December 2024 Newsletter
Cheril Barber
Welcome to the January newsletter
Is it really that time? Holidays and the end of the year? It always seems to come as a bit of a shock that we're here already. Don't you think?
It's also that time when we tend to reflect on the past year. 2024 was a little different for the school, a time of transitions and readjustments. There was no Full Time Furniture Makers Programme this year, which had only been misseed twice before, in 2011 and 2016. So we packed in as many short courses as we could. Was wonderful to meet new students and see our returning students again.
And as you do at this time of year, we also look ahead at what's to come. We're so excited for the Residency Programme "An Exploration of Curves" with Yuri Kobayashi & David Haig happening in Jan and Feb. We'll be sure to keep you updated on social media with pictures of that adventure! Our full time Furniture Makers Programme is back next year, fully subscribed, and we have a wonderful group we're welcoming to the school in March. We also have a few new short courses we're including in next year's programme, and a few that we're bringing back that we haven't offered in a while, with some revisions! All in all, 2025 looks like it's going to be a ton of fun!
Most of all, we'd like to thank you, our students and all those who have supported the school and continue to do so.
Without you, there wouldn't be an us.
CFW 2024 EXHIBITION "18"
This year's Exhibition "18" takes place at the elegant Parker Gallery in the centre of Nelson, beautifully curated by the gallery owner, Leonie Allen. The opening on Thursday 12th December was met with huge success. The exhibition will continue until Jan 23rd, 2025. It's one not to miss!
Watch a Virtual Tour of the Exhibition and see the photographs of the pieces on our website gallery.
All photography done by our incredibly talented friend and generous supporter Daniel Allen.
We would like to congratulate all of the makers who's work is on display!
We'll be adding more information to our website on each of the Exhibition makers soon. So watch this space!
We took the opportunity to officially show Helen our love and sincere appreciation for her 14 years of dedicated service to the school as the Trust Manager. She received a gift of a commission from one of our school tutors, and exhibitor, and dear friend Hape Kiddle, who flew over for the event from Australia. This is Helen receiving her stunning gift, titled "Kin."
And a huge thank you to Helen for organizing the 2024 Exhibition, too!
EMERGING ARTIST RESIDENCY
We had the pleasure of hosting an “Emerging Artist Residency” from September through December with Keren Oertly, a graduate of our Furniture Makers Programme and emerging maker. We loved having Keren's enthusiasm, creative energy, and kind soul at the school during the 12 week programme. The result is a truly gorgeous piece by Keren, displayed in the current 2024 Exhibition.
Congratulations Keren! Thank you for letting us be part of your journey.
Keren acknowledges the generous support provided by Arts Council Nelson, the Centre for Fine Woodworking, David Haig, Lou Fuller, Make Furniture, Kelvin Atkinson, Parker Gallery, Daniel Allen Photography, Alison Oertly and Michael Ryan in the production and presentation of this work.
Tēnei te mihi ngākau ki a koutou katoa. Heartfelt thanks to you all.
Work-in-progress...
The stunning result, Titled "Wrapped Table"
There are still spaces left in the following classes happening February - April.
THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS
It's always such a wonderful surprise to receive a donation for the school. We want to thank you, our donors, for your generosity in supporting the school and what we do. And it's more than that, too. It's a heartfelt reminder of community, of shared goals, and of kind friends.
If you're interested in becoming a donor, please visit our donar webpage or call us on: (03) 545 2674.
Another way you can support the school is with your enrolments in our classes! Thanks for the enrolments so far for next year. We look forward to seeing you.
Sharing your experiences at the school on social media is also a great help to us. Please do tag us in! Our social media links are below.
Thank you!
WOOD QUIZ
We're back with another Wood Quiz!
This is one of Lou Fuller's pieces. For those of you who don't know, Lou is our brilliant Lead Tutor here at the school.
You can read more about Lou here.
In this true labour of love tribute to her adorable pup, Lou has used two different kinds of wood. Do you know what they are?
From my short time at CFW, I've seen how hard everyone works behind the scenes to make the school what it is. It's been a big year, so a huge thanks and love to Lou, who always puts her whole heart and soul into the school and her teaching. Alice and Gloria, who do an amazing job keeping everything ticking and the good cheer flowing in the workshop. Our wonderfully talented team of tutors who share their skills and love of the craft so generously. The Trustees who volunteer their time to govern and care for the school. And Helen who has worked tirelessly to keep the school going through this tough year, and has thankfully stayed on as a consultant for the school, sharing her wealth of knowledge and skills with me. Huge hugs! As Lou likes to say, "Team work makes the dream work!"
Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season full of good times, fond memories, and excitement for what lies ahead.
Ngā mihi o te tau hou