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Furniture Making 101

Fairfax, Vermont - November 6, 2009

An old dairy barn on Route 104 in Fairfax has a whole new use.

"We're doing something definitely entirely different with the space," Carina Driscoll said. "There have not been cows here since the 80s."

Inside the dramatically renovated space, former Burlington state representative Carina Driscoll helped develop the Vermont Woodworking School.

"Our students have shown up from all over the country and it's sort of blossomed and developed on its own," Driscoll said.

The idea came when Driscoll herself was learning furniture making at a community wood shop in Colchester. But it was about to close. So Driscoll partnered with her teacher, Bob Fletcher, to create a new, larger venue for learning.

"Vermont, as we all know, is a special environment and it's also great for woodworking," Fletcher said.

Some students are novices hoping to find career direction. Others have experience they're looking to hone.

"After I left college, I decided to pursue a hobby and see if I could turn it into a reality," student Ryan Cocina said.

Cocina started working under master craftsmen here a year ago. Many instructors are members of the Guild of Vermont Furniture Makers, who in 5,000 square feet of workshop space, teach joining, inlay work, finishing and more... the full gamut of furniture making.

"I was able to grow as an artist because of it," Cocina said.

Cocina has already sold some of his projects to customers who have discovered the school on vacation or online. The Vermont Wood Manufacturers Association estimates the forest industry sells a billion dollars worth of product, employing at least 12,000 people in the state. And while large manufacturers like Ethan Allen Furniture have shed hundreds of jobs in the recession, the state's reputation for quality wood products remains strong.

"Where do I hope it goes? I hope it stays around for over 100 years," Driscoll said.

The Vermont Woodworking School has already seen strong enrollment in the first year in this center. Twelve students are here for a full-time 12 week session, with more coming for one- to three-day classes tackling topics like carving.

"I hope we continue our quality education to our students and that they continue to be satisfied with their progress," Driscoll said. "And I hope our graduates do amazing, wonderful things."

A new school teaching a centuries-old craft to future masters of Made in Vermont furniture.

Jack Thurston - WCAX News