Curriculum

Clay

  • Clay 001 — Kids Handbuilding

    Do you have a child that enjoys getting their hands dirty? Imagine your child getting to play with clay while learning the foundation of hand-building. In this mixed level afterschool courses, students from 1st grade to 4th grade learn about making slabs, hand coiling, pinching, texturing, and glazing. Each session begins with a project that children then customize into a unique, whimsical and colorful memory to bring home at the end of the season. Students will have the opportunity to make a variety of projects such as mugs, animals, ugly jugs, flower planters, syrup pitchers, gnome homes and more. Do you have an older child who also wants to play with clay? Check out our two clay courses for kids ages 10-14. Clay 002 or Clay 003.

  • Clay 002 — Kids Wheel Throwing and Hand Building

    Does your child like to play and build with clay? Join us in our clay studios where we have been teaching the joy and art of ceramics for over 70 years. In this course, students will get a firm foundation in working with clay both on the wheel and in hand-building. Our guided demonstrations and projects are designed to foster curiosity and to explore a hands on understanding of sculpting with clay through helping students to think and make creative decisions for themselves. Ideal for students ages 10-14, this course can be taken again and again. Looking to round out your child’s hands on education in making, check out our wood 001 where students explore building objects in our historic woodshop.

  • Clay 003 — Kids Wheel Throwing

    For 70 years we have been teaching young students how to throw clay on the wheel. The clay studio is our wheelhouse. In this course, students ages 10-14 create a fun and supportive community of peers while learning how to make objects using the electric wheel. Each session takes place in our historic light filled studio and begins with an instructor led demonstration followed by one on one time to practice making. Our projects are designed to encourage curiosity and facilitate hands on learning and decision making. This is a year round class and students are encouraged to take it over and over to continue to develop their wheel skills. This course also pairs well with Clay 002 or wood 001

  • Clay 004 — Teen Wheel Throwing and Hand Building

    Does your Teen have an interest in learning to work with clay? Join us in our clay studios where we have been teaching wheel throwing and hand building for over 70 years. Our guided demonstrations and projects are designed to build a strong technical foundation for such a versatile craft. Students will learn how to center clay, shape a vessel, trim, glaze, sculpt and build. They will make functional and non functional objects as they develop an independent portfolio of work. This class is open to all skill levels and may be taken again and again.

  • Clay 101 — Introduction to Wheel Throwing

    Interested in wheel throwing and looking for how to get started? This introductory course is designed to give beginner students the most common techniques used in making vessels on a clay wheel. Did you know that the oldest clay wheel dates back to 4500BC? Imagine sitting down with a supportive group of peers at one of our wheels for the first time to learn this ancient craft. We have taught ceramics for over 70 years. Each session begins with a demonstration followed by one on one instructor support. During non-instructed open studio hours, students can practice techniques learned in class and set personal goals to make several projects such as a bowl, a mug, a vase, or a vessel. For more in-depth skill building and practice check out Clay 201 or Clay 203. First bag of clay is included in price.

  • Clay 102 — Beginner Mixed Level Wheel Throwing

    Are you new to wheel throwing or have you just learned how to throw on the wheel and are looking for a way to practice and improve your newly acquired skills? This course offers time to practice and to explore techniques for beginning to intermediate students. Imagine being in our light filled clay studio with peers who share in the joy of wheel throwing. For over 75 years, we have been teaching all skill levels the delight of working in clay. Your instructor will begin each session with a demonstration and then work one on one with each student on advancing ability. Students who are new to working with clay will get a basic understanding of techniques, while more experienced students will grow and expand their skills. During non-instructed open studio hours, there will be time to practice and improve techniques. Because this course is meant to expand introductory skill levels into more advanced practice, it can be taken again and again. It also pairs well with workshops and clinics. And when ready, students should check out Clay 201. First bag of clay is included.

  • Clay 111 — Handbuilding and Sculpture Workshop

    Interested in sculpting in clay but not sure where to begin? This two day workshop will guide you through the basics of handbuilding in clay using slabs and armatures to create a small sculpture.

