Willow Connections 2023

Tuesday, October 24th - Friday, October 27th

 Send in your registration today!

     The plans are made and we are looking forward to connect with weavers once again from the willow community. Willow Connections 2023 is scheduled for October 24th - October 27th, at Sievers Fiber Art School, located on Washington Island, Wisconsin.

     This event is designed to be a time to share ideas, techniques, and stories with each other as we will all be the “designated teachers”.  Bring along baskets, books, photos, anything that will spark ideas for our weaving time.  Participants will need to provide their own materials to weave (willow and/or bark) and personal tools to use during our time together.  As part of the Willow Connections 2023 we, as a group, will be harvesting the “Walters Willow Patch” on the school’s grounds. The willow will be available for use at the retreat (no charge), or to take home for the price of $5/pound.  All monies will go toward Sievers special funds for studio needs and/or Scholarship funds.

     We have  reserved the beautiful Walter and Thomson Studios at Sievers.  During our time in the studios, group participants will have access to the kitchen in the Walter Studio for their use if needed.  The kitchen has an oven, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker and electric kettle, with limited kitchen utensils.  Check out  Sievers Fiber Art School website.

     Arrangements for travel, lodging and all meals are the responsibility of the participants. There are many options for lodging and food on Washington Island.  Information is available on these two websites:

 Destination Door County  and  Experience Washington Island.  

This year Sievers will be offering dorm space in the Thomson Studio for 5 people with a shared kitchen and bathroom spaces.  See Registration form for more information.

     Travel to Washington Island is a beautiful drive through Door County with galleries, restaurants, wineries and amazing views along the way.  At the “end of the road”,  you will find the Washington Island Ferry Line that you will drive or walk on, for the final part of the trip.  There is something transforming about boarding the ferry boat, and leaving the main land behind – a leaving and a moving forward. Magical!  For information on ferry cost and schedule, check out the Washington Island Ferry Schedule.  

General Information 

• Willow Connections 2023 Cost is $185.00 

($20.00 registration fee non-refundable, plus a $165.00 retreat fee non-refundable if you cancel and your space is not filled.) 

• Event size - 25 participants maximum

• Registration is open now!

All registrations received before or postmarked by March 21st will be included in the drawing for the 25 spaces available. Registrations received after that date will be put on a Wait List if all spaces are filled. Those on the Wait List will be notified if a space opens up due to a cancellation.  

• Confirmation will be sent after April 15th

Our Schedule

October 24 – 10am - Gather at Sievers Studios for welcome and organize for the day's willow harvest.  This day will be spent harvesting, stripping and sorting the willow from Walter's Willow Patch. Willow cuttings made in the evening. 

October 25 – Open Weave    (Studio spaces are open 24 hours for unlimited weaving.)

October 26 – Open Weave    *5:00pm we will gather together for a social hour with beverages and snacks.

October 27 – Open Weave     Wrap up weaving, clean spaces and goodbyes by 5:00 pm.

Ready To Register for Willow Connections?  

Click HERE  for your registration form.