The Distance Mastery Program in Woodworking
with Gary Rogowski

This intensive study program in fine furniture making is designed for self-directed and motivated students who reside outside the Portland area. The goal is to teach people how to design and build furniture of the highest quality.

The Distance Mastery Program runs for a period of two years. Entry is during the Fall term only. Each year starts with a five day seminar in late summer, usually the last week in September. Approximately every 3 months after this, the small group meets for a three day weekend seminar. There is also on-line or telephone time with Gary Rogowski scheduled throughout the term during which projects, designs, techniques, and general concerns are discussed.

Students will design and build a total of 12 pieces over the two year period. Students will develop a signature style of their own while building pieces with the goal of producing gallery quality work after two years. Projects have been chosen to teach certain methods, techniques, and approaches while at the same time allowing each student room to explore his or her own style.

At the close of this two year period, the Distance Mastery Program finishes with a one day critique and graduation. This is generally followed by an exhibition of Graduates' signature pieces at a relavent location in the Portland area.

Comments from recent Distance Mastery students -

"I have learned so much and grown quite abit in my time in the Distance Mastery Program. I have really enjoyed learning from you. I know I wouldn't be anywhere close to my dream of becoming a competent furniture maker had I not become a student of yours. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. In addition, I feel that I've made a good friend, one who I admire and respect. This has meant a lot to me during the trials of this past year. Thanks for that as well."

"Our visits to Portland and the Studio are about building confidence; that although my execution will always be improving, I feel with each session closer to becoming a craftsman and gain new perspective in understanding this craft. It’s about getting new ideas and finding my unique voice; it may be trivial but it was a boost when you pondered aloud what style my table was. When I replied that I hoped it was the beginning of what could be MY style, your reply was “Exactly”.
I think that the Portland sessions are also about getting to know you and about the relationship between teacher and student. You have a good ability to ascertain what each of us wants to walk away with.
The students have a responsibility to learn, more so in the distance class in my opinion, and I realize that there is a great deal of responsibility on our part to gain the fullest benefit. The other thing I gain is the responsibility of the deadline. Not only do I not want to let you or my classmates down, but I don’t want to let myself down. It’s about becoming a more efficient woodworker which means for me thinking things through and planning a process rather than jumping into it. Left to my own devices, I wouldn’t have spent half the time I have learning this and tackling the projects."