  • Clay 201 — Mixed Level Wheel Throwing

    Are you looking for a way to improve your skills and add more techniques to your wheel throwing toolkit? This course offers time to practice and to explore techniques for students of all skill levels. Imagine being in our light filled clay studio with peers who share in the joy of wheel throwing. For over 75 years, we have been teaching all skill levels the delight of working in clay. Your instructor will begin each session with a demonstration and then work one on one with each student on advancing ability. Students who are new to working with clay will get a basic understanding of techniques, while more experienced students will grow and expand their skills. This course may also offer guidance in hand building and surface design. During non-instructed open studio hours, there will be time to practice and improve techniques. Because this course is meant to expand introductory skill levels into more advanced practice, it can be taken again and again. It also pairs well with workshops and clinics. And when ready, students looking for more advanced instruction should check out Clay 301 First bag of clay is included.

  • Clay 202 — Mixed Level Handbuilding and Wheel Throwing

    What is it about getting your hands dirty that is so thrilling? This beginner to intermediate level course is designed for clay enthusiasts who want incorporate hand building with wheel throwing. Imagine being in our charming light filled clay studio with peers who share in the joy of making beautiful ceramic objects. For over 75 years, we have been teaching all skill levels the delight of working in clay. Your instructor will begin each session with a demonstration and then work one on one with each student on advancing ability. Students who are new to working with clay will get a basic understanding of techniques, while more experienced students will grow and expand their skills. During non-instructed open studio hours, there will be time to practice and improve techniques. Because this course is meant to expand introductory skill levels into more advanced practice, it can be taken again and again. It also pairs well with workshops and clinics. And when ready, students looking for more advanced instruction should check out Clay 203 or Clay 301 First bag of clay is included.

  • Clay 203 — Alternative Firing

    Ever wonder how to get a smoky earthen patina with ceramics? Or are you curious about what it was like to fire clay before electricity? This intermediate level course explores slow alternative methods of firing clay from Japanese Raku, to Eastern European Obvara, to ancient “baked clay” in a pit. Students set independent project goals for exploring their own versions of these ancient practices while working in our historic clay studio. The instructor is available each session for one on one support and to tailor demonstrations based on class request. During uninstructed open studio hours Students are encouraged to practice and improve techniques while completing objects for specific firing days. This course is meant to educate students on the various ways clay can be fired and can be taken again and again. Pre requisites include Clay 101 and Clay 201. Students eager for more advanced instruction should check out Clay 301.

  • Clay 211 — Handles and Lids Clinic

    Form meets function in this hands -on workshop. Individualize your pots and take them to the next level by learning how to make handles and lids. Students will practice and perfect a few different methods of making handles, and try out and discuss several ways of making and seating lids for jars and casseroles. this is a two-hour immersive workshop designed to support your ceramic practice. Prior experience with throwing is needed.

  • Clay 212 — Ceramic Glazing Techniques Clinic

    It's all about the glaze and glory! Have you wanted to learn more about glazes but not sure where to begin? In this two-hour workshop students will learn tips and tricks for successful glazing and learn ways to make your glaze results individualized and unique. Students will need to bring 4-6 pieces of bisqueware, and prior glazing experience is recommended.

  • Clay 213 — Alternative Ceramic Surfaces Clinic

    Are you interested in playing around with the surface of your clay pieces but not sure how to get started? In this two-hour workshop, students will learn techniques and methods for ways to uniquely embellish designs and texture into wet clay slab and wheel work.

  • Clay 214 — Ceramic Portrait Bust Workshop

    Are you curious to learn how to build a figure out of clay but not sure where to get started? Did you know that the clay bust portrait dates back to Hellenistic Greece? It is one of the most traditional ways to represent a figural form from the shoulders up. In this day-long workshop, Students will be guided step by step in how to build and sculpt a portrait of their own.

