Handwork Week 2026 | Special Event, Writers
The Intersection of Senses and Self
Deepen your connection to voice and perception through the five senses in this generative, exploratory poetry workshop.
Member$605.00 (any noted materials fee included) |
Cancellation, Tuition Assistance, and Other Policies
Meeting Times
- Mon, 4/27/2026 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Tue, 4/28/2026 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Wed, 4/29/2026 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Thur, 4/30/2026 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Fri, 5/1/2026 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Mon, 4/27/2026 - Fri, 5/1/2026
Registration does not include lunches or the May 1 Celebration Dinner. Purchase lunch tickets or purchase Celebration Dinner tickets.
Handwork Week is made possible with support from:
Handwork Week at BARN
Join us for an extraordinary exploration of American craft as BARN participates in Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026, a national initiative led by PBS's Craft in America and the Smithsonian's Renwick Gallery.
About This Workshop
Examine how sensory details — sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell — act as portals to memory, culture, and the poetic self.
Each day will include:
- Craft and theory instruction: Lecture, close reading, and discussion.
- Guided writing and peer workshopping: Generative writing time with prompts, light revision, and small-group feedback.
- Writer’s journal practice: A daily tool for observation and reflection.
- The instructor will also provide two rounds of individual written feedback on participants' work, after drafts of day two and four, offering detailed annotations to support each student’s personal development.
By the end of the week, you'll have a portfolio of at least three revised poems, one fully polished piece, a writer’s journal for continued practice, and an introduction to submission and publication paths.
Details
You should bring a composition notebook for writing exercises, and a computer or writing materials if you prefer to type instead of write by hand.
Class Policies
Handwork Week Schedule
This preliminary schedule is subject to change.
Sunday, April 26
- 2 PM: BARN tour for new students and visitors
- 4 PM: Studio-specific orientations (TBD)
Monday, April 27 - Thursday, April 30
- 9 AM - 12 PM: Classes
- 12 PM - 1 PM: Lunch
- 1 - 4 or 5 PM: Classes
- 5 or 6 PM - 10 PM: Open Studios (unstructured work time for Handwork students and community)
- 7 - 9 PM: Community events (TBD)
Friday, May 1
- 9 AM - 12 PM: Classes
- 12 PM - 1 PM: Lunch
- 1 PM - 4 PM: Classes
- 3 PM: Optional item dropoff for Silent Auction participants
- 4 - 6 PM: Studio walkthrough, Silent Auction, drinks and appetizers (open to community)
- 6 - 8 PM: Celebration Dinner (not included in course registration; tickets required).
Handwork Week Dining Options
Class registration does not include catered lunches or tickets to the May 1 Celebration Dinner.
Lunch Options
Join us for lunches catered each day by Fig & Spice! View the menu and purchase lunch tickets.
If you'd prefer to explore Bainbridge Island during lunch, check out restaurant options.
You're also welcome to bring a packed lunch. BARN's lower level has a refrigerator and microwave for community use.
Dinner Options
Dinners are on your own during Handwork Week. We hope you'll join us for our Celebration Dinner on May 1 (purchase tickets here)! During Handwork Week, explore delicious food options a short distance from BARN and across the Agate Pass Bridge in Poulsbo.
Evening Activities
We're planning community art events during the evenings of Handwork Week. Stay tuned!
Silent Auction
Handwork Week participants are invited to submit work to our Silent Auction, happening Friday, May 1 at 4:30 PM. Proceeds benefit BARN programs. More details coming soon!
BARN Handwork 2026 Policies
- Cancellation Policies for Handwork Classes: We understand schedules can be unpredictable. Because there is a lot of planning for this event, BARN is implementing a special Handwork 2026 cancellation and refund policy.
- Cancellations requested prior to Feb. 13, 2026, will be eligible for a refund of 85% of all class fees.
- Cancellations requested between Feb. 13 and March 13, 2026, will be eligible for a refund of 50% of all class fees.
- Cancellations requested on March 14, 2026, or later will not be eligible for refunds.
- To request a cancellation, click the link in your profile or email registrar@bainbridgebarn.org.
- We strongly encourage out-of-town visitors to make refundable reservations.
- Tuition Assistance is available. We will prioritize Handwork 2026 tuition assistance for local students, who are eligible to apply at any time. Out-of-town applications will be processed after Jan. 1, 2026. Fill out the application before registering.
- BARN is committed to accessibility. We try to make accommodations when requested; the earlier you contact us, the more likely we can help. Fill out the Accommodation Request Form before any class for which you require an accommodation. Email accessibility@bainbridgebarn.org if you have any questions.
- Sensory Statement: Makerspaces like BARN can be noisy and cluttered, smell strongly, and have bright or flickering lights. BARN is not an allergen-free facility. If you have concerns, please email info@bainbridgebarn.org.
Instructors or Guides
Ricardo Ruiz
Ricardo holds a Associates Degree in Business and Accounting from Big Bend Community College where he was recognized as Student of the year in both Business and Economics and English Composition. He also holds a Bachelors of Art in English: Creative Writing from the University of Washington and is an Army Veteran. While in the military Ricardo was recognized as Distinguished Honor Graduate and Distinguished Leader during his Advanced Leadership Course. His debut collection of poetry was selected as a finalist for the Washington State Book Award in Poetry 2023 & reached #1 on the Hispanic American Poetry chart Amazon.
Ricardo’s happiest moments are when he is spending time with his children, writing with his daughter, playing video games with his son, cuddling his dog Pepe, enjoying a round of golf, and cooking with his wife Christine. Ricardo takes pride in being a conduit for cultural connection and brings marginalized voices into the center of all conversations that he is in. His own struggles straddling cultures provide insight into the difficulties of the Mexican migrant worker and their families.
Handwork Week is made possible with support from:
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