Help me plan my 2017 Sabbatical

[Brian Kent]

Time to plan a 3 month woodworking sabbatical.

Sometimes a Sabbatical is for professional development. This one will be for refreshment and rest. I think I can combine vacation and continuing education over a couple of years and have a 3 month Sabbatical in 2017.

What can I do for 3 months on the artistic / creative / woodworking, etc. time of life? Maybe a day or two in 60 Sawmill Creek shops!

My Tabla Rasa is ready. Inspire me!

[Phil Rose]

Thinking 60 Creekers in 90 days might be an interesting book...

[Thom Sturgill]

There is an annual AAW symposium, but I have no idea when or where in 2017, but that would be a good start. If you like visiting the east coast (actually the Appalachian Mountains), there are great classes available at the John C Campbell Folk School in Brasswtown NC. Great people and a great setting. Arrowmont on the other side of the mountains in TN, offers more art oriented classes, but I believe, lacks the folksy setting of Campbell. I'm sure there are also schools in other parts of the country depending on your specific interests.

[Wally Dickerman]

Thom has it right. If you want your sabbbatical to be at least partly about woodturning classes are fun and would be very helpful to further your turning. You have plenty of time to do some investigating. First, in 2013 you have no idea what kind of turning will be your big interest in 2017. In 2016 you'll know a lot more and can pick a good teacher to learn from. Either one on one or in a class. There is a wide range of teachers out there to help you.

I really wish that I had the opportunity that you have. Back in the 50's, 60's and 70's I struggled to learn on my own. I knew no other turners and knew of no teachers or classes to take.

[Reed Gray]

Well, if you are up Oregon way, stop on by.

Will you be in Phoenix next year?

robo hippy

[Brian Kent]

Well, if you are up Oregon way, stop on by.

Will you be in Phoenix next year?

robo hippy

What happens in Phoenix.

[charlie knighton]

the national woodturning symposium in usuallly late june, it moves aroound the country, tampa this june, phoenix in 2014

[Reed Gray]

I think the second weekend in June, the AAW Symposium. I will be there. Input data over load!

robo hippy

[Brian Kent]

Nice. Usually I have my Annual Conference for my work the second or third week of June. I hope the time is open.

[Noah Barfield]

You may want to consider a week long class at schools like Arrowmont or Anderson Ranch. There are many world class turners who teach these week-long sessions. That's what I'd do if I were taking a sabbatical!

[Dan Forman]

Keep an eye on Stuart Batty's website. He is putting together what looks like a pretty incredible teaching facility in Boulder CO. Not much going on there yet, but by the time you are ready, he ought to be in full swing. Stuart Batty Woodturning School | Stuart Batty Woodturning

Dan

[Jim Watkins]

It's not woodworking related, but on Aug 21st of 2017 is a total solar eclipse visible in the midwest as well as across the entire USA. If your going on a vacation, I would add that to your list of things to do...

[curtis rosche]

how far are you going?

[John Keeton]

Brian, on my list would definitely be the AAW symposium, and a week long class at John C. Campbell Folk School. Your wife will thoroughly enjoy JCC, and she can take a class the same week - cooking, quilting, basketry, etc. Fantastic setting with great food.

There are a multitude of symposiums across the country, including the Ohio Valley Woodturning Guild event in October. Again, a great venue, very intimate setting, and great food.

You might want to put away enough money for all of this, as not much about this hobby is free. On the other hand, fellow turners are gracious with their time, so touring various shops of creekers may be a consideration. Bernie did that last year, as I recall. If you find yourself in the area, you are welcome to stop by my humble shop.

[John Beaver]

Check out Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Rockport Maine (woodschool.org). They have workshops in woodturning as well as all the other woodworking disciplines. You could take back to back 1 week classes or a 12 week intensive.