Showcase Your Expertise

Help us celebrate the rich diversity of American craft while sharing your expertise! BARN is participating in Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026, a national initiative commemorating the role of craft in American culture. Over one hundred arts organizations are participating in this year-long celebration led by the long-running PBS program Craft in America and Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

As our way of celebrating, we are holding a week of intensive workshops at our facility. Teaching during Handwork 2026 at BARN is a unique opportunity to:

  • Participate in a nationally recognized celebration of craft
  • Connect with a broader audience of craft enthusiasts
  • Share your expertise with students from across the region
  • Explore Bainbridge Island and meet fellow artisans

We want to hear your ideas, whether you plan to explore traditional techniques, push creative boundaries, or blend multiple disciplines.

BARN Woodworking Studio
BARN exterior

About BARN

More than a makerspace, BARN is a hub of creativity, craft, and community. Our 25,000-square-foot facility is home to volunteer-run studios offering professional equipment, classes, open studios, and peer learning in Fiber, Glass, Jewelry, Culinary, Metal, Print & Book, Tech, Woodworking & Small Boatbuilding, Media, Writing, and Drawing & Painting. We are located on beautiful Bainbridge Island, Washington, an island 35 minutes by ferry from Seattle.

BARN is committed to helping build a world where people recognize and value their creativity and capacity to contribute to their communities. In 2024, BARN hosted 2,771 classes and events – more than 7 per day! We recorded over 10,000 event registrations and hosted instructors from across North America. Learn more about our activities in our 2024 Impact Report.

What is BARN Looking For?

For Handwork 2026 at BARN, we are looking for experienced instructors who are passionate about sharing their craft with students and the community. Ideally, instructors will offer two—to five-day workshops, although one-day classes will be considered. Techniques and skills should align with one or more of BARN’s studios.

We also ask that instructors be willing to offer one evening “artist talk,” which will be open to the public. This could be a Q&A, presentation, book signing, or film screening – something that will allow people who cannot attend classes to experience your work!

BARN Glass Arts
BARN Jewelry & Fine Metals Casting

What Can Instructors Expect?

  • At BARN, we support working artists. Instructors for our programs are paid unless they choose to volunteer their time.
  • BARN will coordinate instructor housing on Bainbridge Island. Although BARN does not have on-site housing, we will work with local partners to provide instructor housing.
  • Details are still in the works, but we plan to provide catered lunches to Handwork 2026 at BARN students and instructors.
  • Our Marketing team will promote Handwork 2026 at BARN as a whole and will work with you to promote your classes.
  • You will have access to BARN’s fully-equipped studios.
  • Unless specified by the instructor, classes are open to students ages 14 and up.

Want to Learn More?

Email Studio Support Coordinator Betsy Hagestedt at betsyh@bainbridgebarn.org.