Gallery quality woodwork with mentoring

Who says an amateur cannot turn out gallery quality woodwork?  It just takes the right combination.

Recently we guided an aspiring woodworker through the building of the following media center that defied all expectations for  quality. I am accustomed to the idea that beginners who join us to build their own projects can and do exceed their own expectations by a good margin. This time, it was myself who was amazed. David Budge and I went together to hand pick the walnut for this piece, labeling each cut right in the lumber yard. After that, I instructed, but did very little of the work myself. With only a 25 year old experience in his high school shop class, David translated my instructions and demonstrations into a remarkable piece. I would call this worthy of any gallery level woodworking outlet.
Let the images speak for themselves:

Three Little Rockers

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Here is a charming project by Leah Barnum, a recent participant in our Mentored Rentals program. Leah was inspired to make three rockers, one each for three grandchildren. She bought a set of plans on line that were described as an "easy" project. HAH! Rocking chairs are one of the most difficult woodworking projects you can do. With a bit of help from me, the indomitable Leah Barnum pulled this off like a trouper.

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