Learn the fundamentals of working with wood and gain confidence in the wood shop, all while creating beautiful functional objects! 8-Part Series Workshop Date: Thursdays, April 2–May 28, 2026 Time: 6pm-9pm Description: In this introductory series, students will explore wood from a material perspective, learning the anatomy of wood, its behaviors, and how to harness it to create beautiful objects that last! Each session will begin with a lecture-style discussion followed by practical exercises that introduce students to the entire woodshop. Students will learn the foundational processes of woodworking, including how to take a rough-sawn board to dimensioned-lumber (and what that even means!) and how to assemble multiple pieces with joinery techniques. John will guide students through lessons in the material characteristics of wood applied to create a functional object, beginning with a cutting board and culminating in a keepsake box. Throughout the course, shop etiquette and safety will be in constant consideration. No woodworking experience is necessary (or expected)! This is a comprehensive course covering all the basics of wood and working with it. Tuition: $365 + $65 materials fee Materials: All materials will be provided. Location: Contemporary Craft Timmons Studios (5688 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201) Cancellations and Refunds: Workshop cancellations are decided three business days before the start date. If workshops must be cancelled due to insufficient enrollment, the entire class fee will be refunded by check, to your credit card, or Contemporary Craft account for future workshops. Refund Policy: Student refund requests must be made at least three business days before a class begins. There will be a $25 cancellation fee. No refunds will be given without three-business days notice. Processing of refunds takes approximately three weeks. If you require accessibility accommodations, please let us know by calling 412.261.7003 and we are happy to assist you. About the Artist John Henley is a woodworker, designer, and researcher who creates functional objects that build connection with the materials, landscapes, and people surrounding us. John received a B.Des in Industrial Design from Carnegie Mellon University and served as an apprentice for master woodworker Tadao Arimoto. Having grown up in Oregon and now based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, John’s interest in the landscape—both natural and built—impacts his work, which combines traditional craft practices and contemporary praxis. John has received multiple awards and residencies, including a fellowship with the Steve Jobs Archive and, currently, an apprenticeship with Contemporary Craft, where he is supporting arts education while maintaining a studio practice. www.johnhenleydesign.com
