Frequently Asked Questions

Individuals currently employed as Oklahoma public school teachers and administrators may be considered for a full scholarship by completing an online registration form, which includes a brief scholarship application. Scholarship evaluation will begin on August 26, so it is recommended to submit an application prior to that date for full consideration. Scholarships are awarded using a number of criteria including teaching relevancy, prior scholarship attendance, and scholarship availability. Recipients will be notified by September 6 and automatically registered in a workshop based on their workshop preferences provided in the scholarship application. Educators who are not selected for a scholarship will be added to the waiting list of up to three of their chosen workshops.

Each educator selected as a scholarship recipient is responsible for a non-refundable $30 registration fee and visual arts classes have a $30 studio fee to help offset the cost of supplies. Scholarships include tuition and room and board.

Scholarships are provided by the Oklahoma State Department of Education and private donors. Additional funding is provided by the Oklahoma Arts Council.

Unfortunately, student teachers and substitutes do not qualify for scholarships.

Oklahoma private school educators receive a 50% discount on OFAI tuition. Please visit our Registration & Workshop Rates page for more details about cost of attendance.

Please visit our Registration & Workshop Rates page for details about the cost of attendance.

There is no registration deadline, but educators seeking a scholarship should apply by August 26 for full consideration. You may register as long as there is space available in your chosen workshop.

FOR PUBLIC EDUCATORS: Educators who are not selected for a scholarship will be added to the waiting list of up to three of their chosen workshops. We strongly recommend educators take advantage of the wait list system, as new scholarships often become available closer to the workshop date and many waitlisted applicants are accepted every year.

Public educators may also immediately register by paying the discounted rate offered to all educators; however, please be aware that public educators who decide to register for a class by paying the educator rate will not be considered for a scholarship. Please see the Registration & Workshop Rates page for more information about fees and payments.

FOR ALL OTHERS: If the workshop of your choice is full, you can choose another workshop and/or be placed on the waiting lists for up to three workshops through our online registration system. We strongly recommend taking advantage of the wait list system, as openings become available every year. If a space becomes available in the workshop of your choice, we will contact you as soon as possible.

Most people will miss only two days of work. Participants check in between Noon and 1pm on Thursday and check out at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday.

The vast majority of school districts support teachers’ OFAI attendance and provide substitutes. Local educational foundations may assist with obtaining substitutes.

Yes. Upon completion of each workshop, participants receive a certificate for 18 hours of professional development credit.

Most equipment and supplies are included in your tuition and studio fee. You may need to bring some supplies specific to your chosen workshop. Attending participants will be notified when supply lists are available.

OFAI participants will receive a weekend-specific schedule, including yoga classes and other elective activities, upon arrival to Quartz Mountain. You may download our general "Weekend at a Glance" schedule here.

All participants are housed in the Quartz Mountain Lodge. Guest rooms are well-appointed and include amenities such as a private balcony/patio, cable television, mini-fridge, and coffeemaker.

Workshop rates for non-educators come standard with a private, single-occupancy room.

Workshop rates for educators come with a shared, double-occupancy room. If space allows, private rooms are available for educators for an additional $200 fee.

Meals are provided at the Quartz Mountain Lodge. Vegetarian options are available at each meal, and other dietary restrictions can usually be accommodated. Attending participants will be sent the menu in advance.

Because the Oklahoma Arts Institute is charged by the lodge for all overnight guests, including those sharing participants’ rooms, the OAI office must be notified of all guests. Participants wishing to bring and share a room with a non-participant guest may do so at an additional cost of $125 per guest. Children under six are free. All guest fees include lodging and meals for the duration of the weekend. Educators bringing non-participant guests are also responsible for paying the $200 private room fee in addition to the necessary guest fees.

Unattended children are not allowed at OFAI, and children may not attend classes. Guests not staying overnight may dine in the lodge restaurant at their own expense. Although guests are never allowed to attend classes at OFAI, they are welcome to attend faculty presentations and electives outside of class.

Please visit our Directions page for maps and detailed instructions.