Description

Construct six nested boxes. The workshop focuses on the process by which the Shakers made these wooden vessels more than 150 years ago. Elegant simplicity describes Shaker design. No woodworking experience necessary. This workshop fills quickly with Eric’s followers. As beginners to advanced, this learning experience is easily accessible.

Each student will make a nest of six boxes from cherry wood. Thin strips of wood bands are carefully prepared in Michigan. In the workshop, students carve the “fingers” on one end before soaking them in a hot water bath. The bands are bent in an oval shape and copper tacks hold each band together. Quarter-sawn cherry tops and bottoms are fitted and held in place by wooden pegs. Simple construction and elegant design make this project appealing to anyone with an interest.

This is a  3-day workshop.

Teaching Artist Biography: Eric Pintar

Eric travels the nation teaching this traditional craft. He teaches to preserve history and supplies craftspeople with materials for their work. When you build in the shaker style Eric says, “It leads one to feel connected to the past. These vessels were being made by Shaker brethren nearly two hundred years ago and today the tradition is carried on. It’s an obligation of stewardship that leads to a continuity of craftsmanship.”