FORT BRAGG, Calif. – Tucked away on the edge of town in Fort Bragg, the wood shop at the College of the Redwoods Fine Woodworking Program has been humming with the sounds of this year’s cohort of talented and ambitious students. 

Applying several months of exemplary instruction at the hands of a dedicated staff, the 23 makers-in-training are hard at work on the goal of sharing their creations at the Annual Mid-Winter Fine Furniture Exhibition, on view from Jan. 14 to 22 at the Town Hall, 363 Main St.

During the reception, from 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 20, you will have the opportunity to meet the artisans responsible for these beautiful pieces of form and function. 

Founded over 35 years ago by master cabinetmaker James Krenov, the Fine Woodworking Program at the College of the Redwoods is world-renowned and synonymous with quality in the craft of fine furniture.

Students come from near and far with diverse backgrounds and experience to learn not only tools and techniques, but also to gain respect for the craft and a reverence for wood in which they work.

Under the expert guidance of instructors Laura Mays, Jim Budlong, Greg Smith, Ejler Hjorth-Westh and shop specialist Todd Sorenson, each themselves graduates, students learn the basic tenets of the Krenov method while being encouraged to seek and design their own paths.

The work resulting from this immersion for six days a week over nine months is truly impressive in its beauty and attention to detail.

The Fine Woodworking Program at the College of the Redwoods is both regarded internationally and cherished locally.

From July 2017 the program will be transferred to the auspices of Mendocino College.

Join them in celebrating this year’s group of dedicated artisans and their commendable achievements.