Throughout its almost 50 year existence, the Rochester Folk Art Guild has at heart remained an experiment in learning how to live and to find a purpose for oneself in this world. Beginning with the conviction that the education of one’s whole being is a lifelong process, finding the elusive connection between the hands, heart and mind, the Guild strives to cultivate what is needed to practice this in daily life.

The Guild began in 1957 with a group of people seeking to learn more about the ideas of George Ivanovitch Gurdjieff (1866-1949), an unusually perceptive and searching man who spent his life questioning the aim and meaning of human existence. Mrs. Louise March, the Guild’s founder, took an interest in the group and soon became responsible for its guidance. She had worked closely with Gurdjieff as secretary and translator, and in later life devoted herself to passing on his influence and principles. She worked tirelessly with those around her to transmit a unique way of working. Central to this is the effort to invite a special quality of attention in one’s daily life, from moment to moment, whatever activity one is engaged in.

In 1967 a move was made from Rochester to East Hill Farm, a working farm with vineyards and barns an hour outside the city in the Finger Lakes. In the first years, members built workshops for the crafts as well as several residences. The family farm developed into a little village. Since Mrs. March’s death in 1987, this exploration of attention has continued, not only through study groups and special gatherings, but through the ongoing work with crafts, agriculture, and the life of the community. Senior members have guided the community, seeking a balance between its valued traditions and new directions, which express what the Guild is today. The Folk Art Guild is connected to other groups studying Gurdjieff’s teachings around the world.