Programs

Craftsman Program

The staff is open and warm and generous and there is an opportunity there at Roberts Creek to develop the skills that support this approach. In fact the kind of work that I have for many years encouraged, the craftsman as an individual. I think that this will emerge gradually as the school for the complete craftsman. If I were starting my life today as a craftsman, and needed to learn what matters the most; my choice would be Inside Passage School."

James Krenov 2006

The Craftsman Program at Inside Passage School of Fine Woodworking is intended to prepare students for a work as an independent craftsman or for the aspiring amateur. Our Craftsman Program runs September through May and is taught by resident craftsman & teacher Robert Van Norman with the assistance of our resident craftsman and visiting craftsman and teachers.

Maintaining a small class size creates an atmosphere of fellowship and ensures a great deal of individual attention. We encourage students to develop a sensible balance between the use of hand and machine tools. We emphasize a personal approach to surfaces and joinery by challenging them to look closer at the material and the subtle details in their work.

In the first semester, students have the opportunity to develop the fundamental skills required to make fine furniture. First Semester Topics covered include but are not limited to: Sharpening, Hand tool tuning and use, Machine tool safe operation, tuning and use, Plane making, Mortise & Tenon, Tool making and modification, Dovetails, Drawer making and Fitting, Pulls, Consoles and flipper floppers, Doweling, Frame & Panel, Coopering Plane, Coopering, Sketching & Scaling, Mocking up, Material break out, Solid Wood Construction, Wood Selection & Graphics, Shaping, Partitions, Fitting of back panels, Hanging & Fitting Doors, Hinge Installation, and Finishing. 

Students will be invited to explore tool making, modification and tuning as well as the sensitive use of these simple, well-tuned instruments. Selection of wood including grain graphics and developing a more intimate relation to our material, our craft and the process will also be encouraged and ongoing throughout the program. Students will then apply skills covered during the first semester to make a small table, stool, cabinet or chest. At this point weekly Walkarounds take place where students are given the opportunity to share with the faculty and their fellow students. A open house will be held at the end of the first semester at our school gallery.  

In the second semester students will be exposed to more advanced methods which include but are not limited to: Veneer Work, Curved Panels & Forms, Bent and Tapered Laminations, Showcases & use of Glass, Parquetry, Marquetry, Sliding Doors, Making Hinges and other metal Hardware, Joinery at off ninety degrees and in curves, NK and side hung drawers and chair Work. During which time they will have an opportunity to take on a more complex project of their own design. Final pieces will be exhibited with faculty and alumni work at the Heart Hand & Eye Gallery in Roberts Creek.

Always maintaining a clear vision of integrity and a reputation for honest and conscientious work, the program promises to be an unforgettable journey in craftsmanship.

Craftsman Program Fee $14,000 Canadian 

2011 Schedule

Tool list for Craftsman Program

Application for Craftsman Program

Applications are currently being accepted for the

2009-2010 Craftsman Program

Resident Craftsman Program

“At the shop we had a resident craftsman, who though was not one of the teachers, was the person we turned at times like this.”

James Krenov 1979

Inside Passage School of Fine Woodworking offers our graduates of the Craftsman Program the option of returning for a second year of study further exploring the many possibilities, which exist in our craft.

The Resident Craftsman Program runs concurrent with our Craftsman Program. Students undertake independent work under the direction of faculty in a creative and supportive environment conducive to doing fine work. Resident Craftsman are required to take part in our two student & faculty shows held throughout the Craftsman Program and have the option of a third show of independent work held at our school gallery during their year(s) of study. 

 

As only a limited number of these placements and are available applicants are requested to submit an application by the end of January.

Resident Craftsman Program Fee $10,000 Canadian

2011 Schedule

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Artisan Program

“It makes me happy that this small school intends to return to the traditional. To the values and no gadgets methods which have nourished our craft for a very long time. Dedication, a simple logic in what we do and how we do it. For some, there is a lure; mysteriously elusive wood, tools that follow one's intention, an awareness that our craft is an intimately timeless education. If you feel even a bit of this… persevere. Enjoy. The journey may change your life.”

James Krenov 2005

The Artisan Program consists of six one week programs that may be taken individually or as a complete program and cover many of the topics covered in our Craftsman Program. We have done our best to include the topics most relevant to students who are unable to commit to a program lasting several months. Each of the courses are available to students of all levels of woodworking experience who want to develop and or refine their skills.

Artisan Program Fees $3900

Individual Artisan Program Fee $775

2011 Schedule

Resident Artisan Program

“We know that different people see in different ways. But in the realm of wood and ones work, how does one learn to see? More precisely, in making furniture, how can one predict the outcome, how can one be sure his intentions will be realized in the finished piece?”

James Krenov 1977

The Resident Artisan Program provides the student an opportunity to become intimately involved in the planning of his or her own craft education. The program offers graduates of our Artisan Program the opportunity to complete a piece under the direction of Inside Passage School of Fine Woodworking Program Faculty. The program runs six weeks and space is limited and based on availability. For more information contact the school and arrange for an initialconsultation with our Program Director. 

Resident Artisan Program Fee $3900 Canadian

2011 Schedule

Registration Form for Artisan Program

Inside Passage School of Fine Woodworking
1-1055 Roberts Creek Road
Box 198 Roberts Creek British Columbia V0N 2W0
Phone 604.885.9676 Toll Free 1.877.943.9663 Fax 604.885.9711
e-mail yvonne@insidepassage.ca