Are you wondering about how to become a furniture maker? Ready to change that hobby into a career? Join us for a panel discussion with furniture makers' journeys moderated by Ellen Adams. Ellen will lead the discussion for the first hour and then you can ask questions to the panelists for the final 30 minutes! We are recording the talk so if you cant make it that night, you can watch it later. We will email you a link post discussion.

A bit about the panelists...

Born and raised in New York City, Sophie received her MFA in Furniture Design and Woodworking from San Diego State University, and BFA in Sculpture and Drawing from SUNY Purchase College. 

Phoebe Kuo is a studio woodworker who makes site-specific sculpture using traditional furniture making techniques. As a craft researcher, she jointly received an Exhibition Research Grant from the Center for Craft for a book project on women in woodworking. Phoebe studied design at Stanford University and Cranbrook Academy of Art, and woodworking at The Krenov School. She lives in Oakland, CA, with her wife, baby, and two rabbits.

Vivian Chiu was born in Los Angeles and emigrated to Hong Kong at the age of three. Her interests in creating objects and the visual arts led her to attend the Rhode Island School of Design (BFA '11 Furniture Design) and Columbia University (MFA '19 Sculpture). With an aptitude for problem solving and a sensitivity towards materials, Vivian utilizes continuous deconstruction and reconstruction to create optical sculptures and explore ideas of visibility and perception.  She is part of the 2022 American Craft Council Emerging Artists Cohort. Vivian is currently teaching in the Craft/Material Studies program at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Sarah Watlington is a woodworker, artist and educator based in Los Angeles, CA. Sarah is a graduate of the Krenov School of Fine Woodworking, in Ft Bragg, CA, builds custom furniture as the project manager at Offerman Woodshop (LA), and teaches woodworking courses locally and across the country. 

This discussion will be held on Zoom.