Furniture Design & Woodworking
Code: W05W01-21
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II
Level II
Students have experience working with computer-aided design with basic principles of CAM/software.
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III
Level III
Students have some formal training in digital fabrication, experience with a variety of materials and fabrication processes, and know how to use CNC, 3-D printers, or laser cutters competently and safely. Students have a portfolio of their work.
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IV
Level IV
Students have advanced skill and knowledge of digital fabrication and have experience with a variety of materials and fabrication processes, and know how to use CNC, 3-D printers, or laser cutters competently and safely. Students are highly motivated and have a portfolio of their artwork.
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Virtual Workshop
Virtual Workshop, learn from the comfort of your own home.
VIRTUAL WORKSHOP
All About The CNC
Feb 1 - 18, 2021
Every Monday & Wednesday, 4- 5:30PM MST
Concept
Take your digital fabrication skills to a higher level in this advanced virtual workshop all about the CNC router. Demonstrations include design considerations for outputting to a 3-axis CNC, but the emphasis is placed on writing 2D and 3D toolpaths. Students learn everything from feeds and speeds, to bit selection, to 3-axis machine operation. This deep dive into the complex process of computer-aided machining (CAM) empowers participants to push their artistic practices into a new realm of fabrication. Previous CAD (computer-aided design) experience is necessary to enroll in this course. Though no specific software is required for CAD, we will use V-Carve Pro and Fusion 360 for toolpathing. The workshop culminates in a final project to be fabricated on the CNC routers at Anderson Ranch and mailed back to students with shipping and materials covered by the studio fee.
This workshop meets 4-5:30PM on Mondays and Wednesdays for group sessions, and 4-5:30PM for office hours. Please note that the first Tuesday only will be a group session, not office hours. Zoom Video Conferencing software (download free from Zoom.com) will be used to facilitate the class sessions. An Anderson Ranch staff member will coordinate the online platform. Further details will be emailed to registrants.
Media & Techniques
CAD, Fusion 360 CAM, V-Carve Pro, CNC router, plywood, MDF, blue foam
Faculty
Vincent Edwards
Vincent Edwards teaches digital fabrication and sculpture at the University of Arkansas where he runs the 3-D Advanced Technologies Lab. He received his MFA from the Herron School of Art and Design in 2012. Vincent’s studio practice focuses on hybrid methodologies, specifically the intersection of traditional furniture craft and digital fabrication.
System of Curves Bench
Workshop Details>
Scholarships, College Credit & Discounts
Making Art Accessible
Applications for scholarship support are encouraged. Specific scholarships are funded by Ranch supporters, either through endowed funds or special gifts.
Many colleges and universities offer college credit for workshops taken at Anderson Ranch. Discounts are available for students and teachers.
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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
Facilitated Studio Practice
Jan 5 - 23, 2026
Monday-Friday, 9AM - 5PM
Participants may register for one, two, or three weeks
TUITION is $1,255 per week or $3,765 for three weeks
January Studio Sessions: Furniture Design & Woodworking
Lane Preston
Tuition $1,255
Code ZSW0101-26
Anderson Ranch’s January Studio Sessions provide artists the opportunity to work on independent projects while receiving 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 some morning group demonstrations and / or critiques. 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. *Studios are open 24 hours a day and on weekends for students enrolled in multiple weeks, with limited use of equipment due to safety requirements. The machine rooms are only available when monitored – weekdays 9 AM-5 PM. Evening monitoring hours are Mondays - Thursdays, 7 – 9 PM. IMPORTANT DETAILS: Students will be responsible for all material costs associated with their projects. Participants who register for multiple consecutive weeks will gain access to the studios on weekends (with the exception of the machine rooms due to safety constraints.) Private dorm rooms are available at Anderson Ranch for one, two or three weeks for an additional fee; click here to view January 2025 lodging options. TO APPLY: Applicants must submit project proposals or portfolios for approval. Contact Betsy Alwin to apply: [email protected]
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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.
Jun 1 - 5, 2026
9 AM - 5 PM
CNC: Just Another Tool
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Tuition $1,250
Code W0101-26
Delve into the world of computer numerically controlled (CNC) furniture part making in this introductory fabrication workshop. Technology has propelled contemporary design in countless unexpected ways throughout history, and this class considers the modernization of traditional furniture design across cultures. Participants are encouraged to explore their unique artistic voice as they design furniture parts such as legs, backrests, stretchers, and decorative elements on paper, and then translate it into Rhinoceros 3D through basic 2D computer-aided design followed by 3D modeling. Students are introduced to best practices in material preparation, CNC hold-down methods, and tools and supply. Final projects are cut as double sided 3D parts on the CNC.
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O
Open to All
Students of any skill and knowledge level.
Jun 8 - 12, 2026
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Making a Traditional Japanese Puzzle Box
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Tuition $1,250
Code W0202-26
This unique and dynamic woodworking class explores the Japanese art of making secret opening boxes in three stages. Students begin by creating a box infrastructure, then cut plates of wood, which slide in a sequence and stay attached to the framework. Finally, the box is assembled and a finish is applied. After each student completes an initial warm-up puzzle box, they explore a number of other wooden mechanisms and decorative inlays meant to disguise and hide moving parts. Students are encouraged to design and build their own custom puzzle box variation, focusing primarily on hand tool use with the aid of miniature router table set-ups that assist in cutting notches for moving parts and joinery.