Furniture Design & Woodworking

Code: W0202-23

    • O

      Open to All

      Students of any skill and knowledge level.

    • Ages 13-17

Flat-Pack Furniture Design for Teens

Jun 12 - 16, 2023

9AM-3PM

Concept

This fun and technically challenging course for teens expands digital fabrication skills using the computer-numerically-controlled router (CNC). Students learn basic 3-D modeling techniques to design functional furniture objects. Projects are cut out of plywood on the CNC and laser cutters. Workflows cover toolpathing and g-code generation, material setup, machine operation, and wood finishing. Everyone walks away with a finished piece of furniture and some new fabrication skills.

View All Furniture Design & Woodworking Workshops

Media & Techniques

Rhinoceros 3-D, Slicer for Fusion 360, Aspire CAM, CNC router, laser cutter, plywood, lamination, sanding, finishes

Supply List

Faculty

Emil Gorman

Studio Coordinator, Digital Fabrication

Emil Gorman is the Studio Coordinator for Digital Fabrication. He is an artist and designer with a passion for furniture and the implementation of sustainable materials. He received a BFA with a concentration in Human-Centered Design at Northern Michigan University. Preferred Pronouns: He/Him

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Emil Gorman, Chair from Stacked Series, 2019

Workshop Details

Workshop Supplies

For general information about studio access, shipping, and more, please visit our info page.

If you have any questions regarding your supplies for your workshop, please contact Lane Preston, [email protected].

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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wood joinery detail on cabinet components displayed in a woodworking studio at Anderson Ranch Arts Center
  • 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.

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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sculptural furniture prototype titled “Shades” made from cerused ash and steel by Elish Warlop at Anderson Ranch Arts Center
  • 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.

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.

  • 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.

  • IV

    Level IV

    Students have advanced skill and knowledge of furniture design. Students are highly motivated and have multiple portfolios of their artwork.

  • 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.

  • 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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