Overview: For all you dedicated willow weavers – 4 days of weaving and learning with Jes Clark of Willow Vale Farm. Experienced students will focus on projects of their choosing, within their skill level, and make those baskets to dial in on detail, form, and the finer points of techniques like border weaving and material selection. Those towards the beginning of their willow journey can learn to be comfortable with the process of weaving generally, those more advanced in their journey can explore new techniques/shapes or practice to master a simple basket so you could (almost) make one with your eyes closed. There is also an option to explore larger garden structures such as trellises, wattle fenicing, and plant supports. Techniques covered are largely in the European tradition of willow stake and strand weaving and include pairing/reverse paring, waling, different side weaves/randing, and woven borders. We will use an innately colorful selection of willows cultivated locally to Jes's farm and learn about the cultivation and processing of this historically important natural material. Willow is a stronger more tension-y material than many other basketry materials, strong hands are highly recommended for this course.
Instructor: Jes Clark (they/them) is the farmer and weaver at Willow Vale Farm in Stanfordville, NY. Jes weaves traditional and contemporary functional pieces and the basket forms created are a result of their conversation with each stick of willow. All of their willow is grown without pesticides using regenerative practices and with loving care.
Jes has been teaching weaving since 2018 and has taught hundreds of students ranging from absolute beginners to experienced weavers looking to refine their craft. They have taught at the Stowe Basketry Festival, for the National Basketry Organization, at the New York Botanical Garden just to name a few, and also privately in one-on-one tutorials. You can discover more of their work at instagram.com/willowvalefarm and www.willowvale.farm.
Eligibility: This course is open to anyone interested in willow weaving at all levels. Beginners will learn the basics, those with experience can focus on more advanced weaving techniques and shaping options. This course will be capped at 8 participants.
About OSGF: The Oak Spring Garden Foundation (OSGF) is an operating foundation based on the former estate of Paul and Rachel ‘Bunny’ Mellon, two of the major U.S. philanthropists of the second half of the twentieth century. OSGF is located in the northern Virginia Piedmont and Blue Ridge Mountains region (ca. one-hour drive from Washington, D.C.). Led by Sir Peter Crane, the Foundation’s inaugural President, OSGF supports fellowships and residencies for artists and scholars, offers short courses, and engages its multiple audiences, including its local community in practical horticulture, as well as land stewardship for the conservation and restoration of biodiversity. OSGF is rapidly becoming a new center of excellence and stimulation for all things botanical, from fundamental research in plant evolution, to horticulture and plant conservation, as well as the history and contemporary practice of plant, garden and landscape art.
Accommodation and Travel Information: Participants will be accommodated with all meals and private lodging on site at Oak Spring.
Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel to the Washington, D.C. area. If flying, please book flights to Dulles International Airport. International applicants are welcome, but fluency in English is necessary. Closer to the start date, the Programs team will assist with coordinating travel arrangements to the Oak Spring Garden Foundation site, as necessary.
Dates and Duration: Participants should plan to arrive between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm on Monday, October 19, 2026, and depart around 12:00 pm on Friday, October 23, 2026. Course instruction will begin at 5:00 pm on Monday and will conclude by 12:00 pm on Friday.Course Fee: $1,250 is all-inclusive and covers full tuition, lodging on-site for four nights in our comfortable suites, and all meals on-site (from dinner on Wednesday through lunch on Friday). A limited number of full or partial Fee Waivers are available for this course.
Selection Process: Applications will be reviewed by Jes Clark and OSGF staff.
Application Deadline: Applications are due Monday, July 27, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST.
The Oak Spring Garden Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. Decisions are made on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, or any other non-merit factor.