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Suggestions for Summer Classes in '23?

Aaron Harris

Aaron Harris

Joined
Jan 3, 2021
Messages
631
Likes
950
Location
Spartanburg, SC
Hi, All-I have been turning since around July 4th of 2020; what started out as a shutdown hobby became an obsession, which I know you all identify with. Anyway, other than a few brief lessons from nearby experienced turners, all of my learning has come from YouTube videos and just plain screwing up, to be honest (which seems to be the way I learn best!). I would consider myself an early intermediate turner, capable of turning most spindle and bowl shapes with reasonably good results after a lot of "learning opportunities" (i.e., blown-up bowls, "funnels," etc.). After my 1st craft show in early December (at which I almost sold out and got a few hundred dollars' worth of orders to boot!), I thought that this will probably be my retirement gig in a few years (especially after investing in my new PM 3520C and some pretty expensive accessories!).

With that in mind, I feel the need to invest in some serious hands-on instruction to take my skills to the next level. My rough plan is to take my pay for my summer job (a week in mid-June scoring the national AP English exam essays) and apply it as tuition to a school later in the summer. As I live in Upstate SC, I'm strongly considering David Ellsworth's classes near my hometown of Asheville. As I really need some work with the detail/spindle gouge, which is still kind of my nemesis, and the skew as well (which I use as an NRS much of the time), I am also considering Matt Monaco, whose whole approach to fine tool work amazes me. Our own Tim Tucker also suggested Stuart Batty (in Colorado or Utah, maybe?). I've also considered one of Ashley Harwood's classes in Charleston, though I'm not sure I'm ready to commit totally to the 40/40 #pushcutposse (though the main reason I'm currently using mostly the swept-back grind on my bowl gouges is it just seems easier, but I don't know). Batty makes it look like a magic trick, of course, and I love his teaching style in his videos, with all the anecdotes and high energy (which kind of reflects my teaching style).

At any rate, I'd like to lock in a registration somewhere before popular instructors fill up classes for next summer. So what say you experts? TIA for your thoughts! Aaron
 
I see two directions. A school like Arrowmont is an immersive week long session. Pick a teacher like Matt to get the most of that experience. Personal instructors like David is the second approach. I like the one-on-one sessions but small classes for shorter length sessions can be very beneficial. Do your homework on the person to help you in the direction you want to go, rather on the location.
 
Thanks, Lyle-By the way, your Jamieson/Thompson bowl gouge is what kick-started my learning on that grind. I definitely plan to do some of the homework you suggest once my Christmas break starts in a couple of days.
 
Arron, you are just up the road from world class instruction. Nick Agar has an instruction studio in Blichton, GA; about twenty minutes east of Statesburo. Has five students per class, American Beauty lathes with crown tools and on and on. Get to his website and pick a class. Gather up four buddies and design your own class topic. I have been five times and it is just fun; you learn and then go home and practice. After bowls and such comes the "art" part. decorating, painting, carving of all sorts. you are surrounded by schools, so the pick is yours. I go again in Jan. Nickagarstudios.com

I 26 east to US 301 south to Statesburo, US 80 east and your there.
 
I took the Ellsworth class in Weaverville back in August. It's the only turning workshop I've attended so far and it was a tremendous experience. I've been spindle turning for many years, but had never turned a bowl until June 2021. I got into making a few hollow forms and read the Ellsworth book cover to cover before attending his workshop and felt very well prepared for the class. As a result, I feel like I got a lot from the workshop. David is a very good teacher and has patience for any level of experience in the class. I think the small class size (no more then 5 people at a time) is good. Plus, David has a gallery of his work in the room adjacent to the shop and it is incredibly inspiring. When you ask a question about how a piece was made, he can take you in the shop and show you the tools and fixtures he made to turn it. Can't beat all experience like that!
I hear great things about other workshops as well and look forward to taking a few more in the future. The difficult thing is choosing one from the many great options out there.
 
Aaron Harris said:
Hi, All-I have been turning since around July 4th of 2020; what started out as a shutdown hobby became an obsession, which I know you all identify with. Anyway, other than a few brief lessons from nearby experienced turners, all of my learning has come from YouTube videos and just plain screwing up, to be honest (which seems to be the way I learn best!). I would consider myself an early intermediate turner, capable of turning most spindle and bowl shapes with reasonably good results after a lot of "learning opportunities" (i.e., blown-up bowls, "funnels," etc.). After my 1st craft show in early December (at which I almost sold out and got a few hundred dollars' worth of orders to boot!), I thought that this will probably be my retirement gig in a few years (especially after investing in my new PM 3520C and some pretty expensive accessories!).

