Gold Coast Arts Center’s new wood workshop a hit with kids – Blog – The Island Now

Each campers complete One Board Minimalist Chair

The Gold Coast Arts Center’s Wood Workshop, a new week-long program offered during the Summer Arts Camp, wrapped up its first session. Campers ages 8 and up had the opportunity to create their own projects, in a safe environment, using raw material.

Girls and boys spent a great deal of time working on a one board minimalist chair, which some historians say dates back to the Vikings. Using acrylic or water based paints each camper created his or her own unique piece of furniture.

Karen Hubela, instructor of Wood Workshop, explained “the one board minimalist chair gave practical knowledge with a creative aspect. Woodworking builds persistence, concentration and use of new muscles.”

Intern Theo Chang said “It was an opportunity to be very creative while designing their chairs, for example there were cupcake, spaceship and chess board chairs.”

Other projects throughout the week included creative wooden plaques, designed by the campers. Dani Garofalo, assistant camp director said “students learned patience, time management and precision which enabled them to construct wonderful projects.”

The purpose of the program is to offer youngsters the opportunity to design, cut and use tools properly. “Safety is reinforced and they have spotters when using a drill or saw,” Hubela assured.

The Summer Arts Camp’s Wood Workshop will be offered next summer during the week of June 29 to July 2. “Next year’s class will offer new and exciting woodworking projects,” Hubela said. Registration is limited to 12 students and fills quickly.

For more information or to reserve a spot for next summer, call the Gold Coast Arts Center at 516-829-2570.

Submitted by the Gold Coast Arts Center.