Questions should be directed to workshops@sheepandwool.com, but sometimes I forget and email from nysswworkshops@gmail.com. Both work!
We look for instructors with broad appeal in teaching traditional or innovative fiber-related arts but are also open to “fiber adjacent” workshops, too. If you’re not sure, ask!!
Communication is vital and is a major consideration in choosing to bring instructors back. I try to answer emails within two business days, and I expect the same.
Check spam regularly - both email addresses can be flagged as spam.
To keep costs down, I tend to choose instructors who live in the eastern part of the country. If you are more than 3 hours away, submit at least three days’ worth of proposals, including a Saturday.
Instructors must be eligible to work in the U.S. We do not have the resources to aid in obtaining work VISAs.
There is no WIFI at the Fairgrounds - cell reception can be spotty, especially on the weekend.
Applying to be a vendor? The workshop schedule is finalized well before new vendors are selected, so if your plan is to do both, you should wait until you’re selected as a vendor before applying to be an instructor.
Class size should be between 10-15 students. Exceptions can be considered.
Workshops are for adult learners.
Instructors collect their own material fees - there will be a spot on the form to indicate your preference on collection (Side note - have a refund policy ahead of time).
You’ll need to submit photos of your work to workshops@sheepandwool.com. Pictures must be attached to the email, jpg - 600x600, no more than 999k in size, and properly named - LastName-WorkshopTitle1, LastName-WorkshopTitle2, etc. (Santucci-BeginningSpinning1, Santucci-BeginningSpinning2, etc.).
Submit proposals that are under development.
Include more than one workshop in a single submission.
Submit links to workshop descriptions/catalogs.
Send photos via zip files, DropBox, or other links.
* Thursday and Friday workshops are either 3 or 6 hours (multi-day are a possibility, but, with few exceptions, aren’t popular - check with me first). Workshops begin at 9:00 am or 1:00pm. Full day workshops include time for a one-hour break.
* Saturday workshops are also 3 or 6 hours in length, but 4-hour workshops may be considered. Workshops begin at 10:00 am or 2:00 pm. Full day workshops include time for a one-hour break.
* Sunday workshops can be anywhere between 2-5 hours in length. Workshops begin at 10:00.
* Classrooms are not traditional – most workshops are held in Building D - an open uninsulated building divided by curtains and piping and heated by portable propane heaters. Sound can NOT be regulated, and temperatures can fluctuate wildly. If you are soft spoken or sound like a radio announcer, this is probably not the environment for you.
* Workshops requiring water (or are messy) are held outside in heated tents (with some clear sides), but due to space limitations, other types of classes can be held in tents, as well.
* Building D has little natural light. Overhead lighting is fluorescent - we encourage students to bring battery operated lights, if necessary.
* The Dutchess County Fairgrounds, the Festival host, has a strict no smoking policy, including vaping.
* Instructors are NOT permitted to sell anything in the classroom. You may refer students to your website or vendors, but selling directly to students in the classroom is not.
* Instructors receive e-tickets if teaching on Saturday/Sunday.
* No visitors to the Workshop area, even for just a few minutes.
* The Festival reserves the right to cancel any accepted proposal for similar classes being offered online or within 100 miles of said festival within 45 days before and after the NYS Sheep & Wool Festival. As we share many of the same registrants as MDSW and SAFF, avoid duplication with those events regardless of the time frame.
Submission form closes January 31, 2026. If I believe your workshop(s) is of interest, I’ll be in touch to discuss details, including compensation.
Final decisions will be made by March 15, 2026 by email.
If your proposal is accepted, a 600x600 pixel headshot (nameheadshot.jpg) will be required for the website.
If you have a relationship with companies who may wish to sponsor, wholly or in part, your workshop, travel, and/or supplies let me know in a separate email.
Best of luck!!
Karen Santucci, Workshop Manager
Next Fest: October 18-19, 2025