14th Annual Winter Workshop 2010
FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
I really like to work on class projects at night. Is that going to be possible during Winter Workshop 2010?
Yes, the classrooms will be open at night, but not during our planned events, such as the Wed. evening dinner and auction. Classrooms will be securely locked for the safety of your tools and equipment so you will able to leave your work in there overnight.
I’ve been to FSGNE Winter Workshop before and it looks like everything has changed. Is that true?
Not at all. The most important things are the same: We still offer 5 full days of classes with the leading artist/instructors in the country. We still include lunch every class day and dinner on Auction Night. Students who check in on Sunday will also enjoy a “Meet the Faculty” reception with hors d’oeuvres that evening. And students will still have plenty of opportunity to mingle with each other.
Is anything else going to be different?
Students, first-timers and old-timers alike will enjoy all of the space we will have available for socializing with each other. The hotel offers beautiful and spacious lounges but special just for us, in our private classroom area we have two lounges just for us. For the first time, Winter Workshop participants will have plenty of comfy spaces to sit and share ideas, catch up with old friends and make new ones. Of course, you might enjoy stepping outside and enjoying the beautiful ocean view as well. And did we mention the grand piano? If you play, please bring along some music because there is a piano for anyone to play, too.
How much does the Winter Workshop cost?
Tuition for 5 days of classes is $595, for 3 days it is $475, and for 2 days it is $325. This includes your instruction, lunch each day, the Auction Dinner on Wednesday night, and the Meet the Faculty reception Sunday evening for 5 day and 3 day students. Your lodging is booked separately and you only need to book the number of nights you will need. There is no min. number of nights in order to get our special discounted rate.
If I sign up for 3 days with one instructor and 2 days with a different one, how much do I pay?
If you take 5 days of instruction, you get the lowest rate, which is $595 for all 5 days, no matter if that is all 5 days with one instructor or if you take session I with one and session II with a different instructor.
Who gets priority when signing up for classes?
Priority for classes is based on postmark of applications received, however, when multiple applications arrive with the same postmark, priority for a given class is awarded to 5-day students before 2-or 3-day students.
Where is this workshop taking place? Is it easy to find?
It is very easy to find The Plaza Resort & Spa. It is right on the World’s Most Famous Beach, Daytona Beach at 600 North Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida. You can easily drive there, or very conveniently fly into Daytona Beach International Airport, which is only 5 miles from the Resort. Maps and driving directions are on their website: www.plazaresortandspa.com.
I loved the old location at Atlantic Center for the Arts in New Smyrna! Why did you change?
We loved the old location, too, but are confident our students will love the new location as well! The decision to switch to the beach was a financial one. Believe it or not, our overhead is actually less at this resort than it was at Atlantic Center. Last year, we paid nearly $8,000 just to rent the classrooms, Black Box Theatre and dining room for a week. The tuition we charged last year did not cover our expenses and we sustained a huge loss. In order to be able to continue our annual Winter Workshop tradition, we needed to reduce our overhead dramatically. The only way to do that was to find another venue. This hotel/conference center has more classroom space, has great lighting, and plenty of "mingle space" for everyone to gather between and after classes to meet new friends and catch up with old friends. In addition, to contain the cost to our students, we chose to eliminate breakfast and most dinners from the price of tuition. That is how we can offer the 5-day workshop with very little increase this year over last.
What about housing? I haven't been able to stay "on campus" in past years.
We still offer on-site housing—in fact, for the first time there is ample housing for everybody wishing to stay on-site for the Workshop. All reservations are booked directly with The Plaza Resort & Spa. Call them at 1-800-DAYTONA and tell them you are with the "Florida Goldsmiths" to guarantee our special Winter Workshop rate.
This hotel looks expensive—how can I save money?
This hotel is actually a great value. You will enjoy a beach view, private balcony, free parking, free wi-fi, flat screen TV, pool, exercise facilities, daily housekeeping and other hotel amenities—it only looks expensive. We are getting a special rate of $99/night for up to 4 people per room. You have a choice of a room with one king bed or two queen beds. You can save money by booking a room that has 2 queen beds and finding a roommate to share expenses ($49.50/night each). Or, to really save money (if you are really close friends!) up to 4 people may share a room with 2 beds (only $25/night each). The hotel will split your bill accordingly at check-out. In addition, each room has a refrigerator, convection microwave, and coffeemaker. There is a convenience food/sundries shop in the hotel, and a grocery store within walking distance, so you can easily save money on breakfast and/or dinner.
The hotel looks pretty fancy. Will they allow us to use torches? Pickle pots? Hammer and make noise?
