SQUARE ONE
Workshops for beginners to learn alongside one another in a welcoming and supportive environment.
WORKSHOPS | HOW TO APPLY | FEES & POLICIES | FAQ
JULY 5–9, 2026
WHAT IS SQUARE ONE?
Haystack has launched a new session format, Square ONE, 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 are new or a beginner 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.
SQUARE ONE WORKSHOPS
How to Apply
Square ONE Application
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 provided 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 APPLICATION
Application Opens: January 6, 2026
Application Closes: February 20, 2026
All applications for Square ONE are submitted online. We encourage all applicants to review the fees + policies and frequently asked questions below.
Fees & Policies
Tuition, Room + Board
The table below covers the Tuition cost to attend Square ONE, as well as the housing options and associated cost.
Upon notification of acceptance into a workshop, a $300 non-refundable deposit is required by March 20, 2026, and will be applied to tuition, room, and board. The full balance of tuition, room, and board must be paid no later than 60 days prior to the start of a given session. Square ONE final balance is due May 6, 2026.
Meal costs are included in all Room & Board rates, including the Day Student rate—meals are never a separate or prorated cost. There are no exceptions.
| Tuition | Cost |
|---|---|
| General Tuition | $842 |
| Room & Board | Cost |
| Double with bath | $1,220 |
| Quad with bath | $1,050 |
| Double near central bath |
$814 |
| Triple near central bath |
$576 |
| Dorm near central bath limited availibility |
$417 |
| Day Student Individuals choosing to reside off campus at their own expense |
$365 |
Shop Fees
Square ONE participants will be charged one shop and materials fee based on the workshop they are taking. This Shop Fee will cover the cost of all materials and supplies used in your workshop. These costs are the financial responsibility of each participant.
Specific Shop Fees will be listed on each workshop’s student memo, which will be provided to participants by email at the time of notification. Estimated Shop Fees for this three-day workshop will range from $5 to $80.
Cancellation Policy
When planning and preparing for programs, Haystack devotes substantial time and resources, and vacancies can be difficult to fill.
All cancellations must be made in writing by email (no phone calls please) to registrar@haystack-mtn.org. The Square ONE cancellation deadline is May 6, 2026.
For cancellations received 60 days before the Square ONE session begins, a refund less the $300 non-refundable deposit will be issued. No refunds will be issued for cancellations less than 60 days before the start of the Square ONE session.
In the event of any type of cancellation, Haystack is not responsible for refunding airline tickets or other travel costs. Applicants are encouraged to review the information about Travel Insurance.
Travel Insurance
Haystack has partnered with Travel Insured International to provide travel insurance coverage to interested participants. Haystack recommends that participants with concerns about refunds for cancellations or unforeseen disruptions to travel consider acquiring travel insurance coverage. For more information and plan information, please refer to Travel Insured International’s website.
Community Guidelines & Nondiscrimination Policy
Everyone coming to Haystack commits to a culture in which all members feel personally safe, listened to, valued, and treated with fairness. Gathering together is an intentional act and a reciprocal process, with every individual sharing responsibility to contribute positively to the community. A shared understanding of our common goals is how we create community.
The campus and programs foster a culture of generosity, investigation, and exchange through the exploration of new ideas in a supportive and inclusive community. We serve an ever-changing group of makers and thinkers, working and learning alongside one another while exploring the intersections of craft, art, and design in broad and expansive ways.
Haystack is committed to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We do not discriminate against any individual or group of individuals on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identification, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, economic status, or veteran status. All are welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I attend Square ONE?
Anyone interested in Square ONE will need to submit an application. The initial round of applications are processed in a lottery.
Due to the quantity of applications, not everyone is accepted. However, not all accepted applicants are able to attend, creating openings in workshops. These open spaces are initially offered to individuals who applied and were not accepted. If there are still workshop openings after the outreach to existing applicants, we will offer the open workshop spaces through an Open Call application.
How do I apply for Square ONE?
All applications for Square ONE are submitted online. The application for Square ONE opens January 6, 2026 and closes February 20, 2026.
I submitted an application for Square ONE when will I know if I was accepted?
Notifications about the status of your application will be shared March 13, 2026.
Can I purchase a Square ONE workshop as a gift?
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.
Can I take two Square ONE workshops at the same time?
No. You can only be enrolled in one workshop during the session.
What are the housing options for Square ONE?
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.
Can I choose a roommate for Square One?
If you wish to room with a specific person during Square ONE, you both will need to provide this information in the “Roommate Request” question of your application. All other roommates are chosen at random.