New exhibit narrates history of Krenov School

The Grace Hudson Museum will offer an opening reception for its new exhibit, “Deep Roots, Spreading Branches: Fine Woodworking of the Krenov School,” today, from 5 to 8 p.m. As with all First Fridays, the event is free, with music from the Marjo Wilson Trio and refreshments, including beer provided by North Coast Brewing Company.

What began as the College of the Redwoods Fine Woodworking program, under the guidance of renowned furniture maker and author James Krenov ( 1920- 2009), 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, graduates of the program, 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 then to dive deeper into woodworking techniques through the use of 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're not going to work against your own 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 conveniences 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 ultimately finished with hand tools.

Students sharpen their own planes and chisels, and make small knives and other tools. They also make their own planes with blades from Hock Tools, a local company, which gives the wood “a very silky cut finish.”

This emphasis on tools and the importance of selecting and caring for them is the mark of every dedicated craftsperson. Museum Curator Alyssa Boge also notes how students “focused on their tools to create the best piece possible.”

In creating the exhibit, Boge, along with 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