"It was like visiting family over the holidays."

The Fairchild House Bed and Breakfast, 177 Main Street, Salem NY 12865 (518) 854-7375 Email

Learning Vacations

A learning vacation at the Fairchild House is a chance to work with experts in the field, learning the latest techniques or interpretations. The setting is the New York / Vermont borderland, a rich cultural area that serves as a laboratory to test ideas. Beyond this, the experience offers you the pampered environment of the Fairchild House and a chance to meet others with similar interests. Cost includes instruction and a stay at the Fairchild House.

Schedule of Learning Experiences

2008

APRIL 25-27: Borderland Burial Yards
Travel to the Borderland's 18th-century burial yards in New York and Vermont; learn the carvers and do stone rubbings. Develop community history from the burial yards. $450 per person.

MAY 2-4: Knitting: Yesterday & Today
From the first English records to the contemporary “stitch and bitch,” learn the basics of a traditional handcraft, create a garment and enjoy the Washington County Fiber Tour. $450 per person

JUNE 6-8: Borderland Historic Architecture
Salem’s outstanding architecture serves as a laboratory for this experience. Review vernacular and regional styles, as well as the classical architectural styles. Learn techniques to date houses and how to care for building fabric. $450 per person

JULY 11-13: Antiques & Collecting for Beginners
How do you identify an antique and what price do you pay for it? This course will teach you tips in figuring out what to collect and how to use your collection. You will visit regional antique shops as well as use the Useful Arts Collection. $450 per person

SEPTEMBER 12-14: Vintage Quilt Making
A historical walk through the development of quilt making, including quilts from the Borderland. A look at current events, textile colors, fabric prints, and quilt styles that will provide inspiration for your very own reproduction quilt. Enjoy a trip to the Bennington Quiltfest, where you will see vendors, antique quilts, and demonstrations. Begin making your treasured heirloom quilt. Participants receive a materials list. $450 per person

OCTOBER 3-5: Borderland Harvest Cooking
A culinary celebration of locally grown produce and dairy products made by your hand with historic recipes. Enjoy a field trip to Gardenworks Squash Festival. Create a dinner from squashes and local produce, complimented by local cheeses and fresh baked breads. $450 per person

Willow carved on burial stone.

An original quilt by Christine Brooks

Registration

You are considered registered for the learning experience when we receive your application with deposit, and have sent you an acknowledgement. We will accept registration by phone, fax, mail or in person. We accept these forms of payment: cash or check. If you choose to register by phone please have your registration form at hand.

Cost of each learning experience is listed with the description. A deposit of one-half is required to reserve a place. The balance must be paid two weeks before the class begins.

If you must cancel and do so any time 30 days before the experience starts, your deposit will be returned, less 10% of the registration cost. If you must cancel less than 15 days before the learning experience, we cannot refund your deposit.

We reserve the right to cancel any learning experience in case of an emergency or insufficient enrollment. In such a case your deposit would be fully refunded. We cannot be responsible for any loss of related expenses such as non-refundable airline tickets.

Individual Registration Form

Enclose a deposit of one-half the cost of the learning experience. The balance is due two weeks before the class begins.

Mail to Useful Arts, PO Box 119, Salem, NY 12865

If you have questions about the learning experience, please do not hesitate to contact us at 518-854-7375 or email us at: tgc1234@verizon.net.