I know there are a few schools in North Carolina and a few fine craftsmen teach in their shop. But most folks don't seem to take many classes and I was wondering why.
Have you taken classes and where?
I have taken 7 or 8 weeklong workshops-----most of them at John C Campbell folk school (I know you are familiar with them Mike) and with 2 nationally known chairmakers.
What did you think of the experience?
The atmosphere at the folkschool is great for learning. The class size at that time was limited to 6 students for the chairmaking class. Not too big and was an opportunity to get input and encouragement from other students as well as the instructor. Michael Dunbar's class was 12 students. He came in at 8am, gave his lecture and demo then left the class to his assistant. His emphasis was on production and he was much more business oriented. Dunbar is, without doubt, a craftsman. I paid to take a class with Dunbar----not his assistant, although, he too was competent. For me, the best workshop was a one-on-one with Curtis Buchanan. He has placed quality of construction at the top. BTW, he usually does not take students unless they already have some chairmaking experience . It was the only workshop that I did not completely finish the chair, but that was ok because I got a much deeper insight in some of the phases of chairmaking you normally will not get with big classes.
What is a reasonable fee? By the week? Day? or other
Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. If someone had told me 5 years before I started taking workshops that I would pay that much to work hard all week, I would have said "you are crazy". But, it was a strong desire to learn the art of making a chair. And---if you want your work to compare with the masters, work with the masters. It is a perceived value just as the handcrafted chair is.
Do you expect a place to stay included? Meals?
I expect a list of preferred lodging for students based on convenience and price, meals and lodging at the same place is nice though. You don't have to worry about what or where to eat. Just remember, if you ride the bus you have to pay the fare.
Do you only want nationally known instructors? or as long as the skills are taught well and the facility is nice you're happy?
If the instructors have proven their ability and are able to convey the knowledge while making you feel good about being there, that is what is important.
How nice would the shop have to be?
If it is equipped with the needed tooling and equipment to give hands-on learning, that is all that is needed. A student should have the option to bring their own tools but the school should have enough tooling for those who do not have all the tools needed. One of the workshops required students to bring tools according to the instructors list, a very expensive list to say the least.
What other skills beside woodworking would you like to learn?
Most anything in woodworking once the interest has surfaced.
Would you go during the week or only on the weekend?
Being retired---it really does not matter if I really want to do it.
What would it take to get you into a class?
Create the interest----make it appealing in all phases---activity, setting, price............................
Who can guess what I'm thinking?