Now fifty years since I graduated from Victoria’s Oak Bay High School I have fond memories of wood shop class. Lacking an eye for detail coupled with insufficient powers of concentration I particularly loved making bowls on the wood lathe. I likely created more shavings than bowls, but it was wonderful fun.
When invited by a friend to attend the opening of a fine furniture show showcasing the work of recent graduates of a Camosun College program I jumped at the opportunity. Website information describes the program this way:
The Fine Furniture/Joinery program is a full-time, 10-month program offered at the Interurban campus. Classroom theory is combined with intensive hands-on experience, so you can develop relevant skills and knowledge for employment. At the end of the program, each student will design and build a final project that will be showcased in a public gallery.
If you are currently in high school and you are looking for an early start in the fine furniture and joinery field, check out the dual-credit programs offered through the South Island Partnership.
The Fine Furniture shop is located at the south end of the Jack White building on the Interurban campus. Our main shop is 3600 sq. ft. (360 sq. metres) in size, in addition to a well-equipped tool room and a 420 sq. ft. (42 sq. metre) fully equipped finishing room with a spray booth.
Our stationary power tools include two jointers, two thickness planers, three table saws, a radial arm saw, two bandsaws, two drill presses, a shopbot CNC router and a range of sanding equipment including a 25” (630mm) thickness sander.
As a graduate of the Fine Furniture/Joinery program, you’ll have the knowledge and skills necessary for entry into the furniture design, construction or finishing/refinishing industries. Components of the course focus on furniture-related skills and knowledge but also cover aspects of the cabinet making and millwork trades.
The show did not disappoint. Works created by a dozen crafters were created from Western Maple. Graduates fashioned frames and upholstery in a variety of traditional and contemporary designs all within the short space of a challenging forty-week apprentice-compliant program.
A lively crowd of approximately 100 furniture admirers gathered to celebrate the craft of furniture design and production. There were smiles everywhere.
Congratulations to all graduates and instructors. You have created something very beautiful for us to behold, and for those with sufficient resources, to own and enjoy. You won’t find these pieces at The Brick or even Standard Furniture. This work is available by appointment only. Fine craftsmanship deserves our attention, respect, and support. Thanks also to Camosun College for keeping this craft alive, now for over 38 years.
My complete set of images can be viewed here.
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Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 
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