Alfred University Lecture

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About a dozen sophomores visited the shop Saturday morning. The professor brings one class per semester. The art program includes using lumber. I gave them a tour and talked about the species Garreson Lumber sells, their cost and how to figure out what to buy. Then the professor picked out some basswood for carving projects. Some of the students bought honey and peacock feathers.

The best part about art students: they see the world differently than engineering students. They’ll buy a piece of lumber for a particular knot hole or crack. Once I had to run up to the field and saw off the end of a fence post for a girl. I tell them the more lumber they use, the higher the grade they get. It’s a little inside tip—I want them to do well. In the spring I can attend the open house and see what they’ve made.