  • Clay 301 — Independent Project

    Do you really like to play with clay? Imagine working in a studio that has supported clay crafters for over 75 years. In this advanced level course, students design their own independent projects. Great for self- directed, motivated artisans who need a little bit of structure to set project goals and for those who seek practical guidance. Students work one on one with the instructor to get feedback and technical assistance. Group demonstrations are upon request. During uninstructed open studio hours, students are encouraged to practice improving techniques while making progress on their proposed designs. This course pairs well with workshops and clinics and it can be taken again and again. If you are looking to create a project with firings other than electric or gas, you may want to check out Clay 203 First bag of clay is included.

  • Clay 444 — Class Extension

    This is open to those who are currently enrolled in a clay course at The Shelburne Craft School. This course is an extension/interim term until the next session begins. 1 bag of clay is included.

  • Clay 501 — Handles and Lids

    Handles and Lids are challenging and can be intimidating but these elements are a great way to individualize your pots and take them to the next level. In this two-hour clinic, we will practice and perfect a few different methods of making handles, and try out and discuss several ways of making and seating lids for jars and casseroles. Prior experience with throwing is needed.

  • Clay 502 — Glaze Techniques Clinic

    Get tips and tricks for successful glazing and learn techniques to make your glaze results individualized and unique! Students will need to bring 4-6 pieces of bisqueware, and prior glazing experience is recommended.

Fiber

  • Fiber 001 — Kids Handwork and Fiber Art

    Imagine learning how to make something beautiful by hand with natural materials such as wool yarn, felt and cloth. In this after school course, students will learn how to knit and sew and weave projects designed to inspire young fiber artists. Each session begins with learning the basics of hand-work techniques and moves into a project to practice new skill. Each semester, students will have the opportunity to work on projects aimed for advancement and mastery.

  • Fiber 101 — Basket Weaving

    Come join us for a day to learn the art of basket weaving. In this basket-weaving intensive, everyone will make and leave with their own garden harvest basket- perfect for harvesting leafy greens in the garden, foraging in the woods, berry picking all summer, or to take with you to the Farmer's Market. This basket finishes with a beautiful leather strap, color of your choice. This class is great for beginners, and those interested in diving into the meditative and utilitarian craft of weaving baskets.

Glass

  • Glass 101 — Introduction to Stained Glass

    Interested in learning how to work with stained glass, but not sure how to get started? This course introduces students to the Tiffany Copper Foil method of making a small stained glass window. Did you know that the use of stained glass windows in the home dates back to 1st century Rome? Since then architects and artists such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Marc Chagall have romanticized purpose of stained glass windows as something both useful and beautiful. Imagine spending two days in our historic Bunk House connecting with this rare craft and creating a memorable piece to adorn your own home. Students will begin with a small practice window to learn how to select glass, grind it, foil it and solder it. This will be followed by a small final independent project.

Metal

Paint

  • Paint 001 — Tuesday Early Dismissal Mixed Media

    Looking for a fun creative place for your child to hang out when Shelburne Community School dismisses early? Our Early Dismissal program is designed for local afterschool kids as a safe place to go and to be inspired to live a well-crafted life! In this course, students have the opportunity to learn team building skills and creative decision making while making mixed media masterpieces. Each session is a sampler of visual arts with projects in drawing, painting, print making, and more! This course is offered throughout the school year and can be taken again and again. Parents looking for more afterschool coverage should check out Clay 001 or Clay 002.

  • Paint 002 — Kids Mixed Media

    Does your child like to get creative with a little bit of everything? In this course, students have the opportunity to learn team building skills and creative decision making while making mixed media masterpieces. Each session is a sampler of visual arts projects that overlap drawing, painting, print making, and collage and more! This course is offered throughout the school year and can be taken again and again. Parents looking for more afterschool coverage should check out Wood 001 or Clay 002.

