Arrival and Departure
Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts is located in the Catskill Mountains, in the hamlet of Maplecrest, NY, roughly three hours north of New York City and one hour south of Albany. The easiest way to travel to Sugar Maples is by car.
It is a very beautiful rural area, cell phones may not work well. We suggest you travel in daylight so as to not get lost. As you arrive at the intersection of Maplecrest-Route 40 and Big Hollow Road, the Ceramics Studio is the first building on the left side of the road. If you are staying at the Sugar Maples dorm, named Sherwood House, it is located three (3) buildings down the road from the Ceramic Studio. Both buildings are marked with their names above the door. Sherwood House has a complete kitchen so you may cook your breakfast and evening meal. Cafes and restaurants are located a short drive away. You may order your mid-day meal and the staff assistants will pick it up and deliver it to the studio.
Directions
GPS & cell signal does not work reliably in the mountains, so please take the time to gather directions before heading to Sugar Maples. Signage for getting to Maplecrest is minimal, so you should have the directions for navigating our country roads to guide you to the campus. If using Google Maps enter “Sherwood House”, Maplecrest, NY or simply Maplecrest, NY.
From Hunter: From Route 23A, turn right onto Route 296. At the stop sign in Hensonville, take a right on County Route 40. Continue five minutes to Maplecrest and turn left at the Maplecrest sign onto Big Hollow Road.
From Windham: From Route 23, turn right onto Route 65. In Hensonville, take a left onto Route 40. Continue five minutes to Maplecrest and turn left at the Maplecrest sign onto Big Hollow Road.
You can also obtain directions by going to Mapquest and entering “34 Big Hollow Road, Maplecrest, NY 12454” as your destination.
Enrollment
Enrollment is open to individuals of all ages unless otherwise specified. Class size is limited (on average to 8-12 students) in order to allow for ample workspace, teacher interaction and maximum safety. Please apply early to reserve your space.
Registration Fee
A $40 registration fee is required of all students.
Refunds and Cancellations
Except for a $100 administration fee and the $40 registration fee, all fees are refundable if notice of cancellation is received at least three weeks (21 days) prior to the start of the class. No refunds will be made after that date due to contractual obligations, material acquisitions, faculty travel agreements, etc. If cancellation occurs three weeks before the class starts, monies may be applied to another class within 12 months (1 year). A $35 non-refundable transfer fee will be charged at the time of the transfer. No refund or discount will be given if a student withdraws after a workshop begins. Sugar Maples reserves the right to cancel a workshop due to low enrollment or an emergency. If a cancellation should occur, students will be notified and will have the option of taking another class or receiving a full refund. Sugar Maples cannot be responsible for any airline or other travel ticket refund.
Transfers
Transfers are permitted from one workshop to another within the 2022 season, space permitting. To transfer, you must notify Sugar Maples at least three weeks (21 days) prior to the start of your class. A $35 non-refundable transfer fee will be charged at the time of your transfer. If you are unable to attend the class you registered for and are unable to transfer to another class, you will be refunded according to our cancellation policy. No refunds will be made after that date due to contractual obligation, material acquisitions, faculty travel arrangements, etc.
Materials
A materials fee is charged for all workshops to cover the cost of expendable materials and supplies that are provided by the instructor or Sugar Maples. A separate supply list will be sent prior to the start of the workshop for any supplies or equipment that the student will be required to bring.
Studio Time
Studio time is available to all enrolled students who would like additional time to work on projects outside of class time. Studio time is based on availability. Private lessons in Hand building and Wheel Throwing are also available.
Attendance Certification
Sugar Maples can provide an attendance certification letter to students requesting proof of attendance. The letter is printed on our letterhead and includes course title, description and instructor. The fee for administration of this documentation is $15.
Housing
Limited Campus Housing Availability:
$100 + tax per room, per night, double occupancy. One night's deposit taken on credit card. Students must call (518) 263-2001 or e-mail Justin at mcgowanj@catskillmtn.org to reserve a room.
Cancellation Policy:
If Sugar Maples must cancel a course, and a room is reserved, there is no cancellation fee. If a student cancels less than 2 weeks before arrival they forfeit the deposit, a $35 cancellation fee is charged to all other cancellations.
Code of Conduct
In order to provide students, faculty, staff, visitors, and all those involved in Sugar Maples with a safe and supportive educational environment, we ask that all abide by our code of conduct. We ask that faculty, staff, fellow students and facilities are treated with consideration and respect.
Drugs and alcohol are prohibited in the studios. Sugar Maples is not responsible for the security of personal property of students, instructors or staff. Students are not permitted to have pets with them. Sugar Maples reserves the right to dismiss any student, without refund, for unacceptable behavior that is disruptive to the collective learning and living environment.
Permission to Photograph
Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts reserves the right to photograph any class, work, student or event and to reproduce the images at its discretion without incurring obligations.