Lumber to Lumbar: Seating in Western Maple 26th Annual Exhibition by Fine Furniture Graduates

June 18-28, 2013 at The Arts Centre at Cedar Hill,
Cedar Hill Recreation Centre, 3220 Cedar Hill Rd, Victoria

June 19, 2013

After ten intense and creative months, 15 students are about to graduate from Camosun College with a certificate in Fine Furniture and Joinery. And now they’re laying it on the line with their end-of-year exhibit, showcasing their final projects and submitting their creations to critical judgment by industry experts. View the projects...

Each student was challenged to design and manufacture seating using western maple donated by the Vancouver Island Woodworkers’ Guild. “This year’s grads are BC’s emerging designers,” says Ken Guenter, program leader for Camosun’s Fine Furniture program.  “Besides showcasing their talent, this exhibit also lets the public know that high quality, well-designed furniture is being made in Victoria out of our local wood resources.”  

The finished chair must be designed to meet standard shipping size requirements. If the assembled project is too large, it must be designed and constructed so that it can be shipped in parts and easily assembled once delivered.  The exhibition will also feature ¼ scale models of the finished projects which were part of the design process.

“It’s important for our students to know how their new skills can work for them in the real world,” says Guenter. “There is a viable global market for made-in-Victoria furniture designs.”

The student projects will be judged by a panel of furniture industry experts:  local designer J.C. Scott of JC Scott and Associates; Oliver Scott, owner of Caldonia Silva Woodwork and Design; and Martin Byers owner of ThankU.ca .  Judging will take place at the Gallery at Cedar Hill Rec Centre from 1-3pm on Thursday, June 20, and the “best in show” will be announced Thursday evening, June 20 when the exhibit officially opens at 7pm. The judges’ choice will receive a $500 cash prize, donated by the Vancouver Island Woodworkers’ Guild. We welcome all to come and see the work and make their own determination as to which piece they think is “best in show.”

The public is welcome to view the exhibit from June 18 to June 28, from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm daily.

Media Contact

Ken Guenter
Fine Furniture / Joinery program leader
Camosun College
250-370-3760  
guenter@camosun.ca