  • Paint 101 — Introduction to Drawing

    Interested in learning how to draw but not sure where to start? This course introduces students to the fundamental foundation of drawing. Did you know that the earliest drawings date back to 30,000 to 10,000 B.C to caves in France and Spain? Drawing preceded writing as the most direct form of communication. It is one of the oldest forms of human expression. In this course students will use graphite, charcoal and ink to explore line, tone, plane, and perspective. Students will learn to become attune with hand-to-eye coordination while learning how to represent objects accurately and proportionally. Each session will take place in our historic Bunk House Studio. Students will be given hands on demonstrations, as well as have time for one on one consultation as they develop personal goals and play with creative concepts in drawing. For continuing study in drawing check out Drawing 201 and Drawing 301.

  • Paint 102 — Introduction to Oil Painting

    Are you interested in learning how to paint with oil but not sure where to start? In this course, students learn the fundamental techniques of oil painting. Did you know that oil paints are just pigment suspended in drying oil? It is one of the most versatile paint mediums; oil paint is able to achieve a range of effects from thin glazing to heavy impasto. Imagine setting up your painting easel in our historic Bunk House Studio as you learn about how to set up your palate, mix paint, care for your brushes and store your work. The foundations of oil painting will be covered; from seeing shapes, form, color, tone, and light. Each session will begin with a demonstration followed by time to practice the new technique. At the end of the course students can expect to have a sample of test paintings exhibiting a range of methods and techniques. After this course check out Paint 202 to delve further into the next level of oil painting practice.

  • Paint 103 — Introduction to Acrylic Painting

    Interested in learning how to paint with acrylics but not sure where to start? This introductory course covers the fundamentals of color mixing, paint and brush handling, composition, form and value. The course will focus on monochrome still life objects to study chiaroscuro (light and dark composition) while learning how to handle this diverse paint medium. Want to continue your study in acrylic painting? Check out Paint 123 or Paint 303

  • Paint 104 — Watercolor Still Life

    Are you interested in learning how to paint with watercolor but not sure where to get started? In this introductory course, we will focus our attention on how to learn to use watercolors as we paint from a still life. We will study light and shadow and explore how the medium of watercolor is versatile in recording shapes, shadows and details.

  • Paint 105 — Comic and Visual Story Telling

    The popularity of comics as a form of storytelling has grown significantly over the past two decades, from an already rich existing tradition. But what's behind the panels of a comic? How are comics made, how do they work? This course explores the art of visual storytelling in comics. Students will study the tools and techniques of the masters, and leave the course with a 4-page comic of their own.

  • Paint 112 — Watercolor Practice

    Are you interested in playing with watercolor techniques to get cool effects and to learn more ways have fun with the medium? This course is a continuation of Paint 111, but is open to anyone who wants to further explore working in watercolor. We will turn our attention to the beauty of the Vermont season using flora and fauna and natural objects as our inspiration to learn how to mix and move pigment and water across paper. Did you know the oldest watercolor paper goes back to the ancient Egyptians with pulped papyrus paper? We will work with surfaces a little more modern but are open to exploring how the medium can work in layers to great depth! We will also continue to explore various approaches to texture and composition as we incorporate various techniques of a field study in the form of a Naturalist’s Journal, such as taking notes in the margins of our painting, and comparing the scale of small detail to the larger landscape. Students will go home with a treasured notebook full of sketches, as well as a handful of fully finished paintings as well as some evidence of fun experiments. Because this...

  • Paint 113 — Illustrated Journal

    Learn how to make a unique book to house creative ideas, drawings, paintings, mixed media, illustrations, and writing. The artist book is a timeless object that began with the poet William Blake when he and his wife, Catherine illustrated, hand-wrote and hand-bound one of a kind editions of Songs of Innocence and of Experience. This course will be a combination of simple bookmaking techniques as well as instruction in how to create a beautifully illustrated journal, and other hybrid forms of text and image. Imagine dwelling in inspiration in our historic Bunk House to sort ideas and learn how to make your very own artist book or zine. Students will learn about narrative, design, and binding. The primary media for the interior of the book will involve sketching with pens and pencils, as well as wet media: watercolor and other simple painting techniques. One or more of the sessions will be dedicated to creative writing methods, to generate ideas for the textual element of your journals. At the end of the course there will be an opportunity to share the finished pieces. Looking to brush up on your painting or drawing skills? Check out Paint 111...