With that in mind, I feel the need to invest in some serious hands-on instruction to take my skills to the next level. My rough plan is to take my pay for my summer job (a week in mid-June scoring the national AP English exam essays) and apply it as tuition to a school later in the summer. As I live in Upstate SC, I'm strongly considering David Ellsworth's classes near my hometown of Asheville. As I really need some work with the detail/spindle gouge, which is still kind of my nemesis, and the skew as well (which I use as an NRS much of the time), I am also considering Matt Monaco, whose whole approach to fine tool work amazes me. Our own Tim Tucker also suggested Stuart Batty (in Colorado or Utah, maybe?). I've also considered one of Ashley Harwood's classes in Charleston, though I'm not sure I'm ready to commit totally to the 40/40 #pushcutposse (though the main reason I'm currently using mostly the swept-back grind on my bowl gouges is it just seems easier, but I don't know). Batty makes it look like a magic trick, of course, and I love his teaching style in his videos, with all the anecdotes and high energy (which kind of reflects my teaching style).

At any rate, I'd like to lock in a registration somewhere before popular instructors fill up classes for next summer. So what say you experts? TIA for your thoughts! Aaron
Click to expand...
I'm teaching a class at John c campbell in May. I will gladly work with you on spindle turning skills.
 
Classes fill up quickly-

David is an excellent instructor. If you are interested in NE bowls, Hollow forms, getting the most from the side ground gouge, forms in general, green wood turning - Dave’s class is hard to top. I sharpen my spindle gouge using David’s method. Took his class in 1995…

Nick Agar in Georgia - if you are interested in using texture and using color he teaches at his studio.

Trent Bosch - Fort Collins co, great instructor. Side ground gouge, bowls, hollowing, carving, coloring sandblasting.
He had scattered se. Openings last week. I’ve been lucky to be Trent’s assistant several times…


Lyle teaches too. Michigan is nice in the summer…

Arrowmont and Campbell are great experiences each provides some exposure to other are forms. Need to find the instructor that fits.
https://www.arrowmont.org/workshops-classes/workshops/ ( you’ll see familiar names Ellsworth, Lopez, horais, Ault, Samual….

folkschool.configio.com

Search our classes

folkschool.configio.com folkschool.configio.com
Familiar names Lucas, Lopez, bosch, ault….
.
 
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john lucas said:
I'm teaching a class at John c campbell in May. I will gladly work with you on spindle turning skills.
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John-I'd love to take you up on that, but May is my busiest month (department head at a huge suburban high school, prepping students for 2 separate AP exams, etc.). It has to be late June or July for me, at least until I retire in a few years. That said, I have watched and learned from your videos on the Hunter tools more than a few times, so you have already taught me. Thanks to all for the suggestions. I am exploring all options.
 
Aaron Harris said:
John-I'd love to take you up on that, but May is my busiest month (department head at a huge suburban high school, prepping students for 2 separate AP exams, etc.). It has to be late June or July for me, at least until I retire in a few years. That said, I have watched and learned from your videos on the Hunter tools more than a few times, so you have already taught me. Thanks to all for the suggestions. I am exploring all options.
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If John can advertise, I might as well invite you to Traverse City for a One-on-one class with me.
 
I’ve just signed up for a week-long hollowing course with Trent Bosch at the John C. Campbell School in mid June. Just received their catalog which only goes through June ‘23, but I’m sure they've got classes in the summer, likely available on line, and it is also in your backyard (I think). My wife is a weaver and we found a class she is taking at the same time as mine. We are both eagerly looking forward to a full week.
 
Aaron Harris said:
As I live in Upstate SC, I'm strongly considering David Ellsworth's classes near my hometown of Asheville. As I really need some work with the detail/spindle gouge, which is still kind of my nemesis, and the skew as well (which I use as an NRS much of the time), I am also considering Matt Monaco, whose whole approach to fine tool work amazes me.
Click to expand...
I've taken classes from both, each are excellent teachers. Well worth the price of admission. They are different, I suggest before getting in a class you email or call and tell them what you want to learn. I think David teaches more bowls and hollow forms using bowl gouges. Besides teaching David feeds ya every day with excellent meal time conversation. Matt teaches quite different classes. A lot of detail gouge work and does some amazing beading.

Matt is local to me and has three classes at the https://essa-art.org/workshop-medium/wood/woodturning/ this coming year. A real bargain and Eureka Springs Arkansas is a neat place to visit.
 
Here are a few other inspiring names to consider:
A buddy took a class from Al Stirt and it made a HUGE difference for him.
Eric Lofstrom is a teacher aside from being a woodturner. He was very impressive when he did a demo for our club back in the Before Times.
I happened to be at Campbell School 5 years ago (long story), and while I was there I met Alan Leland. He's not as well known, maybe, but he's a superb turner and a committed teacher, and I believe he is in your area, as well. Between the individual turners and their various strengths and personalities, and your own travel needs, you can't go wrong.
 
