Students of Camosun College’s fine furniture program are putting on an exhibition to show off the work they have done throughout the 10-month program.
The “Against The Grain” exhibition will put on display 16 handcrafted chairs that have been created by the program’s grads.
This showcase highlights that in a society that increasingly values disposable goods, it is possible to defy the status quo and build original chairs made from locally salvaged wood.
“The students have been learning and honing their skills in joinery, design and furniture making over the 10-month program, all of which has culminated to showcase these unique designs in seating,” said Sandra Carr, program leader and instructor in fine furniture.
“It’s a great showcase of the students’ work, with a focus and emphasis on human craftwork in an increasingly automated and programmed world.”
For this year’s exhibition, students worked with reclaimed Garry oak, maple, and horse
chestnut wood supplied by the Vancouver Island Woodworkers’ Guild Wood Recovery Program, each adding their own flair to the designs they created on their own.
Erin O’Neill, a student graduating from the fine furniture program, says that she and the rest of her classmates were encouraged to explore themes beyond furniture construction and embrace counterculture as a way to push back against artificial intelligence that is replacing artists.
“We want to spark dialogue and raise awareness of the current geopolitical landscape affecting our industry while showcasing that young people care about this tradition,” said O’Neill.
“We want to preserve fine craftsmanship.”
In addition to the students’ chairs, the exhibition will feature other works from the grads, including personal projects and other assignment pieces from throughout the program.
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The public exhibition will open to the public with a gala event on Wednesday, June 24th, running from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Cedar Hill Arts Centre.
At the gala, there will be presentations of the students’ chairs and awards will be handed out to the grads.
An industry panel will be judging the chairs and attendees of the gala will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite.
The program these students are graduating from is a full-time, 10-month program offered at the Interurban campus.
During the 10 months, students are provided both in-class and practical shop learning to learn the fundamentals of joinery and cabinet-making.
After graduating from the program, students earn their level one certification in cabinetmaking.
Mark your calendar and check out the chairs created by these talented students.
Though the gala is on June 24th, the chairs will be on display at the Cedar Hill Arts Centre until July 15th.
Against the Grain: An Exhibition of Handcrafted Chairs
- When: Wednesday, June 24th to Wednesday, July 15th
- Where: Cedar Hill Arts Centre, 3220 Cedar Hill Road
- Admission: Free
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