Spring Exhibition question

[James Barry]

I'm planning to attend the Spring exhibition on Saturday, May 16th.  It's been a long time since I have attended classes or visited the facility.   Will there be tours of the FWW facility available on the day of the exhibition?  If not, can I arrange a visit at another date?

Jim Barry

[Ralph Kolva]

Hopefully one of the current faculty will respond as I am no longer an adjunct with the program and a bit out of the loop.  The Student Exhibit is typically a showcase of student work, sometimes displayed in the FIW shop, sometimes in other locations on, or off campus (I recall that Kent Mace hosted one show at "Collector's Specialty Woods").  In my recollection it does not include a tour of all the FIW facilities, but one would get a good idea of the machinery in the main shop.  When I was with the program I did on occasion obtain permission for a tour for a prospective instructor or student but do not recall a formal tour of the facilities.  I think such a tour might bring some prospective students into the program?  I can say with confidence that you would not be disappointed with the wide variety of tools and machinery available.  The main shop will be obvious, other facilities include a complete computer lab for CAD/CAM and design, several CO2 laser engraver/cutters, 3 CNC routers, spray booth, luthiery shop, wood storage area, classroom spaces outside the main shop, upstairs area for classes and storage, large hand tool collection for student use, sharpening area with materials for an entire class, etc.  One of the main benefits students have expressed is just being part of an inspiring community of people that share a common passion, I think students learn as much from each other as they do in formal classes.  It's a terrific program, IMHO, well equipped shop, excellent instructors (give some of the faculty a search, I think you will be impressed), if you're on the fence I would say give a class a try, you won't find a better deal for instruction and shop space, community college tuition is pretty accessible.