Masterpiece School of Furniture, Fort Bragg CA

Category & Type :

Artists

Location :

541 S. Franklin Street , Fort Bragg CA

Phone :

707-964-8798

Website :

http://www.masterpieceschool.com/

Information about Masterpiece School of Furniture...

A traditional woodworking program forms the foundation for the Masterpiece School of Furniture. Our commitment is to teach each student the philosophy and classic form of 17th and 18th century furniture making. The small class size ensures the intensive individual training necessary to produce and successfully market true museum quality masterpieces.

Our fundamental goal is to impart the traditional woodworking skills and techniques necessary to professionally construct elegant, classical 17th and 18th century English and American Furniture.

Our passionate commitment to old-world craftsmanship dominates the learning process from the initial drafting and design sessions, through the selection of quality materials, the proper use of hand and machine tools, and the final finishing of the piece. The ability to hand craft museum quality masterpiece furniture enables our graduates to enjoy both personal satisfaction and a rewarding career.

The area is renowned for Fine Woodworking with the College of the Redwoods nearby and many successful woodworkers who live and work in the area. The workshop is located in Fort Bragg on the beautiful rugged Mendocino coast. San Francisco is 3 hours away by road through redwood forests and wine country.

The shop consists of 4000 sq ft. and is fully equipped with all the necessary machines. Each student will be provided with their own workbench and storage space. There is also a small reference library.

Admission Requirements:

Students must be at least 18 years of age, and if possible, be able to demonstrate some ability in woodworking tasks, or show a desire to do so.

Classes will run from September through May each year.

Application Process:

1. Every applicant must visit the school before enrollment, or have an extensive phone interview.

2. The applicant should fill out the form and return it only when all of the questions have been answered. If possible include any photos or slides of your work.
 
Enrollment:

Upon acceptance for a specific starting date, the applicant will be sent an "Enrollment Agreement" that includes all costs, payment plans and other terms of enrollment. This Agreement must be signed and returned within two weeks.

Registration Fee:

The "Enrollment Agreement" should be signed and returned with a $100.00 Registration Fee. This fee is non-refundable after 5 days and is not part of the tuition.

Tuition:

Upon signing the Enrollment Agreement and paying the Registration Fee, the tuition is set at the rate existing at the time of enrollment. The 2007 - 2008 cost of instruction is $21,000.00 per year with a $5,000 deposits with 8 monthly payments of $2,000 per month, if the payment plan is selected.

The 2008 - 2009 will increase a small amount to cover the rate of fuel increase and other normal cost adjustments.

Tools:

Students are responsible for providing their own hand tools in accordance with a list that will be provided after signing the enrollment agreement. Their cost is estimated at $1,500 and upwards.

Materials:

The cost of wood, hardware, finishing materials and any special materials associated with the chosen project are the responsibility of the student. The estimated cost is $1,500 + or - per year.

Instruction:

instruction will be available from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM Monday through Friday taking a one-hour daily lunch break. These hours are in accordance with the school calendar. The two year course is approximately 2000 hours.

Shop Hours:

The shop will be available to the students under the supervision of a shop instructor after regular school hours from 3:00 till 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. Shop will be closed on the weekends. This extra shop time is included in the tuition.

Machine Tooling:

Material or special machine tooling that is to be made for a project will be provided to the student. The tool will remain the property of the school or the student can purchase his or her own material and retain possession of the finished tool.

Housing:

The school does not provide any housing but will assist whenever possible to arrange for student accommodation. If you have any further questions, please contact the school at 707-964-8798.

Course Description:

This Two year program starts with a design and drafting phase which takes the student through the history of 17th and 18th century furniture in England and America, and pinpoints the development of construction through the periods.

Based on these observations, the student will develop drawing techniques to show basic wood joint construction. Design and drafting of full size furniture layouts will follow.

Shop work will begin with instruction on tool use and sharpening followed by basic wood preparation and the making of simple joints. Students will design and construct a tool chest to suit their individual needs. Instruction continues with the design and making of several pieces of furniture.

Under guidance from an instructor, each piece will be designed and a full size working drawing with material list will be generated. Wood selection, sawing and shaping of parts and assembly follow, which leads to the finishing process. The safe use of machines and their maintenance will be taught during the whole process, as well as the upkeep and safety of the workshop.

Instruction on finishing processes will be given so that individual students can select what is best for them and the piece. Students will be obliged to record the time spent on each project to gain an understanding of the costs of the piece, for business use.