Boxes to Die For, now showing in the Messler Gallery, is an exhibition of artist-made urns and coffins curated by Jennifer Anderson, from San Diego, CA, and Graeme Priddle, from Asheville, NC. Below are stories behind some the pieces, told in the makers’ own words. To see the entire exhibition, please visit http://woodschool.org/wood-school-gallery/current-exhibitions.
The introductory portion of the eight-week Turning Intensive and the one-week turning segment of the Nine-month Comprehensive course teach spindle turning, tool making, chisel sharpening, hollow vessel turning, offset turning, and carving on the lathe, among other skills. In a relatively short time, students learn the basics and begin to explore their own designs.
Design is central to all of our curricula at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship. A core assignment for students in the Furniture Intensive and the Nine-month Comprehensive is to design and build a solid-wood casepiece with a door and a drawer. Since every design is different, students in each class learn to employ a tremendous variety of machine and hand tool techniques, benefitting not only from what they do themselves, but also from what they watch their classmates take on. Pictured below are case pieces under construction by participants in our current Intensive and Comprehensive courses.
Currently on view in the Messler Gallery, Scholars and Fellows showcases the work of former scholarship and fellowship awardees of the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship. The 21 pieces on display highlight the value of scholarships and fellowships in nurturing creative growth and technical accomplishment. Scholars and Fellows will be on view until January 2, 2019 – be sure to pay a visit!
This month our 26th Workshop Season came to a close, and with it the season of potluck picnics, croquet matches, and Monday night faculty presentations. As we think ahead to next year’s schedule, we look forward to welcoming the instructors and students who will join us from all corners of the globe. The workshop roster is always fresh and changing, bringing both new and returning students to campus year after year. Yet, over the history of the school, there is one curriculum that has been offered annually without fail – Peter Korn’s two-week Basic Woodworking course.
Fall is a busy time in the Jackson Building, and the benches are full with a creative, dedicated group of Fellows. Read on to see the latest from the Fellowship Program, and meet our current group of furniture makers!
We were pleased when Tom Kealy, a highly skilled and accomplished furniture maker, agreed to join us for the Visiting Artist position. This program encourages professional makers to explore new directions in their work. Tom heeded the challenge and decided to depart from his work in functional furniture to explore a sculptural form during his one month with us. Employing his rich knowledge of technical skills and drawing from various inspiration from the natural world and artists’ work in other mediums, Tom set out on his ambitious path.
