Choice, and Care
A conversation with Dr. Robert Horowitz on how we approach serious illness and the end of life.
Celebrating Seven Decades of Craft and Community: Meet the Craftspeople
Meet the artists and makers of the Rochester Folk Art Guild during this informal, drop-in afternoon in the gallery. Learn more about the work in the exhibition and the lives behind it, with a chance to ask questions and connect.
Bud Grafting Workshop
Join us for a hands-on Bud Grafting Workshop at the Rochester Folk Art Guild, in collaboration with Cornell Cooperative Extension.
Grafting is a traditional orchard practice that allows you to add new varieties to existing apple trees without planting new trees. It is also an important way to preserve heirloom varieties and increase diversity and resilience in your orchard.
Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop
Join us for a hands-on Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop at the Rochester Folk Art Guild, in collaboration with Cornell Cooperative Extension.
Artist Talk with Navajo Weaver, Marilou Schultz
Join us for a free artist talk with Marilou Schultz, a fourth-generation Diné (Navajo) weaver. She will share images and stories from her work and talk about how she builds on traditional weaving techniques while creating new and unexpected designs. Registration requested.
Navajo Weaving Workshop
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 not only offers participants the chance to weave a small rug on an upright loom but also provides invaluable insights into the cultural significance and technical intricacies of this revered art form.
Mobile Monastery Chautauqua Tour Presents: Movement Flow, Circling, and Dharma Talk: Data Addiction – How a Need for Data is Killing Everything
Hosted by the Chautauqua Tour, this afternoon program includes guided meditation, movement, and a dharma talk exploring attention, technology, and awareness through a Buddhist lens.
Learn to Weave Workshop
Learn the art of weaving in this three-day, hands-on workshop at the Rochester Folk Art Guild, February 14–16. Perfect for beginners or those looking to deepen their skills, each participant will plan, set up, and weave on their own floor loom to create unique textile pieces.
Block Printing on Fabric with Linda Griswold Davis
Learn the basics of designing, carving, and printing your own linoleum block in this full day block printing on fabric workshop at the Folk Art Guild. Taught by printmaker Linda Griswold Davis, this hands-on class covers design transfer, block carving, and printing on cotton textiles. All basic materials are provided, and an optional tool kit is available. Open to all skill levels.
Holiday Studio Sale
Find unique, handcrafted gifts and meet the makers at the Rochester Folk Art Guild’s festive Holiday Studio Sales this November and December.
Holiday Cookie Decorating Workshop
Get into the holiday spirit with this cozy cookie decorating workshop!
Holiday Studio Sale
Find unique, handcrafted gifts and meet the makers at the Rochester Folk Art Guild’s festive Holiday Studio Sales this November and December.
Stacked Pumpkins Felting Workshop
Join us November 2nd for a fun afternoon of felting with Lisa DeFrancesco!
Without Arrows Documentary Screening and Dance presentation
Join us for an unforgettable evening with The Paza Experience—a celebration of Native American culture through live performance and film. Advanced registration is requested.
Naples Open Studio Trail Weekend
Visit our pottery studio and woodshop as part of the annual Naples Open Studio Trail and explore working art studios throughout the hills of the Finger Lakes.
Lecture on the Lawn: Music from Dead Metaphor Cabaret
Join us for music from Dead Metaphor Cabaret, featuring local musicians Curt and Nani Nehring-Bliss
Craft Weekend
Fully immerse yourself at the Folk Art Guild during this annual event! Craft Weekend is an opportunity for students at all levels to explore and learn something new. Course offerings range in traditional crafts, explorations of new ways of seeing and engaging your creative potential. Dive deeper with the support of knowledgeable instructors and fellow students and experience an unforgettable Summer event at the Folk Art Guild.
Read more about Craft Weekend and what to expect here. We hope you join us this year!
LECTURE ON THE LAWN: Summer Poetry Reading
Join us for an afternoon of poetry readings by local poets
Shake on the Lake presents The Tempest
Join us for a free, family-friendly outdoor performance of The Tempest by Shake on the Lake at the Folk Art Guild on July 20, 2025. Enjoy a fast-paced show featuring puppetry, live music, and surprises. Afterward, participate in a Q&A with director Josh Rice. Advanced registration is requested.
LECTURE ON THE LAWN: Ice, Lakes, and Life A Glacial History of the Finger Lakes
Join us for a captivating lecture by Dr. Bruce Gilman, Professor Emeritus at Finger Lakes Community College and Curator of the Finger Lakes Herbarium. Dr. Gilman will delve into the ancient forces that shaped our region, exploring how glaciers carved the Finger Lakes landscape, formed its deep lakes, and influenced its early wildlife.
June 21-22nd: Creative Approaches to Functional Pottery
The Folk Art Guild Pottery Studio is excited to welcome visiting potter Gay Smith for a two-day immersive workshop! This hands-on course focuses on functional porcelain pottery, exploring throwing, altering, and surface decoration techniques. Through demonstrations and guided practice, participants will learn to create dynamic forms with expressive surfaces.
Artist Talk with Gay Smith
Join us for an evening with nationally recognized potter Gay Smith, as she shares reflections, stories, and images from her decades-long career in clay. This free public talk invites all curious minds—no ceramics experience needed.
Vintage Sale at the Folk Art Guild
Shop a rare collection of high-quality vintage, archival Guild pieces, folk art, clothing, crafts, and more!
Sip and Shop: Early Access to the Vintage Sale at the Folk Art Guild
Get early access to our Vintage Sale at the Folk Art Guild!
Creating Resonance Student & Faculty Concert
Celebrate the culmination of the 8th annual Creating Resonance Flute Retreat with a dynamic concert featuring both students and faculty. Free and open to the public.
Creating Resonance Faculty Flute Recital
Join us for an unforgettable evening of live music featuring internationally renowned flutist Carol Wincenc and the faculty of the Creating Resonance Flute Retreat. Free and open to the public.
East Hill Gallery Opening Weekend
Celebrate the new season at East Hill Gallery! Discover finely crafted functional art by Folk Art Guild artisans and local makers in a serene, scenic setting. Join us May 10 (11 AM–5 PM) and May 11 (1–5 PM) to explore unique handcrafted treasures that celebrate our community's artistic heritage. Admission is free—everyone is welcome!
East Hill Gallery Opening Weekend
Celebrate the new season at East Hill Gallery! Discover finely crafted functional art by Folk Art Guild artisans and local makers in a serene, scenic setting. Join us May 10 (11 AM–5 PM) and May 11 (1–5 PM) to explore unique handcrafted treasures that celebrate our community's artistic heritage. Admission is free—everyone is welcome!
Introduction to Flintknapping- The Art of Making Stone Tools
Learn the ancient art of making stone tools in our workshop!
Bud Grafting Workshop
Learn how to graft apple buds like a pro at our hands-on Bud Grafting Workshop - come join us and get your green thumb on!
More Ways to Participate
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Classes and Workshops
Discover hands-on learning experiences in our craft shops and beyond with classes such as pottery, wood turning, yoga, and more.
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Private Lessons
Experience personalized instruction from our master artisans through one-on-one or small group classes in pottery, woodworking, and other crafts, tailored to your individual interests and skill level.
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Annual Craft Weekend
Immerse yourself in a craft workshop for four days while getting to experience life on the farm, sharing meals, enjoying dips in the pond and great conversation.
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Residential Programs
Guild apprenticeships are designed for people searching for a practical, hands-on approach to learning and living.