Instructor: Gail fredell 

Tuition: $965     ARAC Actual Cost: $1365     Studio Fee: $85

Code: W0612

Enrollment Limit 12

Concept: A successful seat is a careful balance of comfort and aesthetics with functional and structural integrity. This work-shop will focus on the design and construction techniques used to create seating that is an expression of the maker. Beginning with design and ergonomics, Gail will address the technical and aesthetic challenges of creating seating from benches to side chairs. Students will first be guided through a sequence of design assignments geared towards developing personal expression within the context of functional seating. There will also be critique exercises to evaluate the success of students’ designs. Students will then build two small seating projects of their own choice, each building on the lessons learned from the preceding work.

Media & Techniques: Wood and other materials. Traditional and unconventional woodworking techniques including laminating, vacuum bending, shaping and more. Simple to complex joinery.

Activities: Design assignments, creative work, followed by critical, yet supportive critiques. Reading assignments and lectures will provide additional instruction and inspiration. Technical demonstrations and talks will be in direct response to the students’ designs. Lots of hands-on time and one-on-one instruction.

Skill level: Levels II – IV (Minimum Skill Level II)

Faculty: Gail Fredell has been making furniture for more than 25 years. Her work is in the permanent collection of SFMoMA, the Oakland Museum, Stanford University Memorial Chapel and the AIDS Memorial Grove in Golden Gate Park. She has taught extensively at the college level and at Penland School, Haystack Mountain School and Anderson Ranch. Formerly director of the Wood Program at the Ranch, Gail now lives in Asheville, North Carolina, where she continues her studio practice and teaches at Western Piedmont Community College.