History

The Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute (SBWI) started unconventionally—as a renegade art and trade school, born from a shared passion for craft and community. Founded in 2015 by award-winning Windsor chairmaker Luke Barnett and accomplished artist Dena Koehn, SBWI quickly demonstrated its unique value, evolving into an official nonprofit on April 27, 2017.

Recognizing the demand for specialized woodworking education, Luke and Dena donated their woodworking tools to launch the institute. Leveraging Luke’s international reputation in niche woodworking circles, SBWI began offering immersive five-day workshops, attracting students worldwide.

In 2020, SBWI introduced its flagship Wood Design program, a rigorous college-level furniture-making course. Quickly recognized globally, the program is celebrated as one of the finest furniture-making educations available. Its excellence was further validated in 2022 when approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs, enabling veterans to utilize their GI Bill and other benefits.

The Wood Design program's success was powerfully demonstrated by its graduating class of 2023, achieving an extraordinary 100% employment rate. In 2024, SBWI reached another major milestone—earning full institutional and programmatic accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), a prestigious agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Today, SBWI proudly stands at the intersection of Fine Arts and Skilled Trades, continuing to flourish in Adrian, Michigan, as a vibrant hub for creativity, craftsmanship, and lifelong learning.