  • Paint 114 — Portraiture and Collage

    In this course, students learn how to combine narrative with portraiture through the use of collage, mixed media, and acrylic painting.

  • Paint 123 — Beginning - Intermediate Acrylic Painting

    This course is a continuation of Paint 103. Whether you have experience painting in acrylic or are just getting started, this course explores techniques and practices to further develop confidence within the medium. Using still life as the basis for exploration, students will learn about composition, color theory, shape and form, and paint handling techniques. Because this is a mixed level course, students are encouraged to sign up again and again. Looking for something more challenging? Check out Paint 301. Looking for a place to set up a weekly practice? Check out Paint 303.

  • Paint 201 — Intermediate Drawing

    Drawing by definition is a form of communication through a series of mark making. It is a visual language. The practice of drawing is the foundation of most artforms. This course focuses on drawing practice and gives students a skill set that compliments any artistic or creative endeavor. Students will learn by guided demonstrations and still lives to further develop drawing techniques learned in Drawing 101. This course can be taken again and again to sharpen and refine techniques and it pairs well with Drawing 301.

  • Paint 202 — Intermediate Oil Painting

    Cultivate what you know about oil painting and learn how to develop confidence in your skills with both quick studies and longer painting exercises. This course is open for mixed level oil painters who want to learn about how to create a strong composition, how to utilize a variety of techniques and who are interested in oil painting history and practice. Imaging working at an easel in our historic Bunk House Studio. The atmosphere is supportive. Making mistakes is encouraged, if not essential. There will a lot of fun and good humor too! Basic painting experience recommended. Because this course evolves from season to season, students are encouraged to take it again and again. It also pairs well with Paint 203.

  • Paint 203 — Painting Practice

    In order to gain mastery over a craft, one must perform the skill over and over again. In this course, students will explore painting still-life and en-plein air as a performance in practice. In our historic Bunk House, students will learn to paint a series of gestures as a dance that flows together in a sequence of steps to produce many small quick paintings. Picture making will become a holistic arrangement of shapes and color vs. subject matter as students gain confidence with the playful plasticity of paint mediums such as oil and acrylic. Students will learn from their own practice to create a path of dedication and devotion to the art of painting. As you develop your mastery, this course may be taken again and again to guide you along the way. Looking for more advanced level instruction? Check out Paint 302.

  • Paint 211 — The Colorist Landscape with Pastels

    Interested in learning about Pastels or are you hoping to brush up on skills and learn new techniques? Color is emotion is the theme of the day in this workshop led by master pastel artist Robert Carsten, PSA-M, IAPS-MC, CPS. Students will explore ways to achieve exciting painterly mark-making while working on a toned ground with saturated color choices. The session begins with a demonstration followed by lots of painting time and helpful on one feedback and assistance. Students will work from photographs and are encouraged to bring several choices to pick from. All levels welcome!

  • Paint 301 — Life Drawing

    Drawing the human figure is one of the most universal themes in visual art. Figure drawing is a practice in observation, gesture, posture, and nuance. In this course students are guided by an instructor to capture the essence of the human form while a live model positions themselves in a series of short to long poses. The atmosphere is respectful and supportive and open to students working in all mediums. Each session takes place in our Visual Arts Studio located in our historic Bunk House. Students looking to brush up on their drawing skills should also check out Drawing 201.

  • Paint 302 — Advanced Painting

    Are you ready to develop an individual style within your painting practice? Imagine working on an independent portfolio project while setting personal and professional goals with a supportive community of peers. This course is modeled after the painter’s atelier. It is lead by a professional artist, who with an established practice and exhibition history, is ready to help you on your journey to being a confident fine art painter. You will be encouraged and challenged along your own path and will be exposed to tools to guide you in your practice. Each session will include a discussion about direction and experimentation, will include some art history references and will maybe include some good humor as well! We are a solvent free facility. Previous oil painting is required. Painting is a life long practice and participants are welcome and encouraged to take this course again and again! Looking to try something new? Check out Clay 101.

