GRACE HUDSON MUSEUM EXHIBIT NARRATES HISTORY OF KRENOV SCHOOL
The Grace Hudson Museum opened its new exhibit, “Deep Roots, Spreading Branches: Fine Woodworking of the Krenov School,” on Friday, April 5.
Under the guidance of renowned furniture maker and author James Krenov (1920-2009), what began as the College of the Redwoods Fine Woodworking program evolved into the Krenov School of Fine Woodworking at Mendocino College. “Deep Roots, Spreading Branches” looks at the 40-plus-year history of this internationally renowned school, located in Fort Bragg, and features pieces by over 40 different woodworkers, including James Krenov, program graduates, and past and present faculty.
In addition to learning about Krenov's ideas and principles of woodworking, which became the foundation of the school and its curriculum, museum visitors will be able to find out how students experienced the program and where it led them after they graduated. An oral history video station will allow visitors to hear directly from former students and instructors and dive deeper into woodworking techniques through interactive elements.
Diving deeper into woodworking techniques is what the Krenov School is all about. Laura Mays, who came from Ireland to study at the school in 2001 and returned to fill the position of director in 2011, remarks that the Krenov School's approach is all about “respecting the wood” and having “a very caring approach to the material. You won't work against your nature or the nature of the wood.” This approach is comparable to the Slow Food movement and related movements in recent years, which invite people to slow down and experience the depth and richness of the traditional crafts that many have abandoned for the convenience of the modern world.
Mays emphasizes that the instruction methods and tools of the school have remained mostly unchanged since its inception in 1981. She describes the band saw as “our go-to machine,” which is “versatile and safe.” Shop manager Todd Sorenson keeps the school's six band saws and all other machines “tuned to perfection,” though all work is finished with hand tools.
Students sharpen their planes and chisels and make small knives and other tools. They also make their planes with blades from Hock Tools, a local company, which gives the wood “a very silky cut finish.”
Every dedicated craftsperson emphasizes tools and the importance of selecting and caring for them. Museum Curator Alyssa Boge notes that students “focused on their tools to create the best piece possible.”
In creating the exhibit, Boge and Museum Director David Burton met with an advisory committee comprised of current and
former Krenov School students, instructors and administrators, and James Krenov's daughter, Tina. Those meetings prompted questions and discussions around “How do you learn these techniques? How does this choice affect what is visible and not visible?” Boge notes that the physicality of the project is important. “If you create something physical, you see it through to the end. There is a sense of accomplishment you get from doing something that can be really hard.”
Even so, Boge continues, “It's not about just making a table; it's about making something with soul.” Or, as Krenov put it, “If one pays enough attention to the richness of wood, to the tools, to the marvel of one's own hands and eye, all these things come together so that a person's work becomes that person; that person's message.”
“Deep Roots, Spreading Branches” will be on display through Aug. 18. Several other public programs are planned, including a virtual program with Krenov biographer Brendan Gaffney on April 18; a tool-sharpening workshop at the Krenov School in Fort Bragg on May 25; and virtual panel discussions with Krenov School instructors and students, past and present, in July and August. The museum also encourages visitors to see the Krenov School's annual spring student show at Highlight Gallery in Mendocino Village running from May 18 to 27.
“Deep Roots, Spreading Branches” has been made possible by the generosity of The Krenov Foundation, The Sun House Guild, Grace Hudson Museum members, the Krenov School, Mendocino College, and Lie-Neilsen Toolworks.
The Grace Hudson Museum is at 431 S. Main St. in Ukiah. For more information, visit www.gracehudsonmuseum.org or call 707-467-2836.