JULY 4–9, 2027

Square ONE is a workshop session developed expressly for beginners. The session includes workshops in each of the Haystack studios with topics developed to introduce the disciplines or media taught at the School to individuals with no previous experience.

While most of Haystack's workshops are open to artists of all levels, Square ONE is intended to provide space and support for artists and would-be artists alike to learn introductory material together in a workshop cohort of only beginners. Individuals with previous experience but who are new to the medium or technique being offered during a Square ONE workshop are welcome to apply.

Square ONE is open to all interested in learning something new, regardless of background. To ensure an environment accessible to beginners, however, individuals with even limited experience in the offered workshops are encouraged to apply to one of the Summer Workshop sessions.

How to Apply

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to participate in Square ONE workshops. Haystack accepts applicants based on a lottery system.

Square ONE is intended for those with a serious interest in learning a new process, practice, or media, including artists with a lifetime of experience in the arts. All Square ONE workshops are exclusively for beginner-level participants in the workshop in which they are placed. Participants with even limited experience are encouraged to apply for other workshops offered in Sessions 1–6. Applicants with previous experience in the workshops should recognize that all instruction and activity will be presented at a beginner level.

Application is for an entire Square ONE session. When completing the application form, please indicate your choice of workshop. Due to the high volume of applications, not all applicants will be accepted.

SQUARE ONE
GENERAL APPLICATION

For updates on 2027 Summer Workshops, follow Haystack on Instagram and Facebook, or sign-up for our eNewsletter.

All applications for Square ONE are submitted online. Full workshop descriptions will be available December 15, 2026, and applications will open January 5, 2027. Please see the How to Apply section for more information on the application.

Fixed costs for workshop expenses are tuition and room and board, paid in advance. Additional expenses vary depending on individual workshop shop fees and the cost of workshop materials. An overview of rates for 2027 will be available December 15, 2026.

No. Square ONE applications are processed through a lottery system. If you are interested in purchasing a workshop as a gift, the recipient would first have to apply and be accepted to the program. Upon their acceptance, you would be able to pay the program fee on their behalf.

No. You can only be enrolled in one workshop during the session.

Haystack has several housing options to meet different needs. An overview of Haystack’s housing options is available on the Housing page. If you have particular physical or mobility concerns, please note these on your application.

Yes, if you wish to room with a specific person, you will need to submit an application and include your request in the “roommate request” question of the application. Each applicant must include their roommate request in their application. Please note that acceptance is determined individually and is not guaranteed for all applicants.