The good folks at Old Sturbridge Village have invited the Guild to be part of the celebration of the opening of OSV’s new Cabinet Shop on the holiday weekend of October 9-11, 2021. The theme of the event is a “Celebration of Woodworking,” during which the new shop will be welcoming visitors and Chris Nassise, the craftsman in residence, will demonstrate 19th century tools and techniques.
Chris suggested that this might be a chance for the Guild to represent the evolution of woodworking, showing our work and discussing careers, craft, and hobby with visitors. We’d have an outdoor tent near the shop, and (possibly) have space in the Main Visitor center to display pieces for the weekend.
Time is short, and I’m hoping that we have enough Guild members able to staff a table, chat with visitors, perhaps demonstrate some hand-tool techniques (no power tools, alas), and/or lend some small pieces to strut our stuff. Tools and projects do not have to be historical – modern designs are especially welcome. Do you want to strut your stuff and encourage other woodworkers to join our Guild, while hanging out with other Guild members?
This could be a lovely opportunity to build a bridge between our Guild and OSV, and to enjoy some early fall time in a beautiful place. Guild members who staff the tent will be free to explore the village when “off duty” and be among the first to visit the new cabinet shop.
If you are interested in either lending a piece for the weekend, or being on-site for a 4-hour shift, please contact Rob Carver (robert.carver@comcast.net) before Sept. 17 indicating when you are available and what piece you might be able to show. If you have a technique to demo, mention that as well.
For starters, we’ll aim to have a presence on Saturday, Oct 9. If we have enough people available, we can add Sunday and Monday in turn.
Some important considerations:
- There is already a Guild event scheduled for Sat. morning October 9, featuring the amazing Garrett Hack via Zoom. As usual, Hack's event will be recorded.
- OSV has a mask requirement, and is open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- We will be outdoors, and Village is open rain or shine (except for extreme weather).
Check out the new shop! https://www.osv.org/explore-the-village/cabinetmaking/
