Saturday, August 28-Sunday, August 29, 9am-4pm
Instructor:  Mike Bloomquist
Workshop Fee:  $145/$120 members (Includes materials.)

Here is an opportunity to participate in a centuries old carving tradition, and pick up carving tips involving the face that are universal to other wood spirit carvings such as driftwood and walking staffs.  Our carving medium will be easily carved Mid-Western (large) cottonwood bark, so as a bonus we'll discuss the joys of this material, and where you can harvest your own in New York State. 

Mike Bloomquist is returning to the Arts Center to offer this 2 day workshop. Basic knife carving skills, other styles of carving, and characteristics of different types of wood and painting techniques will be some of the areas discussed.  Some work may have to be done outside of class.  The instructor will supply the necessary materials.  Students will need to supply their own tools consisting of a knife, strop, and a pencil or sharpie marker.  Pre-registration is required. Space is limited to 8 students.

Building a Birch Bark Mosaic Table

Fri., August 20, 9am - 5:30pm

Instructor: Dean Spence 

of Kapristo Mountain Wood Craft

Fee: $185/$160 members

Participants will learn the basic techniques of rustic twig joinery and birch bark & twig ornamentation. Each student will build a twig end table with a birch bark mosaic top to take home at the end of the day. The frame wood will already be trimmed and cut to length. Dean will talk about collecting raw material, drilling and construction techniques, mosaic design, the use of jigs to make the process simpler and how to finish the table after allowing the piece to dry. This workshop is an excellent introduction to building rustic furniture, or a fun next-step for those who have some experience building rustic or twig furniture. Students who would like to build more than one end table can order materials at time of registration for $85.

Building a Rustic Armchair

Saturday, August 21, 9am - 5:30pm

Instructor: Dean Spence 

of Kapristo Mountain Wood Craft

Fee: $235/$215 members

Participants learn the basic techniques to build an armchair in the bent-willow style. Each student will build an armchair to take home at the end of the day. Previous woodworking or crafting experience is recommended. Participants must be in good health and able to perform moderate manual labor. Students may bring a friend or family member in the afternoon to assist them in the construction. Students who would like to build more than one armchair can order materials at time of registration for $110.