Networking

Center for Furniture Craftsmanship Fellowships

The CFC Fellowship program provides emerging and established furniture makers, carvers, and turners with a stimulating environment for research into new skills, new designs, and new perspectives. Studio Fellowships provide free studio space and other benefits to individuals who are ready to commit anywhere from a month to a year to expanding their creative abilities.

Benefits

• Free studio space in a well-equipped facility

• Round-the-clock shop access, including weekends

• Attendance at demonstrations and lectures by more than 40 outstanding professionals who teach at the school annually

• Bi-weekly critiques by faculty and visiting instructors

• Access to the Center’s library and gallery

• Opportunity to participate in biennial Messler Gallery alumni exhibition

• Interaction with hundreds of professional and amateur furniture makers who participate in the Center’s instructional programs

Endowed Fellowships come with a stipend of $400/week, in addition to the above.

Applicants must:

• be experienced furniture makers, capable and ready to explore new work on their own initiative

• possess good interpersonal skills

• know how to use machinery and hand tools competently and safely

• have a record of creative achievement

• all Fellows are responsible for their own housing, materials, and transportation.

Visit their website to apply

Pocosin Arts offers a variety of residencies designed to support artists with time, space, and access to fully equipped studios in ceramics, metalsmithing, woodworking, and mixed media. Residencies include teaching opportunities, studio access, and housing. All programs are open to artists at any stage in their career and emphasize a supportive, communal environment.

January 2026, Winter Residency

Session 1: January 4 -17, 2026

Session 2: January 18 - 31, 2026

The Winter Residency offers a 2-week or 4-week session in January of uninterrupted studio time and an opportunity to work with artists across creative disciplines. Applicants propose a project for a primary studio area including ceramics, metalsmithing, and woodworking. There is also a mixed media studio suitable for other projects. Artists at any stage in their career are welcome but must be capable of using studio equipment independently.

The residency environment is conducive to individual and collaborative work. Each studio will be staffed with a coordinator to help with any equipment or studio-related questions during the workday.

Participants are responsible for providing their own materials and meals. They will have 24-hour access to a fully equipped communal kitchen and gas grill, a communal lounge area, and plenty of outdoor space to relax and enjoy river and town views.

Cost: $500 + studio fee and housing ($250-$900 depending on selection)

Apply Here!

Application Deadline: August 31, 2025!

Johnson's Workbench is seeking wood artisans to exhibit in their Wood Expo. There is no charge. Register by July 25 to be included in their EXPO Show Flyer, which is posted on their website and distributed at the show.

Wood Expo (Charlotte, MI) : Fri 9/5 - Sat 9/4/2025

Exhibitor Sign Up Form

Exhibitor Sign Up Contact: Connor Johnson (connor@theworkbench.com) or Rachel Weissenborn (rachel@theworkbench.com)

They are also seeking instructors (demonstrators) to participate in both the Wood Expo and their other ShowCase in South Bend, IN.

Wood Expo (Charlotte, MI): Fri 9/5 - Sat 9/4/2025

ShowCase (South Bend, IN): Fri 9/26 - Sat 9/27/2025

Spots are free. Register by July 25 to be included in their EXPO Show Flyer, which is posted on their website and distributed at the show.

Demonstrator/Instructor Sign Up Form

Demonstrator/Instructor Contact: Jaelyn Patton (jaelyn.patton@theworkbench.com)

Learn more: https://theworkbench.com/expo.php

Troy Historic Village is seaking wood artisans for their Handcrafted: A Traditional Trades and Crafts Fair.

Date: Saturday September 27, 10:00-5:00

Location: 60 W Wattles Rd, Troy, MI 48098

Contact: Alexander Konieczny (akonieczny@thvmail.org)

More info: The goal of the show is to pack the site with people who make things. Unlike most craft shows, the emphasis for this show is the demonstration of handcraft and public interaction, as opposed to selling products. Last year we had cabinetmakers, coopers, carvers, leatherworkers, knitters, weavers, blacksmiths, coppersmiths and more in attendance and it was incredible to see everyone at work. While the focus of the show is not retail, selling products and promoting businesses is allowed, as long as participants are also demonstrating their craft. My hope with this event is that it helps remind visitors to the site what can be accomplished with your hands and appreciate the value of things made by artisans.

The date is September 27. The doors open to the public at 10:00 and close at 5:00. Artisans may choose to do a full day or half day. Half day shifts are 10:00-1:30 or 1:30 to 5:00. Artisans may show up an hour before their chosen timeslot to set up.

There are a few indoor spaces that may be made available, but with limited space, many artisans will be stationed outside on the Village Green. You are welcome to bring a canopy tent for shade, or we can place you in one of our shaded areas. Artisans are expected to bring everything you will need for the day, including a table/workbench, chairs, meals, etc.

Some of the artisans in attendance practice traditional crafts with an entirely historic set of tools and sometimes clothes – that’s very cool but not required! Most artisans occupy the 21st century and their clothes, tools, and techniques reflect that – both are welcome. The emphasis is on craft – not just history. Electricity is available for 21st century craftspeople.

Learn more here: https://www.troyhistoricvillage.org/programs/handcrafted-a-traditional-trades-and-crafts-fair/

HistoriCorps

HistoriCorps is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides volunteers of all skill levels with a hands-on experience in preserving historic structures on public lands across America. Volunteers work with HistoriCorps field staff to learn preservation skills and put those skills to work saving historic places that have fallen into disrepair. HistoriCorps works to ensure that America’s cultural and historical resources exist for future generations.

Volunteering with HistoriCorps involves working on historic preservation projects, learning hands-on preservation skills, and contributing to the preservation of historic sites across the country. HistoriCorps provides all necessary resources, including meals, tools, training, and equipment, and volunteers generally sign up for a fixed period, usually a week at a time.

Current Volunteer Opportunities: https://historicorps.org/2025-volunteer-opportunities/