Our biggest concern when searching for a new location for our Winter Workshop was to find a place that was "tool friendly". While The Plaza is a beautiful place, they are also very, very accommodating. They understand our tool needs and are making generous allowances for us, so we will not be restricted in our tool use. Also, our classrooms are located on a ground level and we will have that whole level to ourselves for the week. There are no guest rooms above us, so we will not be disturbing anyone with our activities.
I will be coming to the Winter Workshop by myself but I'd like to find a roommate to share a room. How can I find a roommate?
We will be happy to help you with this. On the registration form, look for the "roommate wanted" section. We will compile a list of people looking for roommates and help you find each other.
I prefer to stay alone in the hotel. Can I have a single room?
Certainly. All hotel reservations will be handled by The Plaza Resort & Spa and you can book whatever type room you wish, still at our Winter Workshop discounted rate.
I have special dietary needs/restrictions. Can you accomodate that?
The hotel catering can accomodate your special dietary needs. Just let us know on your registration form and we will pass that information along to the catering department. They will prepare specials meals just for you, at no additional cost.
I like being in one classroom for 5 days. Do I have that option?
Those of you who enjoy 5 days in one classroom can still enjoy that format. Your class will just cover 2 different topics. Just sign up for both sessions with the same instructor. We will make every possible effort to keep the same instructor in the same room for all five days. In the past, many of our 5-day classes covered 2 or more topics during the week. We agree that 5 days in one classroom is great—if you can afford 5 days. We also realize that many students can’t take 5 days away from family or work obligations, or can’t afford the cost of 5 days’ tuition and other expenses. By splitting the Winter Workshop into 2 sessions, it allows many more students the potential to participate in the Workshop experience by offering shorter classes at a lesser price.
Are there any extra benefits to signing up for 5 days of classes?
Yes! Students who enroll for 5 days get the best value with the lowest price-per-day of any of the options. In addition, 5 day students get priority when classes are awarded. If you sign up for 5 days, you may have a better chance of getting your first choice classes.
What if I want to take classes with different instructors? Does it cost more for a 3-day and a 2-day class with different teachers?
No—it will not cost more to take classes with 2 different teachers. Anybody who enrolls for a total of 5 days will receive the lowest possible tuition rate. That is a wonderful new option this year. You may sign up for 5 days with your favorite instructor or 5 days with 2 different favorite instructors—the price is the same.
I’m really just a beginner—are there any classes appropriate for me?
There probably are. Carefully read each class description for clues as to what knowledge and tools you’re expected to have. It will make everybody’s experience better if you’re in a class appropriate to your skill. Consider taking a brush-up or beginners class at our DeLand studio before Winter Workshop, and then come to some of our DeLand Studio Open Studio sessions to keep developing your skills. Call if you have any questions and we’ll help you find the most beneficial class to match your skills and interest.
I only have time to take a 3-day or 2-day class. Can I take just one class?
Yes—you may sign up for any 3-day or 2-day class of your choice. You will still receive lunch every class day and dinner on Wednesday’s Auction Night. If you take a 3-day class, the Sunday night Meet the Faculty Reception with hors d’oeuvres is also included. You may also book your hotel room for only the time you need.
How do I know what tools or supplies I need to bring?
Once your class assignment is confirmed, you will receive that information by e-mail. The sooner you sign up, the better your chance of getting your first choice classes!
Can my spouse or family stay at the hotel while I’m in class?
Yes! What a great way to give your family a vacation—they can enjoy a week on the beach while you enjoy a week of your favorite classes and you will be able to book your room at the discounted Winter Workshop rate. Let us know in advance if they might like to join us for dinner on Auction Night or at the "Meet the Faculty" Reception on Sunday night and we can advise you of the additional cost to attend either or both of those events.
Is this hotel pet friendly?
If you’re traveling with a pet, ask The Plaza about their pet-friendly accommodations next door!
Is there parking close by? Will I have to carry my tools far?
The hotel has a parking garage for those students booking hotel rooms. For those who are attending the workshop but not staying at the hotel, they will receive a parking pass for their car and there is plenty of parking on site. In addition, there is a convenient door from the parking lot directly in to the classroom level.
Are there any scholarships available for Winter Workshop 2010?
Yes, the Bruce Webb Memorial Scholarship Fund provides the opportunity to Northeast Chapter members of FSG in good standing for a minimum of one year to further their education in the metalsmithing field with financial aid to attend workshops sponsored by the Northeast Chapter. Additionally, the purpose is to make scholarships available to as many members as possible with the limited funds available. Scholarships are available for workshops of two days or more and will apply only to workshop fees. Further information and scholarship application are available on the "registration" page (see link at left).
