Furniture Design & Woodworking Workshops
Contemporary Furniture Design & Woodworking Workshops
Founded in 1966, Anderson Ranch Arts Center is an internationally recognized center for contemporary art and design education. The Furniture Design & Woodworking program brings together artists and makers to explore craftsmanship, innovation, and personal expression through wood.
Immersive Woodworking Workshops for Artists at Every Level
Our woodworking workshops offer hands-on instruction in furniture design fundamentals, precision joinery, bent lamination techniques, and woodworking tools, taught by accomplished designers and master craftspeople. Designed for makers at every stage — from those learning foundational furniture design principles to experienced craftspeople refining complex joinery and sculptural forms — the program emphasizes technical excellence, material exploration, and the development of a personal design voice.
Advance Your Practice in an Inspiring Creative Community
Located in the Rocky Mountains, Anderson Ranch provides a focused studio environment where precision joinery, sculptural furniture forms, bent lamination, digital fabrication, and hand-carving techniques converge. Whether refining complex puzzle box mechanisms, exploring CNC-assisted making, shaping laminated vessels, or prototyping new furniture concepts, artists engage deeply with wood as both structure and expression. In this immersive setting, material knowledge, craftsmanship, and personal design voice evolve together through rigorous making and creative risk-taking.
Not sure where to begin? View our workshop guides for additional programming insights and our workshop FAQ’s for details. Our friendly artistic staff is also here to help guide your creative path. Email us at [email protected], and we’ll match you with the perfect workshop.
Furniture Design & Woodworking Workshops
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I
Level I
Students are new to Furniture Design & Woodworking and have no formal training.
Aug 3 - 7, 2026
9 AM - 5 PM
The Furniture Maker’s Voice: A Sculptural Approach
Annie Evelyn
Tuition $1,250
Code W1009-26
Engage in innovation and meaningful design in this workshop that focuses on clarifying an artist’s voice through a sculptural approach to furniture-making. We ideate, design, build, and discuss how to develop personal styles and details. Annie gives demonstrations in intermediate joinery, carving, shaping, and other techniques that respond to each student’s direction. Time is spent learning to articulate ideas to others and sharing feedback in a nurturing community of makers. Whether refining work in progress or starting a new body of work, this workshop is for anyone who wants to build their skill base, make meaningful furniture, and have a whole lot of fun creating it!
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IV
Level IV
Students have advanced skill and knowledge of furniture design. Students are highly motivated and have multiple portfolios of their artwork.
Aug 17 - 21, 2026
9 AM - 5 PM
Joinery Intensive: Cabinets, Chests, and Bureaus
Miguel Gómez-Ibáñez
Tuition $1,200
Code W1211-26
This advanced-level woodworking class guides students through honing their cabinetmaking skills to the level of their design ambitions. Emphasis is placed on the design and construction of cabinets, chests, and bureaus. Topics include dovetails, mortise and tenon joinery, frame and panel construction, and doors and drawers. Participants learn the proper application of each type of joint in the construction of a small cabinet of their own design. The goal of this workshop is to develop both machine skills and confidence in the use of hand tools in the construction of traditional joinery. Modest-sized projects are encouraged in this skill building experience, with the hope of leaving with a completed work.
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I
Level I
Students are new to Furniture Design & Woodworking and have no formal training.
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II
Level II
Students have experience working with stationary machines and power tools and are familiar with basic principles of joinery and 3-D design.
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III
Level III
Students have some formal training in 3-D design, experience with a variety of materials and fabrication processes, and know how to use machine and hand tools competently and safely. Students have a portfolio of their artwork.
Aug 24 - 28, 2026
9 AM - 5 PM
Handcarved: Making a Two-Board Chair
Charles Thompson
Tuition $1,200
Code W1312-26
Learn to make a unique, two-board chair in an Alpine vernacular. This class introduces and hones skills in joinery, relief carving, and design. Students utilize hand tools to create components and joints, including tapered sliding dovetails and through-tenons. Each student is encouraged to develop a vocabulary in pattern carving throughout the week as they work either from a template or from their own design compiled from practiced patterns. Though elements of this class may be physically strenuous, all levels are welcome and guided through this innovative process.
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II
Level II
Students have experience working with stationary machines and power tools and are familiar with basic principles of joinery and 3-D design.
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III
Level III
Students have some formal training in 3-D design, experience with a variety of materials and fabrication processes, and know how to use machine and hand tools competently and safely. Students have a portfolio of their artwork.
