Wichita resident David Fowler wants to share his craft skills and love of woodworking with other Wichitans.
The new woodworking academy in Wichita is aimed at hobbyists, not people looking for a new career.
"It's not going to be a business school," Fowler said.
"I'm at a point in my life where I want to give back and share what I've learned over the last 30 years and help people develop their passion for creating things with their hands."
Fowler said he has been making furniture his whole life.
He was educated in New York State and received an Associate's Degree in Furniture Design and Construction.
Before striking out on his own, Fowler worked for the late, internationally renowned sculptor and furniture maker Wendell Castle for nearly a decade.
"Working with Andel, I learned a very high level of craftsmanship," Fowler said. "Wendel wrote that my skill with hand-cut dovetails was the best he had ever seen."
He said that working with the teacher taught him a lot.
"He taught me a lot about design, scale and space."
In the year In 1999, Fowler returned to Wichita and earned a business degree from Wichita State University. At the same time, he was working in a woodworking shop while completing his education. He said he had been thinking about the school for years.
The school opened within four weeks at Fowler's Woodworks, Sec., and Cleveland.
Although the facilities are separate, they are housed in the same building.
Fowler said he originally planned a gallery in the front of the store, but changed that space to a room with wooden chairs for the school.
"The focus of the school will be very broad," he said.
There will be beginner, intermediate and advanced classes and some will be for women only.
Classes are held in the evenings and on weekends.
"It depends on market demand. . . . Leave it alone," Fowler said.
He said that he offers two types of courses.
A person focuses on one thing. Students leave with furniture or furniture. The focus of these courses is on what participants do rather than learning carpentry skills.
"Other courses only focus on woodworking," Fowler said.
These lessons cover techniques, skills, and the use of hand and power tools.
Different prices apply for the courses.
A one-day course can cost anywhere from $125 to $250. A one-week class can cost between $700 and $950.
"It depends on the materials needed for that course," Fowler said.
The school first borrows from the commercial engine room. Ultimately, Fowler said, he plans to keep the school as his main focus.
The school's website is still under construction, but anyone interested in the course can check out the courses tab at fowlerwoodworking.com.
Previously, Fowler taught at WSU in New York and Wichita as a senior woodworking consultant with GoCreate. He said he took various courses there, some of which focused on security.
Fuller's friend John Belt, a retired WSU professor, told him he was a natural teacher and encouraged him to follow that path.
Today, Fowler says he wants to invite people to slow down their lives and see what they can create.
He says the best students are people who "just want to do something with their hands."
