Aaron Fedarko & Chelsea Witt
June 1-5
In this immersive one-week workshop, students dive into the core techniques that bring curves to life in finely crafted furniture. Through demonstrations and hands-on guided practice, Aaron and Chelsea take students through a wide range of techniques for creating curved components, including laminating (parallel, tapered, and double-tapered methods), steam bending (hot pipe, free-form, and strap-supported bends), and coopering (working with straight, tapered, and bent staves to create strong, elegant forms).
Special attention is also given to sound joinery techniques, from laying out joints on non-linear surfaces, to executing clean, reliable connections that support both structure and design. Instruction includes how to safely and effectively use the machines, jigs, and gluing setups essential for consistent, high-quality results. Through these exercises, students gain a better understanding of how to incorporate curved elements and their accompanying joinery into future furniture projects with confidence, clarity, and intention.
Aaron Fedarko is an independent furniture designer/maker in mid-coast Maine. In 2007, after 16 years in the corporate world, he completed our Nine-month Comprehensive, participated in our Fellowship program, and set up shop as a furniture maker. In addition to ongoing commission work, Aaron has been a Lead Instructor for the Furniture Intensive since 2014. He also served as an Artisan Mentor for Greenwood, a nonprofit organization that teaches woodworking skills and sustainable forest management to rural communities in Latin America. Aaron’s furniture has been featured in 500 Chairs (Lark Books, 2008) and 500 Cabinets (Lark Books, 2010). His website is fedarkofurniture.com.
Chelsea Witt is a furniture maker, artist, and educator based in Southern Maine. A 2018 graduate of our Furniture Intensive, Chelsea has also studied with artists/makers such as Alexis Dold, Tyler Hays, and Christina Boy. Chelsea earned a BFA at the University of South Florida with a focus in sculpture, worked as the Facilities Assistant at CFC from 2019-2021, and has a broad background in art, illustration, woodworking, and furniture making. Chelsea is the education director for the Chairmaker’s Toolbox and serves on the board of directors for The Furniture Society. Their website is chelseacarinawitt.com.
Open to intermediate woodworkers, including anyone who has taken Basic Woodworking.
