Workshop Information
Thank you for your interest in presenting a workshop at the New York State Sheep & Wool Festival. Please review the information below before completing the proposal form. Providing clear and complete details will help our team evaluate your submission and determine how it may fit into the upcoming workshop program.
For questions or more information, please contact the Workshop Manager.
Important Dates
January 31st
Deadline for submissions.
March 15th
Last day to receive decision.
Who We Look For
We seek instructors with broad appeal who teach:
- Traditional fiber arts
- Innovative fiber-related techniques
- Select “fiber-adjacent” workshops
If you’re unsure whether your proposal is a fit, please reach out before submitting.
To help keep program costs manageable, preference is typically given to instructors based in the eastern U.S.
If you are more than three hours away, please submit at least three days’ worth of proposals, including a Saturday offering.
Instructors must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. We are unable to assist with work visa sponsorship.
Before You Submit
Communication is vital and plays a major role in instructor selection and return invitations. We strive to respond within two business days and expect similar responsiveness.
Please also note:
- Please use proper capitalization and punctuation throughout the proposal. Any lists should use commas as separators.
- Workshops are designed for learners 16 years of age and older.
- Workshops are designed for adult learners.
- Ideal class size is 10–15 students (exceptions may be considered).
- Instructors collect their own material fees. You will indicate your preferred collection method within the submission form. Please have a refund policy prepared in advance.
- If you plan to apply as both a vendor and instructor, note that workshop scheduling is finalized before vendor selections are completed. We recommend waiting until vendor acceptance before submitting a workshop proposal.
- Check spam folders regularly. Email communications will primarily come from no-reply@sheepandwool.com.
If you have any questions, please contact the Workshop Manager before submitting.
Submission Guidelines
To maintain clarity and fairness in the review process:
PLEASE DO NOT:
- Submit workshops that are still under development.
- Submit external catalogs or workshop description links.
- Upload compressed files (zip folders) or third-party file links.
All required materials — including workshop descriptions and images — must be uploaded directly within the submission form.
If accepted, you will also be required to complete your public profile including a headshot photo.
Workshop Schedule & Format
Workshops are held Thursday through Sunday.
Thursday & Friday
- 3-hour or 6-hour sessions
- Begin at 9:00 AM or 1:00 PM
- Full-day workshops include a one-hour break
- Multi-day workshops may be considered (please inquire first)
Saturday
- 3-hour or 6-hour sessions (4-hour workshops may be considered)
- Begin at 10:00 AM or 2:00 PM
- Full-day workshops include a one-hour break
Sunday
- 2–5 hour sessions
- Begin at 10:00 AM
Please structure your proposal accordingly when selecting duration.
The Workshop Environment
It’s important to understand the teaching environment before submitting.
- Most workshops are held in Building D, an open, uninsulated structure divided by curtains and piping.
- Sound cannot be regulated.
- Temperatures may fluctuate significantly.
- Heating is provided by portable propane heaters.
- Lighting is fluorescent with limited natural light. Students may be encouraged to bring battery-operated lights if needed.
- There is no WIFI available.
Workshops requiring water or involving messy materials are typically held in heated tents. Due to space limitations, other classes may also be assigned to tented areas.
The Dutchess County Fairgrounds maintains a strict no smoking policy, including vaping.
This environment is not ideal for every instructor. Please consider this carefully before submitting.
Policies & Expectations
- Instructors may not sell merchandise in the classroom.
- You may refer students to your website or vendor booth, but direct sales during workshops are not permitted.
- No visitors are permitted in workshop areas, even briefly.
- Instructors teaching Saturday or Sunday will receive e-tickets.
The Festival reserves the right to cancel an accepted proposal if substantially similar classes are offered online or within 100 miles of the Festival within 45 days before or after the event. As we share registrants with MDSW and SAFF, please avoid duplication with those events regardless of timing.
After Submission
If your proposal is of interest, you will be contacted to discuss details, including compensation. If accepted, finalized information will be confirmed prior to publication.
Submit A Proposal
Complete the form below to submit a proposal to the Workshop committee. Click “Add Workshop” to add more than one workshop to your proposal. Click “Save as Draft” to save your progress and return to to complete the form later.
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