Fine Woodworking Program Caps of Year with Celebration Show
By Contributor
Quality crafted projects large and small will be on display this weekend as the Selkirk College Fine Woodworking Program brings its annual showcase to downtown Nelson.
For the last nine months the renowned program has challenged students to strive for quality design, originality and enhanced workmanship skills in order to improve chances of success in the marketplace.
Opening on Friday (May 23) at the Nelson Trading Company on Baker Street, the students will celebrate their success at the 2014 Selkirk College Fine Woodworking Year-End Show.
“I looked at many other programs, in both New Zealand and the USA before settling on Fine Woodworking in Nelson,” says Jarrah Turpin, one of the students featured in the show.
“What attracted me to this program, besides getting to live in Nelson, was that we started with hand tools and worked our way up. There’s room for creative thinking and a high standard of quality to maintain. I will leave this program having gained skills which will last a lifetime.”
The program has been running in Nelson for 34 years and is based out of Silver King Campus. Under the tutelage of veteran instructors Michael Grace and David Fraser, as well as David Strike.
Fine Woodworking prepares student for apprenticeship positions in the cabinet makers (joiners) trade and for careers as fine furniture builders.
“After studying woodblock print making at Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, I took an introduction to carpentry course where the instructor—a graduate of the course—spoke highly of the program. And now here I am,” says Scott MacDonald.
Students learn theoretical principles, concepts and theories of furniture and cabinet design in the classroom. They apply this knowledge in the shop where they engage in the construction of cabinets and fine furniture.
“The Fine Woodworking program at Selkirk College offers an approach to furniture design and building that is unique in Canada,” says Whitney Robson, who arrived to the program from Saskatoon, SK.
“The quality of instruction is exceptional.”
The show opens with a celebration evening on Friday at the Nelson Trading Company (402 Baker Street) starting at 7 p.m.
Students will be on hand to discuss their projects, there will be live music, snacks and refreshments.
The show continues on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
