Eastern Massachusetts Guild of Woodworkers upcoming events

Angled Joinery for Traditional Chair Construction by Matt Wajda (November 14, 2026)

Sat, 14 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Matt Wajda is a a 2001 graduate of the Cabinet & Furniture Making program at North Bennet Street School, and for many years taught as a part time instructor there both in the full time and continuing education programs. He joined the full-time furniture making program faculty in 2017. He founded River City Woodworking in 2000, which produces high-end furnishings and millwork for residential and commercial clients, is a long-time member of the Guild of New Hampshire Woodworkers, and a contributor to Fine Woodworking Magazine's video series.

Matt has been a favorite presenter to our group for the past eight years and we welcome him back again. He had previously presented to us about constructing and veneering a coopered door, the technique of bricking a table apron, and creating rule joints and finger joints. This time, Matt will be continuing his series on chair making (October 2020 - "Construction of a Side Chair" and September 2025 - "Shaping Curved Parts for Traditional Chairs") with a discussion and demonstration of the complex joinery that makes chair making difficult - the varieties of angled mortise and tenon joints. Based on past presentations, Matt is always willing to talk about any aspect of traditional furniture building.

Lowell Makes is located at 130 Western Ave, Lowell, MA 01851. Bring a chair and $2 for coffee if you want. Following the presentation, an informal group will gather to find lunch and conversation together.

Stringing and Banding with Brad Wolcott (February 13, 2027)

Sat, 13 Feb 2027 14:00:00 GMT

Brad will demonstrates stringing and banding inlay techniques, with applications in period and contemporary furniture.

A 2012 graduate of The North Bennet Street School, Brad Wolcott lives and works in Concord, NH building pieces that express his love for nature, natural forms and natural materials. He focuses on unlocking the beauty of wood and other materials through thoughtful sculptural forms that blend hard lines and soft curves in unique and unusual ways.

For more about Brad and his work, please visit https://www.bradwolcott.com/

Traditional Woodcarving with Dan Faia (March 13, 2027)

Sat, 13 Mar 2027 14:00:00 GMT

Dan will share an overview of the various types of traditional woodcarving - from incised carving to carving in the round. The presentation will include tools, equipment, work samples, and a relief carving demonstration.

Dan Faia has been a professional woodcarver & furnituremaker since 1994. In addition to his commission work, Dan teaches extensively. He currently operates a studio and small group workshop program in Sanbornville, NH. Dan’s portfolio ranges from furniture to architectural elements and woodcarvings. He has published numerous articles in a variety of periodicals, and has participated in presentations or exhibits for organizations such as Colonial Williamsburg, Concord Museum, MFA-Boston, and Old State House-Boston. Dan is a SAPFM Cartouche Award recipient and a juried member of the League of NH Craftsmen.

To learn more about Dan, view a gallery of his work, and browse his current workshop schedule, please visit http://www.danielfaia.com/