Handwork Week 2026 | Special Event, Writers
The Thing Itself: The Story You Want to Tell
Discover how to harmonize character, theme, and plot in this intensive workshop with acclaimed author Jonathan Evison.
Member$605.00 (any noted materials fee included) |
Guest$670.00 (any noted materials fee included) |
Cancellation, Tuition Assistance, and Other Policies
Meeting Times
- Mon, 4/27/2026 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Tue, 4/28/2026 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Wed, 4/29/2026 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Thur, 4/30/2026 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Fri, 5/1/2026 9:00 AM - 12:00 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
Prepare for a transformative experience with Jonathan Evison, a New York Times bestselling author acclaimed for his work's humor, heart, and poignant themes of love, loss, and the human condition. In this five-day intensive workshop, he will show you how to take your writing to the next level by focusing on 'the thing itself' -- the story you want to tell.
Evison's works have received numerous awards, been adapted into films, and appeared on the New York Times bestseller list. In this workshop, he'll guide you in examining your own writing as you discuss rising stakes, rising action, reader expectation, reader engagement, and the distillation of story. You'll put these principles into practice, workshopping a seven-page excerpt of your memoir or novel-in-progress with your peers. Don't miss this unique opportunity to elevate your craft.
Details
- Bring a computer or writing materials if you prefer to type instead of write by hand.
-
You'll submit a seven-page excerpt of a novel-in-progress or memoir, which cohorts will workshop throughout the week.
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.
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
Jonathan Evison
Handwork Week is made possible with support from:
Follow Us