2012

Handwork Research Conference

April 20 – 22

Friday Evening to Sunday Noon

Preparing for the Future

 How do practical, artistic activities support the development of soul-spiritual capacities?

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Gerald Karnow

Dr. Karnow is a physician working in the Fellowship Community, a multi-generational community dedicated to the care of the elderly, an educator with The Otto Specht School and a school doctor for two Waldorf Schools.

The theme of this research conference will be elaborated by Dr. Karnow, and will be explored in a number of three-session workshops led by experienced Waldorf teachers. The fruits of this joint work will be gathered in a plenum session.

Conference Fee  $185

 Registration will begin in February.

2010 Handwork Conference News

We are very pleased to announce that the 2010 Handwork Conference (April 23 – 25) was a great success. It brought together 85 participants from many parts of the United States, Canada and beyond. The Conference was planned by the Applied Arts Research Group in consultation with Dr. Gerald Karnow, physician at the Fellowship Community. It was organized by the Fiber Craft Studio with the help of many friends and volunteers.

The theme of the conference Handwork as an Aid to the Incarnating Child – the Pedagogical, Artistic and Healing Aspects of the Waldorf Handwork Curriculum was explored by Dr. Karnow in two inspiring lectures and was taken up in hands-on workshops led by experienced teachers as well as in the final plenum session.

Margarete Eichenholz, guest of honor from Sweden, enlivened the weekend with her heart-warming sense of humor and wisdom-filled thoughts about the importance of handwork for the growing child.

The conference provided an opportunity for all participants to engage in stimulating and inspiring research work in the company of fellow teachers. The beautiful grounds, wonderful spring weather and delicious food added to the success of this event.

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Here are some comments shared by participants on their evaluation forms answering the question:

How was your overall experience of this conference?

“Excellent – stimulating, thought provoking, refreshing.”

“I had a very good experience. The presentations by Dr. Karnow were very insightful and opened new gates to understanding.”

“Excellent! First time here and loved it.”

“It was inspirational – Dr. Karnow’s lectures, the workshop, feeling connected to other handwork teachers, the plenum!

“Very inspiring and renewing”

“Overall very pleased – nice to be in such a beautiful place with other handwork teachers.”

“It was wonderful and rejuvenating. It was great to see old friends and make new ones.”

Conference Planning Committee

Applied Arts Research Group:

Renate Hiller, Fiber Craft Studio

Nicole Nicola, Philadelphia Waldorf School

Tjitske Lehman, Kimberton Waldorf School

Chris Marlow, Green Meadow Waldorf School

Mikae Toma: Fiber Craft Studio