Portlander Heidi McNamee says she feels lucky to be in the same town as the Studio. “I just completed my five-day joinery workshop with Gary Rogowski and have learned a ton. I loved the work…being able to focus on one thing for hours on end was a real joy.”

Melissa Madenski of Oregon says “ ….just want you to know how much I enjoyed the classes….that it’s in my “future” plans and how it’s made me look at a lot of things differently….plus I’m using my coat rack!”

“I loved being at the Studio and learning from Gary. He has a gift for teaching.” says Tonda Burgin of Oregon.”

“I had a wonderful time at NWS. Everyone was kind enough to let a newbie like me feel comfortable in a very demanding curriculum. My deepest gratitude to Gary and Peter, who stayed late with me to let me catch up a bit, so I’m not too much behind. Brian’s class has been very intense and fast-paced, but I’ve learned so much over the week. I’m pretty sure I can make another chair,” says Chris Chen of California.”

“I took my unwrapped chair directly to curbside check-in at American Airlines and no problem; it arrived in North Carolina unharmed. ” says Dennis Ross of North Carolina, “It was a great vacation and wonderful meeting everyone! I’ll be back.”

John Watson of Delaware writes, “I chose to fly across the country and stay in Portland for that week for one primary reason: your reputation both as a world class craftsman and as a teacher. These are characteristics not always found in the same person; many woodworking schools contract with big name furniture makers who aren’t necessarily good teachers.”

“I am a high school student just beginning to develop an interest in woodworking… I really look forward to developing my character, skill, knowledge and values in such a wonderful and respectful learning environment.” – Local High School Student

“In the last 5 years, I have attended 3 week-long workshops at the Studio. Each of my classes has been an outstanding experience in which I had the privilege of studying with Gary Rogowski and other masters of the furniture making craft,” writes Ben Silverman of California. “Indeed, there is nothing comparable to the Studio on the west coast and few of equal quality in the entire country.”

“Gary, I thank you and your staff at The Northwest Woodworking Studio for the increasing of my woodworking education and knowledge. I am looking forward to my week long class in September and further classes in the years to come,” says Garry Fanthorpe of Washington. “My last class at the Studio had an age range of young people in their 20′s right on through to a person in his 70′s. We took away from the class skills that helped me make better furniture and a young man to make boxes that he planned to sell locally as just two examples.”

Portlander Scott Talley says, “Gary’s school is a valuable resource to the community in which the students are gaining incredible skills that are all too rare in our modern society.”

Jim Gryte of Oregon writes, “As a busy health care professional, I don’t have the luxury of spending a lot of time pursuing my woodworking interests, but thanks to the Northwest Woodworking Studio, I’ve been able to learn the “how” of so many things that previously were only accessible as steps in a process while reading a book. The Studio makes the theory become experience, and it’s made a huge difference for me… By the way, I’m still doing my 5-minute dovetails practice and it is the single most important discipline in my woodworking life!”

“… in August, 2008, I completed the 2 year Distance Mastery program at the Northwest Woodworking Studio (NWS), under the direction of Gary Rogowski… Gary’s teaching and enthusiasm for studio furniture is infectious, the camaraderie with the other members in the group produced what I think will be life long friendships and the joy of completing my various projects created, in short, one the best experiences of my life,” says Distance Mastery Program Graduate Steve Voorhies of Washington.”

“The Northwest Woodworking Studio teaches skills, inspires, instills confidence and develops self motivation.” – Paul Garneau

“It is important for me to emphasize that The Studio is a special place being one of but a few such facilities in the United States where woodworking crafts and the art of fine furniture building are available to the general public,” writes Dr. Stephen B. Jones of Washington.