Wood and Furniture

Edinboro University’s Wood Area is the smallest of eleven media-specific disciplines in a very large and diverse Art Department (roughly 1000 students and 50 full-time faculty).  Students receive a BFA in Fine Arts/Crafts with a concentration in Wood Furniture.

In their first semester, students begin with a non-utilitarian carving project, becoming familiar with the properties of wood and further honing their 3D design skills.  They then learn about basic woodworking machinery and joinery, designing and constructing a table.  In subsequent courses, students investigate box and cabinet construction, chair design, vacuum-bag lamination, and working in series / designing for production.  A thorough approach to design is taken, with sketches, models, and full-scale drawings and mock-ups.  In all courses, the work of historically significant and contemporary wood artists is viewed and discussed. In addition, students are encouraged to take an environmentally responsible approach to the choices they make as a designer, giving consideration to efficient use of materials, choosing lumber that is sustainable, and using less toxic finishing products.  In general, EUP’s wood program strives to provide students with a strong foundation of woodworking and design skills, emphasizing originality and innovation in design and concept.

In 2005, students in the Wood Program at Edinboro formed the Student Government sponsored Wood Club, which continues to grow in size each semester and is an important supplement to each student’s education in the classroom.  The club takes at least one trip each semester to visit artists’ studios and attend events such as the Fine Furnishings Show in Providence, RI, the Philadelphia Fine Furnishings Show, and most recently, SOFA Chicago.