WOOD – SUMMER SESSION 7
AUGUST 10-15, 2025 (4 STUDIO DAYS)
Aspen Golann and Julian Watts
Carving Handheld Sculptural Objects

In this four-day workshop we will use both traditional and experimental carving techniques to create handheld sculptures that blur the line between functional objects and abstract works of art. Using spoon carving and brush making as a foundation, our process will explore abstract drawing, power carving, and more, with each student designing and carving their own unique interactive objects. We will also consider the performative possibilities of these unusual objects. Through this unconventional and open-ended approach, students will leave the class not only with carving skills and a deepened understanding of wood, but also an expanded view of what is possible at the intersection of traditional craft, art, and design. All levels. 

Aspen: studio artist; teaching: The Rhode Island School of Design (RI), Haystack (ME), Anderson Ranch (CO), Penland, Center for Furniture Craftsmanship (ME), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MA); Maxwell Hanrahan Award in Craft, Mineck Furniture Fellowship; publications: Hyperallergic, Architectural Digest, Remodelista, American Craft, Elle, The New York Times, National Public Radio. 

aspengolann.com | @aspen_golann 

Julian: studio artist; teaching: Haystack (ME), Anderson Ranch (CO), California College of the Arts (CA); publications: Architectural Digest, American Craft, The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, The New Yorker; representation: Sarah Myerscough Gallery (UK), Curator’s Cube (Japan).

julianwattsstudio.com | @julianwattsstudio

November 15-December 16: Scholarship applications accepted
February 3: Regular enrollment opens

WOOD – SUMMER SESSION 6
JULY 27-AUGUST 8, 2025 (11 STUDIO DAYS)
Mark Tan
Gettin’ Digi With It

Dive into the exciting world of CNC machining, as we cover the fundamentals of computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided machining (CAM) to operate a CNC router. We will create 3D digital models using Fusion 360 and translate the data into Vectric V-Carve to cut out objects on the ShopBot CNC. With a primary focus on creating vessels and hollow forms, we will cover fundamental woodworking skills (both digital and analog) such as shaping, carving, gluing, sanding, painting, and finishing. Although this workshop does not require previous woodworking experience, students should be comfortable working with computers as we will not cover basic computer skills. 

NOTE: if possible, students should bring a computer with Fusion 360 installed (a free trial version is available). Students who cannot bring a computer should fill out this form. 

Assistant professor of sculpture at Arizona State University; grants/awards: Windgate Foundation (AR), Arrowmont (TN), Anderson Ranch (CO), USArtists; exhibitions: Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum (AZ), Hillyer Contemporary (DC), Fuller Craft Museum (MA), Wharton Esherick Museum (PA), Messler Gallery (ME) Aspen Art Museum (CO). 

@nintando

November 15-December 16: Scholarship applications accepted
February 3: Regular enrollment opens

WOOD – SUMMER SESSION 5
JULY 13-25, 2025 (11 STUDIO DAYS)
Laura Mays
Inner Space: Small Solid Wood Cabinets

This workshop will focus on small wooden cabinets as a place to protect or display objects of emotional importance and as objects in their own right. We will look at cabinets from a conceptual and critical perspective and from a practical, technique-driven point-of-view. We will start by exploring ideas through sketching, model-making, mock-ups, and quick prototypes. From there we will look at joinery techniques and how wood selection can add to the appeal and meaning of a piece. Each student will then make a cabinet of their own. There will be daily demonstrations and discussions of historic and contemporary work. Intermediate/advanced level; students should have some knowledge of hand and power tools, sharpening, and the basics of wood structure and properties.  

Studio artist; teaching: Krenov School (CA), Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (Ireland), Florida School of Woodworking, Port Townsend School of Woodworking (WA), Center for Furniture Craftsmanship (ME), Penland; exhibitions: Seating Assignment at Sawtooth School of Visual Art (NC), Small Acts: The Craft of Subversion at Craft Desert (CA), Coast Collective (CA); curatorial: Making a Seat at the Table at Museum for Art in Wood (Philadelphia), Deep Roots, Spreading Branches at Grace Hudson Museum (CA). 

lauramays.com | @laurabmays

November 15-December 16: Scholarship applications accepted
February 3: Regular enrollment opens

WOOD – SUMMER SESSION 4
JUNE 29-JULY 11, 2025 (11 STUDIO DAYS)
Sylvie Rosenthal
Hybrid Object Laboratory

In this workshop students will learn traditional and alternative processes for making functional and sculptural hybrid objects that present or perform unlikely combinations. The work will be assembled and carved, using both additive and subtractive techniques. We will cover joinery and construction of curved and non-square pieces, hand and power carving, knife-work, safe and appropriate machine and hand tool usage, and sharpening as we make objects the world has never imagined. All levels. 

Studio artist, owner of Lower Astronomy Studios, a design, sculpture, and woodworking studio; teaching: San Diego State University (CA), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Haystack (ME), Anderson Ranch (CO), Australia National University, Tainan National University of the Arts (Taiwan), Penland; exhibitions: Fuller Craft Museum (MA), Mint Museum (NC), Blue Spiral 1 (NC), Museum of Arts and Design (NYC). 

lowerastronomystudios.com | sylvierosenthal.com | @lower.astronomy.studios | @boat_boat

November 15-December 16: Scholarship applications accepted
February 3: Regular enrollment opens

WOOD – SUMMER SESSION 3
JUNE 15-27, 2025 (11 STUDIO DAYS)
Brian Fireman
Get Your Flow On

This workshop will cover the steps from conception to the creation of a piece of sculptural furniture. Using nature as design inspiration, students will learn a workflow that can be repeated for any project. Topics covered will include design considerations with curves, isometric drawing techniques to achieve precise joinery on curved workpieces, glue-up tips for curved work, and techniques for shaping wood with power tools (grinders plus attachments) and hand tools (sureforms, rasps). Bring your own ideas for a small project or Brian will provide some options. All levels.

Studio artist; teaching: Arrowmont (TN), Marc Adams School of Woodworking (IN); exhibitions: American Craft Council shows, Philadelphia Furniture Show, SOFA Chicago, International Contemporary Furniture Fair (NYC); work published widely and represented in showrooms and private collections worldwide.

brianfiremandesign.com | @brianfiremandesign

November 15-December 16: Scholarship applications accepted
February 3: Regular enrollment opens

WOOD – SUMMER SESSION 1
MAY 25-30, 2025 (4 STUDIO DAYS)
Heechan Kim
Exploratory Wood Bending

This workshop will investigate various wood-bending techniques to explore form and volume. Working with thin strips of wood, students will experiment with curved lines and organic forms by steaming, laminating, soaking, and weaving. Students are encouraged to push the limits of the material and explore its potential for expression. This focus of this workshop will be experimenting and playing with linear elements, resulting in forms ranging from maquettes to prototypes for future sculpture and design projects. This workshop will be valuable for both beginning and intermediate students. All levels.

Studio artist; teaching: Parsons (NYC), City College of New York, Anderson Ranch (CO), Peters Valley (NJ) Arrowmont (TN); New Jersey Arts and Culture Grant, Artist of the Fair award at Collect Art 2024 (London); residencies: Museum of Arts and Design (NYC), Monira Foundation (NJ); exhibitions: Frieze Seoul (South Korea), Loewe Craft Prize Exhibition (Paris), Monira Foundation (NJ), Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts (NYC), Korea Craft & Design Foundation (Milan); collections: Ulster Museum (Ireland), Loewe Foundation. 

objectxobject.com | @heechan_kim_art

November 15-December 16: Scholarship applications accepted
February 3: Regular enrollment opens