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Classes/Instructors in Northern California?

K

Kurt Manley

Joined
Jan 3, 2023
Messages
103
Likes
92
Location
Arnold, CA
I'd like to take a turning class, hopefully within the next few months as it's a little slower time with work for me. All I have found so far near me are classes that are on weekdays, an impossibility with my erratic work schedule. I see small classes like Glen Lucas or David Elsworth have and would love to find something like that I can do over a weekend without having to travel far.
I've tried joining a club near me but it's an hour drive on a week night which just isn't possible with my work schedule - I've been trying to sneak away and join one of their meetings for over a year and haven't made it happen yet... I think for where I am at with my career the only thing I can do is a weekend workshop. I'm still in my adolescence as a turner, I make all kinds of things, but would love to explore techniques and refine my form.
Any thoughts?

Thanks!
 
Jerry Kermode, Sebastopol, used to do classes. He’s sort of retired but he might be open to something or have recommendations.

I highly recommend Trent Bosch, Ft Collins, Co
He runs lots of weekend workshops they book pretty far out but there are cancellations…
It’s a trip worth taking

Re-Contact California AAW chapters. They often run workshops and their members may teach.
An hour drive for a workshop may be doable.
 
Thank you Al, Donna, and Bob. I have seen all of the folks you mention - I'll reach out to Jerry Kermode and see if he has a rec.
Donna, All I saw for Kalia Kliban was a class at a craft school that seemed orientated towards someone who's never turned. Maybe I'll reach out.
Bob, does Mike Mahoney do classes? I didn't see anything on his site- I have watched many of his videos and would love to take a class with him.

Thanks again for the help!
 
Allow me to add some info, here.

Jerry is retired now.
Kalia is a superb teacher. She offers classes at Chimera maker space in Sebastopol, and I believe she may also offer private instruction as well.
Both are friends.
I've been known to offer instruction as well. I don't have a formal school, but have entertained a few individual students.

But we are all in west Sonoma County - Arnold is pretty far away. You probably want to try Mike Mahoney, or someone else closer to you in Gold Country/Sacto.
Good luck!
 
Kurt Manley said:
Bob, does Mike Mahoney do classes? I didn't see anything on his site- I have watched many of his videos and would love to take a class with him.
Click to expand...
If I were you, I would contact Mike. He may have a few students on a list, just waiting for a few more so that it would be worth it for him to put on a class.
 
There are a number of clubs that are online only that may be more convenient. Not classes, admittedly (although I think Glenn Lucas does online classes) but might be useful for you. For example, I’m demonstrating for Long Island Woodturners next Saturday morning. I’d guess you could watch that from anywhere in the country if you were a member.

Hope that helps

Richard
 
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