The Eureka Springs School of the Arts (ESSA) recently hosted its highly anticipated 2024 Woodworking Mentorship and Residency, bringing together a talented group of woodworkers under the expert guidance of Master Woodcrafter Doug Stowe and Assistant Mentor Larry Copas. After a rigorous selection process, seven woodworkers were chosen to immerse themselves in this unique experience, living on the ESSA campus for two weeks in June 2024. Each artist arrived with a specific project or intent in mind and received personalized mentorship from Doug and Larry. The culmination of their efforts was showcased at the Woodworking Residency Show and Reception, held in the ESSA Windgate Iron and Wood building on June 29th, 2024.
From Wood to Wonder: Resident Projects
The woodworking residents chosen for this prestigious program were: Arden Carlson, Gordon Koops, Nicole Reidinger, John Rylko, Shannon Smith, Blake Werner, and David Wimberley.
Arden Carlson
Arden created a wooden suitcase, complete with mechanical elements like hinges, along with a stool/bench, and a box.
Gordon Koops
Gordon crafted a cherry wood TV console and showcased personal projects such as wood sculptures and natural rim bowls.
Nicole Reidinger
Nicole made tiny desks for a friend at NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, experimented with bandsaw boxes, mallets, woodturning, and segmented wood-turned bowls.
John Rylko
John produced Walnut end tables, end-grain cutting boards, and demonstrated his portable laser cutter. His personal work featured a few cutting boards with CNC routing and resin filling.
Shannon Smith
Shannon explored woodturning and bandsaw techniques, creating various items including a mortar and pestle, mallets, and bandsaw boxes.
Blake Werner
Blake designed a beautiful lap desk and focused on making various boxes such as bandsaw boxes, finger jointed boxes, and miter key boxes.
David Wimberley
David built an Amish-style hallway bench from salvaged Northern Red Oak, thanking the mentorship and assistance of the ESSA team for this opportunity.
Guidance from Master Woodcrafters
In addition to their own projects, both Larry Copas and Doug Stowe provided invaluable guidance to the residents. Larry crafted a chair and assisted in mentoring, while Doug shared his vast wisdom and encouraged the woodworkers to achieve their creative visions.
The Residency Show and Sale
The residency concluded with a Show and Sale in the ESSA Windgate Iron and Wood building on June 29th, where participants displayed and sold their pieces. Guests had the opportunity to view and purchase the unique creations, engage with the woodworkers, and learn about their inspirations and processes.
A highlight of the event was the Artists Talk at 4:30 PM, where mentors Doug and Larry shared their joy of imparting wisdom and the residents spoke about their experiences, inspirations, and gratitude for the opportunity.
Heartfelt Reflections from Residents
“My time at the ESSA Woodworking residency was transformational. I was able to dive deep into my craft with the guidance of multiple knowledgeable mentors and fellow students. I appreciate the opportunity to hone my skills in this community!”
“ESSA’s Mentored Residency Programs are amazing, allowing participants the ability to learn, grow, and explore any and all aspects of the Residency they are pursuing. Extremely gratifying to be accepted into the Residency.”
“I experienced growth in unexpected ways and was deeply inspired by the other residents. The instructors provided endless support and encouragement, making it a truly wonderful experience. I made new friends, learned new skills, and felt comfortable asking any and all questions in the safe space that was created. Plus, we just had a lot of fun together!”
“This has been absolutely the best woodworking experience of my life!!! Working with a diverse group of woodworkers allowed me to experience, learn and expand my woodworking skills. The positivity, nurturing, and ability to grow my talents was amazing.” – Blake Werner
“The mentors provided invaluable guidance in new skills, insights into design decisions, and alternative perspectives on problem solving. Similarly, other participants were helpful and gracious with their assistance, inspirational and made this a true community experience.” – David Wimberly
Woodworking Residency posctard
Supporting Future Artists: Proceeds and Gratitude
Ten percent of the proceeds from items sold at the reception were allocated to ESSA’s future Artist in Residence Programs. The ESSA team expressed gratitude for the friendships and bonds created during the residency and looks forward to seeing these talented woodworkers return as instructors or master woodworkers in the future.
A special thanks goes out to mentors Doug Stowe and Larry Copas, as well as Windgate Iron and Wood Studio Coordinator Megan Abajian, for making this residency a remarkable success.
Explore More: Stay tuned for future programs and events at ESSA, where creativity and community come together to nurture and celebrate the arts. For more information, follow us on social media, sign up for e-mail updates, and follow our blog.
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[…] This post covers my 2 weeks at the Eureka Springs School of the Arts Woodworking Residential Mentorship and the follow on work required to complete my Amish Hall Seat. See my ESSA Residential Mentorship Prep post for more background: the work I did in selecting and designing my project and the board preparation done in advance. You may also want to read ESSA’s blog post about their first woodworking residential mentorship: CRAFTING CONNECTIONS: INSIDE ESSA’S 2024 WOODWORKING RESIDENCY. […]