So you want to be a furniture maker? Maybe you've thought about attempting to create some original pieces for your place. Looking at Prairie Mod this morning we saw a post on a Chicago resource that is totally new to us - the Chicago Bauhaus Academy.
Chicago Bauhaus Studios on North Clark offers classes in basic woodworking with an eye on advancing on to building your own furniture. Start with the Community Classes, a series of 4 classes (each is 9 weeks long) that cover hand tools, power tools, woodworking basics, and project design.
Continuing students can move on to wood inlay, turning, wood shaping and sculpting, upholstery and finishing. The classes are taught by master craftsman 
i have taken the first intro class here, and always have meant to continue. this is a true old world woodworking course and berthhold and sandra are great teachers. the advanced students make gorgeous stuff but there is no cutting corners here! the first course is all about making joints with a chisel, so if you're hoping to knock out a piece of furniture in the first semester go, elsewhere.
I've always wanted to take a course here!!
That stuff looks boss! Wish I still lived in Chicago!
this is neat. im definitely considering it. does anyone know a good place to take other kinds of classes like sewing, painting techniques, or upholstery? I've always wanted to build and then lacquer something.
Jennie (2)
Haha, I love it!!
Of course you can try Lil Street Art Center on Ravenswood and Montrose (?) they have classes-mostly ceramics and crafts though.
On Ravenswood and Cuyler (2 blocks from my apt!) there is a furniture company calle JK Chicago, or JA Chicago (I'll check) and their sign says they offer classes- this summer on Friday nights they had some rauccous parties!
There's also another furniture comapny on Ravenswood (go figure) up by the Fireside Lounge (Andersonville maybe) that has a sign the hints at classes/lessons...
If you just need access to a shop you can try the Park District Field Houses. I believe the Loyola Park Field house ahas a full woodshop/metal shop and offers some classes...
I have a slew of resources for printmaking if anyone's interested... For painting and other fine art you can always look into the Art Institute/other colleges at their night classes/continuing ed classes...etc...
Thanks, Julian! I will do some research based on those names. I'm a DIY spectator mostly but I know I can delve deeper.
Julian, I'd be very interested in your resources.
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