Aug 31 - Sep 4, 2026
9 AM - 5 PM
Light, Playful Prototyping
Elish Warlop
Tuition $1,200
Code W1413-26
Light, playful prototyping is a key element for developing new ideas in the studio. This exploratory workshop delves into rapid, fast-paced prototyping to help generate ideas focused on light, form, and material. Students begin by iterating with paper to achieve form, explore luminosity, translucence, and shadow. Through the organic lens of bent wood, we tie it all together with contemporary lighting design. Students design and prototype their own light fixture, blending basic wiring and digital fabrication tools like laser cutting with wood bending methods such as hot pipe bending and bent lamination.
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II
Level II
Students have experience working with stationary machines and power tools and are familiar with basic principles of joinery and 3-D design.
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III
Level III
Students have some formal training in 3-D design, experience with a variety of materials and fabrication processes, and know how to use machine and hand tools competently and safely. Students have a portfolio of their artwork.
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IV
Level IV
Students have advanced skill and knowledge of furniture design. Students are highly motivated and have multiple portfolios of their artwork.
Sep 7 - 11, 2026
9 AM - 5 PM
Summer Studio Session: Furniture Design and Woodworking
Betsy Alwin
Tuition $1,250
Code W1516-26
Anderson Ranch’s Studio Session approach provides artists the opportunity to work on independent projects while receiving regular one-on-one mentoring and critique sessions with Anderson Ranch artistic staff and interns. Each participant receives an assigned studio space, orientation and access to equipment, as well as five hours of weekly technical guidance in the Ranch’s state-of-the-art facilities. This program affords artists the experience enjoyed by national and international artists who access our state-of-the-art studios. Participants may expand their practices, take artistic risks, try new media or complete works for exhibition. *Bench and gluing rooms open 24 hours a day. LIMITED machine tool room access from 9am – 5pm and evening open tool room hours 7pm – 9pm Monday through Thursday. Studio Sessions are available to artists with prior experience in woodworking, tools, and safety. All participants will be required to attend safety orientations for the facilities and specific tools they will use. TO APPLY: Portfolios will be accepted on a rolling basis. Instructions on how to submit your portfolio are as follows: Submit digital images of your work via email directly to Betsy Alwin, Artistic Director of Ceramics and Expanded Media, [email protected] Include 3-5 images of your work with image identification that lists the title, media, dimensions and year of each image. While not required, it is helpful to see an artist statement addressing the images you send. Include “Advanced Portfolio Review” in the subject line of your email, as well as the studio session you are applying for. Please provide a phone number where you can be reached and a link to your website. Please contact Betsy Alwin with any questions at [email protected] or 970-924-5054
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II
Level II
Students have experience working with stationary machines and power tools and are familiar with basic principles of joinery and 3-D design.
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III
Level III
Students have some formal training in 3-D design, experience with a variety of materials and fabrication processes, and know how to use machine and hand tools competently and safely. Students have a portfolio of their artwork.
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IV
Level IV
Students have advanced skill and knowledge of furniture design. Students are highly motivated and have multiple portfolios of their artwork.
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S
Studio Session
Sep 14 - 18, 2026
9 AM - 5 PM
Summer Studio Session: Furniture Design and Woodworking
Betsy Alwin
Tuition $1,250
Code W1617-26
Anderson Ranch’s Studio Session approach provides artists the opportunity to work on independent projects while receiving regular one-on-one mentoring and critique sessions with Anderson Ranch artistic staff and interns. Each participant receives an assigned studio space, orientation and access to equipment, as well as five hours of weekly technical guidance in the Ranch’s state-of-the-art facilities. This program affords artists the experience enjoyed by national and international artists who access our state-of-the-art studios. Participants may expand their practices, take artistic risks, try new media or complete works for exhibition. *Bench and gluing rooms open 24 hours a day. LIMITED machine tool room access from 9am – 5pm and evening open tool room hours 7pm – 9pm Monday through Thursday. Studio Sessions are available to artists with prior experience in woodworking, tools, and safety. All participants will be required to attend safety orientations for the facilities and specific tools they will use. they will use. TO APPLY: Portfolios will be accepted on a rolling basis. Instructions on how to submit your portfolio are as follows: Submit digital images of your work via email directly to Betsy Alwin, Artistic Director of Ceramics and Expanded Media, [email protected] Include 3-5 images of your work with image identification that lists the title, media, dimensions and year of each image. While not required, it is helpful to see an artist statement addressing the images you send. Include “Advanced Portfolio Review” in the subject line of your email, as well as the studio session you are applying for. Please provide a phone number where you can be reached and a link to your website. Please contact Betsy Alwin with any questions at [email protected] or 970-924-5054
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II
Level II
Students have experience working with stationary machines and power tools and are familiar with basic principles of joinery and 3-D design.