Join the Mountain Woodturners and take advantage of the hands on with their monthly demonstrators. Plus there is learning experiences at their open shop days. And just to let you know Nick Agar teaches a lot more than color and texture.
 
Thanks, Bill-I joined the CMT during the shutdown, though I guess I let it lapse when they were only doing streamed meetings. And Lord knows I love going up to the Blue Ridge Parkway in the NC mountains (though on the rare occasions when I have the time and energy to get up there, it's usually with a fly-rod and a daypack in my truck). I think I'm about to renew my membership. I keep hearing that it's one of America's biggest and best turning clubs, and certainly has a stellar roster.
 
I would think the skill you want to improve would drive the decision. I'm sure all the pros like Ellsworth, Batty, et. al could help improve all skills but those 2 are best know for hollow forms and bowls. I've recently signed up for a class at the Dale Nish School in Provo Utah- with Mike Jackofsky to improve my hollow forms.
 
Lou Jacobs said:
I’ve just signed up for a week-long hollowing course with Trent Bosch at the John C. Campbell School in mid June. Just received their catalog which only goes through June ‘23, but I’m sure they've got classes in the summer, likely available on line, and it is also in your backyard (I think). My wife is a weaver and we found a class she is taking at the same time as mine. We are both eagerly looking forward to a full week.
Click to expand...

Registration for John C Campbell classes for the second half of 2023 will likely open sometime in January. I will be teaching one class in May, and another in September. A great place -- I've been both a student and teacher.
 
Aaron Harris said:
Thanks, Bill-I joined the CMT during the shutdown, though I guess I let it lapse when they were only doing streamed meetings. And Lord knows I love going up to the Blue Ridge Parkway in the NC mountains (though on the rare occasions when I have the time and energy to get up there, it's usually with a fly-rod and a daypack in my truck). I think I'm about to renew my membership. I keep hearing that it's one of America's biggest and best turning clubs, and certainly has a stellar roster.
Click to expand...
CMW has David Ellsworth as their demonstrator this Saturday 17 Dec at the Blue Ridge Folk Art Center you do not need to be a member to attend, but it would be an opportunity to renew and also talk with David about his classes. I can also second the mention of Alan Leland.
 
russ stanton said:
CMW has David Ellsworth as their demonstrator this Saturday 17 Dec at the Blue Ridge Folk Art Center you do not need to be a member to attend, but it would be an opportunity to renew and also talk with David about his classes. I can also second the mention of Alan Leland.
Click to expand...
Thanks, Russ-I just renewed and saw him on the schedule. This Saturday is my 1st day of Christmas Break, might be a good excuse to take a trip to the mountains.

Does one have to sign up to attend these demos, or just show up? I'm guessing an Ellsworth demo would be a full house.
 
Aaron Harris said:
Thanks, Russ-I just renewed and saw him on the schedule. This Saturday is my 1st day of Christmas Break, might be a good excuse to take a trip to the mountains.

Does one have to sign up to attend these demos, or just show up? I'm guessing an Ellsworth demo would be a full house.
Click to expand...
The demo's are held in a National Park Service building, so no sign up and no membership requirement, the room has lots of seating so no "sold out" problem either. My wife Charline and I plan to be there so look for us we can talk about our experience at both Campbell and Arrowmont. Also keep in mind that CMW has their own weekend at Arrowmont to only cost being room and board. You must be a member to attend this event.
 
Aaron Harris said:
Hi, All-I have been turning since around July 4th of 2020; what started out as a shutdown hobby became an obsession...

With that in mind, I feel the need to invest in some serious hands-on instruction to take my skills to the next level. <snip> I've also considered one of Ashley Harwood's classes in Charleston, though I'm not sure I'm ready to commit totally to the 40/40 #pushcutposse (though the main reason I'm currently using mostly the swept-back grind on my bowl gouges is it just seems easier, but I don't know). Batty makes it look like a magic trick, of course, and I love his teaching style in his videos, with all the anecdotes and high energy (which kind of reflects my teaching style).
Click to expand...
Learning how to use and sharpen the 40/40 grind doesn't mean you never get to use any other tools :>) It's a really versatile tool (and technique) to get comfortable with, but why limit yourself to a single approach? I turn a lot of bowls and mostly use the 40/40 but am starting to incorporate Ellsworth's grind into my work as well. There are some things the 40/40 does really well, and some things other grinds do well. Why not try a whole bunch of different teachers, and different styles? You might find that something completely unexpected sparks your imagination.
 
Kalia-Thank you, and that makes sense. I am a pragmatist in all areas of my life. I will try whatever works for any given application. By the way, I love your avatar with shavings up to the lathe bed of your PowerMatic. I'm working on getting to that level with the one I just got!
 
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