Winter Program
Dear Clearing Friends,
It's November! Already!! For many of us in Door County, along with catching our collective breath between two busy seasons, that means it's time to start thinking about The Clearing's Winter Program. To get you started, here's your copy of the 2008 Winter Program catalog.
In addition to offering a broad selection of classes in the arts and fine crafts, humanities and natural sciences, The Clearing Winter Program represents something wonderful and unique about Door County--dozens of people who generously volunteer their time and talent for the benefit of the community. This has been going on for 33 years! The Winter Program is a Door County institution--something that hundreds of people look forward to each year.
Take a few minutes to look through the catalog. You are sure to find something that interests you. And on behalf of The Clearing staff and Board of Directors, here's wishing you a happy holiday season and a happy new year!
All the best,
Michael J. Schneider, Executive Director
Registration Information
Admission Policy
Students must be at least 18 years old to attend classes at The Clearing. All students are welcome at The Clearing regardless of race, sex, religion, nationality or ethnic origin.
How to Register
Please Note: All registrations must be by mail or FAX, or in person.
Class sizes are limited. Early registration will help ensure that you get the classes you like. You may register for classes by:
1. Mail: Complete the registration form and mail, along with full payment, to The Clearing, P.O. Box 65, Ellison Bay, WI 54210.
2. Fax: Complete and fax the registration form to The Clearing at 920-854-9751. Include your Visa or MasterCard number.
3. In Person: Sign up for Winter Program classes at The Clearing.
Fees and Pricing
Information on fees and pricing is listed at the end of each class description. Some classes require an additional materials or facility fee. These are noted at the end of the class descriptions.
If a Class Fills
Some classes fill completely, although most do not. Classes for which there are more registrations than available space will be lotteried. Important: To ensure you will be included in the lottery, your registration form must be received by 4 p.m. on December 11. Registrations received after 4 p.m. on December 11 will be assigned to open classes on a first-come, space-available basis. All other registrations will be added to a waiting list.
Friends of The Clearing Benefits
Members of the Friends of The Clearing receive a 10% discount on all Winter Program classes. The discount does not apply to material or facility fees.
Friends of The Clearing Life Members
Friends of The Clearing life member registrations received prior to the December 11 lottery deadline are exempt from the lottery. However, if a class fills with life members before the lottery deadline, a separate lottery for life members will be held for that class.
After the lottery, all registrations will be assigned to open classes on a first-come, space-available basis. If you are a life member, please be sure to check the life member box on the registration form.
Class Confirmation
You will receive a postcard acknowledgement five or six business days after the December 11 lottery deadline. Students new to The Clearing will receive a letter and a map of The Clearing. (You will receive a map only if you have a class at The Clearing.)
Scandia Residents
The tuition portion of the registration fee is waived for Scandia residents who take any Clearing class held at Scandia. Scandia residents still need to register with The Clearing.
Severe Weather
During severe weather, listen to WDOR, 910 AM/93.9 FM, for cancellations. If Gibraltar School is cancelled, all Clearing classes are cancelled. If Gibraltar School has a late start, morning classes at The Clearing are cancelled, but afternoon classes will be held.
Note: If all Clearing classes are cancelled on the day of a potluck, the potluck is also cancelled. If afternoon classes at The Clearing are cancelled, the potluck is also cancelled. If only morning classes are cancelled, the potluck will be held. If in doubt, call The Clearing.
Cancellation Policy
Full refunds are available only if you are unable to get into the class(es) of your choice or if The Clearing cancels a class. No other refunds will be issued. There are no discounts or refunds for missed class sessions. The Clearing will begin processing refunds for lotteried classes the second week of classes.
Accessibility
The landscape at The Clearing is somewhat "rugged" in places. Although every reasonable effort has been made, or is being made to make the grounds accessible for students with physical disabilities, some students may find our campus difficult to negotiate. Please call The Clearing to discuss any concerns you have regarding accessibility.
Office and Jens Jensen Center Hours
8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday
Registration Form
Printable registration form here
Winter Events at The Clearing
Taste of The Clearing Potlucks
Fridays: January 18, February 1, February 15, February 29
St. Rosalia's Church
600 South Bay Shore Drive
(Highway 42) Sister Bay
Doors open at 5 p.m. - Supper begins at 6 p.m.
"Taste of The Clearing" potlucks are almost as much a part of The Clearing's Winter Program as the classes themselves. Please remember that they are intended for students, instructors and their spouses or significant others. Meeting new friends and enjoying lively conversation during meals is a long-standing tradition of The Clearing's Summer Program. Taste of The Clearing potlucks help extend this tradition into the Winter Program.
Can you help at the Taste of The Clearing potlucks? Please fill out the Potluck Volunteer form describing volunteer opportunities at these fun events. Include the form with your registration.
Please remember to bring your own place setting to each potluck and a plastic bag for your soiled dishes and utensils.
Note about cancellations: If all Clearing classes are cancelled on the day of a potluck, the potluck is also cancelled. If afternoon classes at The Clearing are cancelled, the potluck is also cancelled. If only morning classes are cancelled, the potluck will be held. If in doubt, call The Clearing.
4th Annual Winter Silent Auction
Friday, February 1
At the second potluck
St. Rosalia's Church, 5-8 p.m.
In the past three years, The Clearing raised almost $13,000 at three silent auctions. Held during the second winter potluck, this auction features juried art and fine craft items made by local artists & craftsmen. Proceeds will again go toward The Clearing Workshop. Join us in February for this important fund-raising event!
Winter Program Student Exhibit
Saturday & Sunday, March 1 - 2
Sister Bay Village Hall, 10-4
Celebrate the accomplishments and discoveries of all 600+ Clearing Winter students at this amazing show-and-tell. Works of art, fine crafts and other projects can be viewed at the Sister Bay Town Hall during this free public exhibit.
Students and instructors may drop off items for the exhibit on Friday, February 29, between noon and 4 p.m. at the Sister Bay Village Hall. All items must be picked-up on Sunday, March 2 between 4 and 6 p.m.