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III
Level III
Students have some formal training in 3-D design, experience with a variety of materials and fabrication processes, and know how to use machine and hand tools competently and safely. Students have a portfolio of their artwork.
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IV
Level IV
Students have advanced skill and knowledge of furniture design. Students are highly motivated and have multiple portfolios of their artwork.
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P
Portfolio Review Required
Students have advanced skill and knowledge of furniture design and know how to use machine and hand tools competently and safely. Students are highly motivated and have multiple portfolios of their artwork and are professionals in the field.
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S
Studio Session
Jan 4 - 8, 2027
9 AM - 5 PM
January Studio Sessions: Furniture Design & Woodworking
Betsy Alwin
Tuition $1,000
Code ZSW0101a-27
Anderson Ranch’s Studio Session approach provides artists the opportunity to work on independent projects while receiving regular one-on-one mentoring and critique sessions with Anderson Ranch artistic staff and interns. Each participant receives an assigned studio space, orientation and access to equipment, as well as five hours of weekly technical guidance in the Ranch’s state-of-the-art facilities. This program affords artists the experience enjoyed by national and international artists who access our state-of-the-art studios. Participants may expand their practices, take artistic risks, try new media or complete works for exhibition. *Bench and gluing rooms open 24 hours a day. LIMITED machine tool room access from 9am – 5pm and evening open tool room hours 7pm – 9pm Monday through Thursday. Studio Sessions are available to artists with prior experience in woodworking, tools, and safety. All participants will be required to attend safety orientations for the facilities and specific tools they will use. they will use. TO APPLY: Portfolios will be accepted on a rolling basis. Instructions on how to submit your portfolio are as follows: Submit digital images of your work via email directly to Betsy Alwin, Artistic Director of Ceramics and Expanded Media, [email protected] . Include 3-5 images of your work with image identification that lists the title, media, dimensions and year of each image. While not required, it is helpful to see an artist statement addressing the images you send. Include “Advanced Portfolio Review” in the subject line of your email, as well as the studio session you are applying for. Please provide a phone number where you can be reached and a link to your website. Please contact Betsy Alwin with any questions at [email protected] or 970-924-5054
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II
Level II
Students have experience working with stationary machines and power tools and are familiar with basic principles of joinery and 3-D design.
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III
Level III
Students have some formal training in 3-D design, experience with a variety of materials and fabrication processes, and know how to use machine and hand tools competently and safely. Students have a portfolio of their artwork.
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IV
Level IV
Students have advanced skill and knowledge of furniture design. Students are highly motivated and have multiple portfolios of their artwork.
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P
Portfolio Review Required
Students have advanced skill and knowledge of furniture design and know how to use machine and hand tools competently and safely. Students are highly motivated and have multiple portfolios of their artwork and are professionals in the field.
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S
Studio Session
Jan 11 - 15, 2027
9 AM - 5 PM
January Studio Sessions: Furniture Design & Woodworking
Betsy Alwin
Tuition $1,000
Code ZSW0101b-27
Anderson Ranch’s Studio Session approach provides artists the opportunity to work on independent projects while receiving regular one-on-one mentoring and critique sessions with Anderson Ranch artistic staff and interns. Each participant receives an assigned studio space, orientation and access to equipment, as well as five hours of weekly technical guidance in the Ranch’s state-of-the-art facilities. This program affords artists the experience enjoyed by national and international artists who access our state-of-the-art studios. Participants may expand their practices, take artistic risks, try new media or complete works for exhibition. *Bench and gluing rooms open 24 hours a day. LIMITED machine tool room access from 9am – 5pm and evening open tool room hours 7pm – 9pm Monday through Thursday. Studio Sessions are available to artists with prior experience in woodworking, tools, and safety. All participants will be required to attend safety orientations for the facilities and specific tools they will use. they will use. TO APPLY: Portfolios will be accepted on a rolling basis. Instructions on how to submit your portfolio are as follows: Submit digital images of your work via email directly to Betsy Alwin, Artistic Director of Ceramics and Expanded Media, [email protected] . Include 3-5 images of your work with image identification that lists the title, media, dimensions and year of each image. While not required, it is helpful to see an artist statement addressing the images you send. Include “Advanced Portfolio Review” in the subject line of your email, as well as the studio session you are applying for. Please provide a phone number where you can be reached and a link to your website. Please contact Betsy Alwin with any questions at [email protected] or 970-924-5054
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I
Level I
Students are new to Furniture Design & Woodworking and have no formal training.
-
II
Level II
Students have experience working with stationary machines and power tools and are familiar with basic principles of joinery and 3-D design.
