ESSA Volunteer Build Project
At ESSA (Eureka Springs School of the Arts), the heart of creativity beats in every corner. Recently, a significant transformation took place within the walls of the Commons House, a space dedicated to fostering connections among instructors, colleagues and artists in residence. This renovation not only turned the Commons House into a beautiful gathering area but also laid the foundation for a functional space. One key element was missing – the perfect tables to complement the spirit of creativity and collaboration that defines ESSA.
Enter Doug Stowe, Co-Founder of ESSA and a renowned woodworker, who took on the challenge of designing tables that would not only be aesthetically pleasing but also versatile enough to accommodate various gatherings. The result was a set of four tables designed with ingenuity and practicality in mind, allowing them to be arranged as a communal dining table or a board table for up to 14 people. One remarkable aspect of Doug’s design was the use of an ingenious pedestal design, ensuring no obstructive legs at the corners that might interfere with seating. The tables, constructed from quartersawn white oak, were destined to become the centerpiece of ESSA’s communal space.
The Craftsmanship:
Doug Stowe’s vision came to life with a unique design that featured pedestals consisting of four six-sided columns per table. What set these tables apart was the birdsmouth joint, a technique commonly used in crafting wooden spars and masts for boats. This choice of joint not only added an element of craftsmanship but also showcased the intersection of traditional woodworking techniques with contemporary design.
Volunteer Woodworkers Unite:
From February 6-11, a dedicated group of volunteer woodworkers gathered at the ESSA Windgate Wood Studio for an intensive five-day project to bring Doug Stowe’s vision to fruition. The team worked tirelessly, not only on the tables for the Commons House but also on additional projects that would enhance the functionality and aesthetics of the ESSA campus.
The volunteers, including Steve Walter, Bob Farris, Ken Owen, Blake Warner, Matt Wenger, Dan Overgaard, LeRoy Gorrell, and Larry Copas, demonstrated the power of community and collaboration. Their skills and passion for woodworking converged, creating not just tables but pieces of art that would become integral to the ESSA experience.
Beyond the Tables:
The volunteer team’s impact extended beyond the Commons House tables. They also crafted a new desk for the Windgate Lobby, designed for ESSA staff, and a display and storage unit for the Windgate Bench Room. These additions further enriched the functionality and aesthetics of the ESSA campus, thanks to the collective effort and craftsmanship of the woodworking volunteers.
Conclusion:
ESSA’s Commons House has undergone a remarkable transformation, and is now complete thanks to the vision and craftsmanship of Doug Stowe and the dedicated team of volunteer woodworkers. The newly crafted tables stand as a symbol of the ESSA community’s commitment to fostering creativity, collaboration, and a shared passion for the arts. As ESSA continues to evolve and inspire, these tables will undoubtedly serve as a foundation for countless conversations, meals, and moments of artistic brilliance in the heart of this creative haven.
