Support Woodturning

The Willard Baxter Woodturning Studio is a woodturner’s dream come true. The 2,500-square-foot space features a tiered-seating demonstration area with video monitor, and separate wood preparation, turning, and finishing areas. Named after the late turner Willard Baxter, a former instructor and beloved presence in the woodturning world, the studio was completed in January 2007. The wooden pergola over the entrance was built in 2011 by Charles Judd’s Timber Framing class.

With your support, the Folk School can ensure that the Woodturning Studio thrives and continues to provide opportunities for the hundreds of students who pass through our program each year. Your donation to this program can provide general operating support or focus on specific needs, like new tools and equipment. Your gift today will make an immediate impact.

Support the Woodturning Studio

Week or Weekend Scholarships

The Folk School awards several scholarships each year, providing partial or full financial support for a weeklong or weekend class. Scholarships are awarded to individuals who demonstrate financial need along with an admiration for the Folk School’s unique education model.

Support a Woodturning Scholarship

Wood Studio Coordinator

Jeffrey Teal

Growing up around woodworking tools and machinery, Jeffrey developed a passion for craftsmanship at a young age, helping his dad with house remodels and cabinet building. Jeffrey’s journey into the world of woodworking truly began when he built guitars for Collings in Austin, Texas, where he fell in love with the artistry of working with wood.

At the Folk School, Jeffrey has had the privilege of participating in the timber framing mentorship and structure raising projects, as well as collaborating with Barry Stiles from Foxfire to restore our Log Cabin.

“Each project has been incredibly rewarding, highlighting the versatility and beauty of wood”.

Creative Program Advisor in Woodturning

Mark Taylor

Mark Taylor has been an avid woodcarver for more than 30 years. He’s built everything from sailboats to music instruments and turned 100’s of bowls. Mark has a love for all things wood and his super power is uncovering the beauty hidden inside any piece of wood and helping teach others peel away all the extra wood to reveal it’s hidden spirit.