  • Paint 303 — Open Studio Practice

    Are you looking for uninterrupted time in the studio to work through an idea? Our guided open studio practice provides a space to nurture your creative practice. It is a course designed to be studio time to work independently at your own pace with a small community of peers. We supply the space, easel, table and an available instructor to offer help and guidance through prompts and demonstrations if needed. We are open to all visual art mediums, please note that we are a solvent free facility. If you are looking for more guidance in independent practice check out Paint 302.

  • Paint 304 — Life Drawing Intesive

    Drawing the human figure is one of the most universal themes in visual art. Figure drawing is a practice in observation, gesture, posture, and nuance. In this workshop, students are guided by an instructor to capture the essence of the human form using any medium they choose. The instructor will work closely with students to push their practice as our model will make a series of longer poses to study from.

Wood

  • Wood 001 — Kids Woodworking

    Do you have a child that likes to create objects out of wood? Our founder, Reverend Lynwood Smith recognized the value of teaching kids how to live a well-crafted life when he began the Shelburne Craft School with afterschool woodworking over 70 years ago. Join our legacy by learning how to make a one of a kind functional object that will be enjoyed for years to come! Students ages10-14 will learn from a woodworking professional in our charming historic light-filled woodshop about shop safety and how to use a wide variety of hand tools such as files, rasps, and wood burners. Your child will gain confidence making creative decisions in an atmosphere that is fun and supportive. At the end of the course they will go home with a valuable skill set and an amazing project. We teach how to make a different project each season so students often sign up for this course again and again throughout the year. Looking for more afterschool weekly coverage? How about signing your child up for Clay 002 or Clay 003

  • Wood 002 — Tuesday Early Dismissal Woodworking

    Looking for a fun creative place for your child to hang out when SCS dismisses early? Our woodshop program was originally designed for local afterschool kids as a safe place to go and to be inspired to live a well crafted life! In this course, students have the opportunity to learn team building skills and creative decision making while using traditional woodworking tools like rasps, files, gouges, routers, spoke-shaves, wood burners, and sand paper. Students will learn about shop and tool safety while they customize a variety of weekly projects with their instructor. This course is offered throughout the school year and can be taken again and again. Parents looking for more afterschool coverage should check out Wood 001 or Clay 002.

  • Wood 101 — Introduction to Woodworking

    Interested in woodworking and looking for a way to get started? This introductory course is designed to give beginner students the basics in using hand tools and shop machinery to design and make a beautiful one of a kind project. Did you know that the Shelburne Craft School began as a woodshop in the basement of a church rectory over 70 years ago? Today, our woodshop is housed in a warm, historic, natural light-filled building in the heart of Shelburne Village. Our instructors are professional woodworkers who offer expert guidance and begin each session with a demonstration and a run through of how to safely use each machine. Each session includes one on one support to help students gain confidence with creative decision making. This course offers a different project each season designed to further develop the beginner woodworker's skill set. When ready to work on more advanced projects students are encouraged to check out Wood 201.

  • Wood 102 — Wood Turning

    Are you looking for an introduction to Woodturning? Join us in our warm, light-filled, woodshop to learn the beautiful art of woodturning. Over the course of three weeks, students will learn how to turn a chunk of tree trunk into a wooden bowl or vessel. Students will learn about shop and machine safety while practicing wood turning with blank starts on a lathe. Students looking for a more indepth introduction to woodworking should check out wood 101.

  • Wood 103 — Three Legged Stool

    Learn how to make a three legged stool in this introductory woodworking course. Students learn the basics of woodworking using hand-tools while learning how to design and piece together a functional object. Students looking for a more in-depth introduction to woodworking should check out wood 101.

