Studio Chair Construction and Design Classes with Michael A. Doerr Michael demonstrates construction techniques used to make his original design, the "Number One Chair", using hand tools in combination with stationary tools. In this class, Michael works with students teaching a system of chair construction he has developed using Sam Maloof’s joint integration. Each student starts with a set of wooden blocks prepared by Michael in his shop. Michael demonstrates a system of construction and leg seat joinery based on the use of a table saw, band saw, router and simple hand tools. Michael seeks to impart practical knowledge to the student by using hand tools. After this five-day class, students leave with their chair, and the experiential knowledge which enables them to create chairs at home. During one and two-day workshops Michael assembles a chair in block form and discusses how these blocks, once assembled, can be transformed into a comfortable chair. Key considerations: seat to back relationship, comfort, design elements when creating your own chair, selection of appropriate woods and grain considerations. Finished chairs are on display for hands-on viewing. Michael equips students with the knowledge and experience needed to design their own chairs. Week long, hands-on classes are provided at the Doerr Woodworking Studio in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Students follow Michael in constructing their own chair from a set of blocks prepared in advance for them. Upon completion they will leave the class with the chair they have constructed. The week long course is limited to one or two student participants, and is available by appointment. 2007-08 Teaching Schedule: Michael Doerr Studio Private Chair Making Workshops take place regularly in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin Please, call for current availability. March 9 - 15, 2008 Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts Contact: Bill Griffith Assistant Director PO Box 567 Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738 Micheal Doerr also teaches on occasion at: Connecticut Valley School of Wood Working 249 Spencer St. Manchester, Connecticut Telephone: 860.647.0303 Northern Michigan University Marquette, Michigan Peninsula Art School Fish Creek, Wisconsin Penland School of Craft Penland, North Carolina Woodcraft Stores Nationwide USA Call to schedule: 920.743.5631 "Your hands-on demo made very clear the various processes that go into creating your chairs. Sitting in your chairs was especially rewarding as the great comfort and tactile delight were more than I first expected. Your concern for a continuity of line in integrating your work visually is greatly enhanced by the users physical contact with your work. The slide lecture was appreciated as you described the larger context that your work has developed in. The synthesis of your physical and visual concerns over time was clearly seen as well as your professional business practice. It was great for students to be able to observe and talk to a full time professional." William Leete Professor of Art and Design Northern Michigan University