2004 Woodlanders' Gatherings
Not quite a workshop, not quite a conference, it's a three-day mix of information, tools, demos and visiting, with about 30 workshops and demonstrations in a wide range of nature-based arts and skills. It's networking and community-building for people toward the edge of the grid. About 125 people come to each one, camp out and have a great old time... a real "woods stock". The Woodlanders share information, teach and learn from each other and get to know each other, face to face. They are gardeners, artists, crafts people, parents, grandparents, children, retirees and students. Some practice wilderness skills, others make things from natural materials, others just enjoy walks.

In 2004 the Gatherings will be at Mineral Point, Wisconsin, July 10-13 and Hunter, New York, August 14-16. Some of the most savory items on the Wisconsin menu include... Building a Slab Bench, Bamboo Furniture & Sculpture, Birch Bark Frames, Pine Needle Basketry and our own favorite, Tools & Techniques of Rustic Building. The fare is quite eclectic, ranging from Websites & Digital Photography to Stone Wall Dry Stacking. In Wisconsin, Woodlanders will have a unique opportunity to exhibit and sell their work at Longbranch Gallery, a striking venue for rustic, folk and fine art.

Click here for the class schedule
(http://www.schoolofwoodworking.com)

Week-long Summer Classes
The Connecticut Valley School of Woodworking is offering a full series of hands-on evening, weekend and week-long classes all this summer. This very reputable school focuses primarily on furniture making but they also have many woodturning, finishing, carving and even specialty classes like timber framing and kayak building. The list of instructors includes some pretty impressive names such as Bob Van Dyke, Mario Rodriguez, Garrett Hack, Teri Masaschi and Phil Lowe.
Students for these classes come from all over the country and go home with some great projects. 860-647-0303

CRAFTBOSTON
On May 21 through 23, an extraordinary event took place at the World Trade Center in Boston. Artists and craftspeople took part in the premiere New England exhibition and sale of contemporary craft. The show featured 175 of the most outstanding artists of our time, showcasing one-of-a-kind and limited-edition pieces in baskets, ceramics, decorative fiber, wearables, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, paper and wood. Additionally, CRAFTBOSTON featured work by emerging artists from leading schools and universities and informational booths promoting non-profit craft organizations. To view some wood-based exhibits, visit the Web site.
(http://www.craftboston.org/artists.asp)

CRAFTBOSTON is produced each year by The Society of Arts and Crafts. Incorporated in 1897, The Society has been at the forefront of the American craft movement, fostering the development, sales, recognition and education of crafts for over one hundred years.

Visit Empire online
(www.empiremfg.com)

VERY Affordable HVLP

Visit Wagner online
(http://www.dcmsoft.com/wagner/index.html)

Wagner Spray Tech in Plymouth, Minnesota, has just introduced the Fine Spray 2400 HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) system. Retailing for around $100, this is the first unit of its kind to offer contractor-level performance at a homeowner price. Product Manager Tom Gessner says, ÒUnlike other paint sprayers, the Fine Spray offers the most control with three pattern shapes and variable flow control.Ó Other features include a 20 foot lightweight flexible air hose, a carrying handle; interchangeable professional grade metal cup and larger 1.5 quart cup for bigger projects, and a high speed air turbine to yield an ultra fine finish. Fine Spray is designed to spray thin-bodied materials where attention to detail is critical.

The Autumn Chairmaking Class Needs to Sign Up Soon
Brian Boggs of Berea, Kentucky builds beautiful handmade chairs that are not only a work of art, they're comfortable and built to last a lifetime. Students need to register as soon as possible for Brian's Autumn Workshop in Rockport, Maine: it takes place September 27 - October 8, 2004.

Brian designs and builds each chair by hand, using a process of steaming and bending each part of the back, legs and arms to a graceful and extremely comfortable curve. Brian sells his most popular chairs (and tables to go with them) from his catalog. He also is happy to design custom furniture to suit your needs. If you visit the Berea area, come by the shop to see and try out some of Brian's chairs yourself. A photo can only give you an idea of the beauty and comfort that await you.

Visit Brian online
(http://www.brianboggschairs.com)