-
III
Level III
Students have some formal training in 3-D design, experience with a variety of materials and fabrication processes, and know how to use machine and hand tools competently and safely. Students have a portfolio of their artwork.
Jan 18 - 22, 2027
9 AM - 5 PM
Furniture Design
Brad Reed Nelson
Tuition $1,250
Code JANSTU2027W
This workshop for beginning to intermediate woodworkers focuses on introducing and demystifying the wide world of woodworking. Beginning with design creation, students new to wood spend the week making basic stools and small tables, exploring how to make their designs come to life. Students learn how to operate and understand woodworking machinery, focusing on safety and craftsmanship. More advanced students take advantage of Brad’s expertise, learning new skills and working through design problems. Participants leave with beautiful, personalized, well-built furniture that stands the test of time and adds a unique flair to any living or workspace.
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II
Level II
Students have experience working with stationary machines and power tools and are familiar with basic principles of joinery and 3-D design.
-
III
Level III
Students have some formal training in 3-D design, experience with a variety of materials and fabrication processes, and know how to use machine and hand tools competently and safely. Students have a portfolio of their artwork.
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IV
Level IV
Students have advanced skill and knowledge of furniture design. Students are highly motivated and have multiple portfolios of their artwork.
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P
Portfolio Review Required
Students have advanced skill and knowledge of furniture design and know how to use machine and hand tools competently and safely. Students are highly motivated and have multiple portfolios of their artwork and are professionals in the field.
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S
Studio Session
Jan 25 - 29, 2027
9 AM - 5 PM
January Studio Sessions: Furniture Design & Woodworking
Betsy Alwin
Tuition $1,000
Code ZSW0101d-27
Anderson Ranch’s Studio Session approach provides artists the opportunity to work on independent projects while receiving regular one-on-one mentoring and critique sessions with Anderson Ranch artistic staff and interns. Each participant receives an assigned studio space, orientation and access to equipment, as well as five hours of weekly technical guidance in the Ranch’s state-of-the-art facilities. This program affords artists the experience enjoyed by national and international artists who access our state-of-the-art studios. Participants may expand their practices, take artistic risks, try new media or complete works for exhibition. *Bench and gluing rooms open 24 hours a day. LIMITED machine tool room access from 9am – 5pm and evening open tool room hours 7pm – 9pm Monday through Thursday. Studio Sessions are available to artists with prior experience in woodworking, tools, and safety. All participants will be required to attend safety orientations for the facilities and specific tools they will use. they will use. TO APPLY: Portfolios will be accepted on a rolling basis. Instructions on how to submit your portfolio are as follows: Submit digital images of your work via email directly to Betsy Alwin, Artistic Director of Ceramics and Expanded Media, [email protected] Include 3-5 images of your work with image identification that lists the title, media, dimensions and year of each image. While not required, it is helpful to see an artist statement addressing the images you send. Include “Advanced Portfolio Review” in the subject line of your email, as well as the studio session you are applying for. Please provide a phone number where you can be reached and a link to your website. Please contact Betsy Alwin with any questions at [email protected] or 970-924-5054
Additional Summer Workshops
Anderson Ranch Arts Center is thrilled to present over 150 workshops in seven mediums led by world-renowned faculty. Whether you’re exploring a new passion or refining your craft, there’s a seat waiting for you. View all workshops.
About the Studios
Furniture Design & Woodworking Facilities
The Maloof Wood Barn at Anderson Ranch Arts Center offers comprehensive woodworking facilities supporting traditional, contemporary, and experimental furniture design and woodworking practices. The barn is divided into three dedicated spaces: a machine room, assembly room, and bench room.
Machine Room Equipment
- SawStop table saws
- Jointers and planers
- Bandsaws and drill presses
- Edge sander, disk sander, drum sander, and spindle sander
- Radial arm saw and chop saw
- Router table and multi-router
Assembly & Bench Rooms
- Extensive library of clamps for all woodworking applications
- Comprehensive collection of hand tools
- Hand-held power tools for finishing and detail work
Together, these facilities provide the ideal workshop for realizing technical and creative goals in furniture design and woodworking. Learn more about our studio spaces.
Additional Resources
Reach out! We’ll help you find the perfect workshop.
Are you overwhelmed by workshop options? Or do you know which workshop to take but are unsure about the skill level, faculty, or techniques? Our staff is ready to answer questions and assist in selecting the perfect workshop for your next creative journey. Please feel free to reach out any time, and we can point you in the right direction!
Betsy Alwin
Director of Ceramics and Expanded Media
Call: 970-924-5054