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BARN Member: $90
Non-Member: $110

Saturdays, April 23 & 30 from 10 am to 12 pm and May 21 from 10 am to 11 am

Do you know the basics of woodworking but long to come up with truly creative designs that play up the character of the specific pieces of wood you use? In this three-session class, Matthew X. Curry, a “wood whisperer” known for using various woods and materials in a sculptural way, will be available to help to expand your design skills as you build a small project, such as a box, framed mirror, coffee table or bench.

This class focuses on design and problem-solving as projects go from sketch to finished object. Students should already know how to use the basic tools of a woodshop because they will do the actual construction in their home shops or at BARN’s woodshop during open studio hours. During the construction process, Matthew will be available for help on a consulting basis if needed, and students will be encouraged to collaborate. Expanded open studio hours may be arranged, if needed, so that students can complete their projects within the allotted three weeks.

Session 1: Initial design concepts.
Students will bring wood or select wood for purchase from BARN at the class. Matthew will lead a discussion about ways to use this wood to take advantage of contrast, form, proportion and other concepts that take advantage of grain patterns and other characteristics of the wood.

Session 2: Final design.
Students will finalize plans for their projects and discuss the construction steps (and order) needed to turn the plans into finished pieces.

Session 3: Show & tell.
After a three-week break to allow for construction time, the class will gather to celebrate and show off the projects — and talk about lessons learned.

Instructor: Matthew X. Curry is a designer and woodworker whose boxes and furniture have been featured at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art and are sold at the Northwest Woodworkers Gallery in Seattle. He studied at the Pratt Institute School of Architecture in New York. His architectural training shaped a multi-faceted career that has included designing architectural interiors, yacht interiors, and furniture, as well as creating his own woodworking projects, fine art drawings and sculptures. His company, MXC DESIGN + ART, is based on Bainbridge Island.