After our last class ended on October 22, we began to look forward to the postscript of our season! An event coordinated by Jo Campbell-Amsler and Lee Zieke Lee, Willow Connections 2022, brought together a group of willow basketmakers and enthusiasts for three days of willow harvesting, basketmaking and sharing. Over 20 people from all parts of the country gathered in the Walter Studio and Tomson Hall (the barn) for “all things willow”.
It was a delight to see Sievers alumni and to meet many new willow friends during the (too short) retreat.
As always, at the end of the season of classes, we have numbers to share. Our class registrations totaled 380, the highest since 2013. Over 78% of the enrollment were students who had taken classes here in the past and 84 were taking their first class at Sievers. Those new students came from these states: AZ, CT, FL, IA, IL, MI, MN, NY, OH, OR, PA, WA and WI. The average class size was 9.75 students and there were 93 people on waiting lists for the classes offered.
We’ll soon begin the planning process for our 2023 schedule. Registration will begin on February 1, 2023. Until then, we’re here in the office, watching the whitetail deer and wild turkeys walk by plus catching some Washington Island scenery and sunsets while we prepare for our 45th season at Sievers School of Fiber Arts.
Love Sievers! Thank you for all you do. Cheena
Thank you, Cheena, for learning and having fun with us in class!
I think I have taken at least 10 classes there over the years, and I really miss it every year when I can’t come. I would like to suggest that Sievers offer a 5-day Weaving. Workshop where weavers might focus on their own projects, much like the one you have for knitters. I would love to participate in that.
Have a wonderful, peaceful winter.
Thanks for the suggestion, Carla. It is something we have talked about and more than once, we’ve rented the studio to a group of weavers. Take care and it will be good to see you again!
Happy Winter for rest and recharging! Wild beauty. Thanks for having us again this year. Karen and Patrick Robison
Thanks, Karen, it’s our pleasure to have your and Pat’s beautiful work in the shop! We do like our quiet time and hope you take some for yourselves, too.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving! Carolyn, Ann and Cindra