Fine Woodworking & Furniture Design, B.F.A.

Vermont State’s Bachelor of Fine Arts program in Fine Woodworking & Furniture Design is among few in the country. Our program will give you the skills, experience, and confidence to walk into any shop with a professional portfolio, ready to create homes, fine wood furniture, and cabinetry — or to start your own company.

You’ll take most of your courses at the Vermont Woodworking School, a historic barn/modern woodworking and carpentry shop in the heart of Vermont. The school has dedicated space for students and state-of-the-art equipment. Each hands-on woodworking class will prepare you to make an impact as an innovative craftsperson and problem-solver capable of delivering on people’s dreams.

Reach out with Questions

Paul Williams

Assistant Director of Admissions

802.635.1217

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Mary Martin

Professor of Art History and Program Director of MFA in Studio Arts

802.635.1360

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Why Study Fine Woodworking & Furniture Design at Vermont State?

  • Business Management Training: You’ll be prepared to start your own small design/build business or pursue careers in the wood products, manufacturing, and fabrication industries. You can also prepare to establish yourself in the art world and high-end furniture design community. 
  • State-of-the-Art Technology: For your woodworking projects, you’ll have your own dedicated bench space at the Vermont Woodworking School, a scenic 20-minute drive from Vermont State Johnson. The school gives you access to state-of-the-art bench rooms, mill shops, a finish room, a 12-seat computer lab, a photo studio, common areas, and galleries.  
  • Industry-Standard Software: You’ll graduate with skills using a variety of manual and digital woodworking tools, including SolidWorks and CAD programs, which are essential for design jobs in the wood industry and beyond. 
  • Polished Portfolio Development: Before you graduate, you’ll assemble a professional portfolio and establish a regular studio practice to set up strong, smart, and healthy work habits for your career. 
  • Professional Art World Access: You’ll become familiar with the art world outside of woodworking, including exhibition venues, graduate schools, and grant opportunities. 

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Program Outcomes

Recent employers of Vermont Woodworking School graduates include Vermont Farm Table, Shackleton-Thomas, Birdseye, and Thos. Moser. 

Other graduates have started their own shops and some have been accepted into highly acclaimed graduate programs such as Rochester Institute of Technology, Savannah College of Art and Design, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Pratt Institute. 

Sample Courses

  • Design Studio I, Small Tables 
  • Business Practice and Marketing for Artisans 
  • Art of the Human Body  
  • Advanced Media Arts 

Ready to Take the Next Step?