  • Wood 111 — Branch to Spoon Carving Workshop

    Are you looking for a low commitment one day workshop that will teach you a life-long skill? In this workshop, students learn that carving a spoon from a tree branch is a meditation on form and function. Participants will learn how to identify and harvest a locally sourced species of green wood. Then, using special tools, that you get to keep, students learn about Swedish carving techniques to form and shape a sturdy cooking utensil. The instructor will also cover valuable information about safety, sharpening, and tool maintenance. At the end of the day, students will go home with a cherished one of a kind hand-made object that will last a lifetime. Side effects may include seeing spoons in every branch. Looking for another low commitment workshop? This course pairs well with Wood 113 where you learn how to make a hand-made live edge cutting board. Looking for a way to get more involved with woodworking? Check out Wood 101.

  • Wood 112 — Woodturning Workshop

    Are you looking for a one day workshop that will teach you how to make an amazing conversation piece? Join us in our warm light filled woodshop for a day to learn the beautiful art of woodturning. We will be turning a chunk of tree trunk into a wooden bowl. Students will learn about shop and machine safety while practicing wood turning with blank starts on a lathe. At the end of the day, participants will go home with an amazing hand made treasure and working knowledge of how to use a lathe. This workshop pairs well with for Wood 111 where students can learn the art of carving a wooden spoon to go with their bowl. Students looking for an introduction to woodworking course should check out for Wood 101.

  • Wood 113 — Live Edge Cutting Board Workshop

    Are you looking for a beginners woodworking project? This mini-workshop offers participants an opportunity to bask in the glow of our historic woodshop while learning how to make a live edge cutting board. Students will use planers, rasps, files, and sandpaper to design and shape a piece of wood into a sweet conversation piece. Imagine hosting a party and using your handmade cutting board to serve hors d'oeuvres! While you are at it, check out Wood 112 or Wood 211 to learn how to make other useful culinary objects!

  • Wood 114 — Longboard Cruiser Workshop

    Are you looking for a low commitment one day workshop that will teach you skills to make a fun useful project? Join us for a weekend in our warm light filled woodshop and learn the basic skills to make a long board cruiser deck (grip-tape, trucks and wheels included!) Students will learn about shop safety and how to use a wide variety of hand tools such as files, rasps, and wood burners. The atmosphere is fun and supportive and explores the connection between design and creative decision making. At the end of the day, students will go home with a valuable skill set and an amazing board! Looking for more low commitment workshops? Check out Wood 111 to make a spoon or how about Wood 112 to learn about wood turning. Want to know more about the basics of woodworking? Sign up for Wood Wood 101.

  • Wood 201 — Lidded Dovetail Box

    Interested in woodworking and learning how to make the most useful joinery technique? Join a group of fellow woodworking enthusiasts in our warm light filled woodshop to explore the art of making a handcrafted dovetail. The project focuses making a lidded box using traditional handtools. Students will learn about various Vermont hardwoods and explore joinery layout, sawing, and chiseling. At the end of the course a fine crafted keepsake will be a wonderful reminder of a well learned skill. Students looking for more advanced level instruction are recommended to schedule a private instruction with one of our master wood workers. Looking to set up shop? Inquire about our renter’s program.

  • Wood 211 — Beyond the Spoon

    Do you want to learn how to make beautiful and useful hand carved cooking utensils? In this course students will be introduced to traditional Scandinavian design and carving techniques to make spoons, spatulas, and butter knives. This course will utilize tools such as carving knives, crooked knives, gouges, coping saws, and hatchets. Carving is a meditation on form and function and students will learn to intuitively see how a branch of green wood can transform into a loving object. Each session will begin in our historic woodshop and will include demonstrations and one on one guidance. This course also pairs well with Wood 112 or Wood 113.

Word

  • Word 111 — Lyrical Prose

    This creative writing course will center on writing beautiful prose, either fiction or nonfiction. The writer Frances Cannon will guide students through three phases: craft, create, and critique. In the first stage, Frances will address basic writing techniques to employ and to avoid, including elements of lyrical prose and pitfalls of introductory writing. Then, she will guide the students in generative sessions, with writing prompts and tips. During this phase, students may optionally expand upon projects that they already have up their sleeves, or they can begin anew. Finally, once the students have built a small body of work, either fresh work generated during this course or recent work from students’ passion projects, then each individual will have an opportunity to share and receive constructive feedback from both Frances and fellow students.