Prior to joining the Cabinet & Furniture Making program in 2019, Art LaMan CF '21 dipped his toes in the NBSS community by way of our Three-Month Furniture Making Intensive. From studies in biology and engineering, he eventually went on to earn a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D)—a degree which coincidentally included a thesis topic similar to our School's own Sloyd philosophy. We caught up with Art in late spring to discuss his education, favorite vinyl records, and the joy of making work for clients.

The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes a distinguished graduate from one of our nine full-time programs based on their professional accomplishments, contributions to their industry, and promotion of excellence in craft via schools and organizations. We are proud to announce that David Betts PT '72, Hon PA '20 is the recipient of the 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award!

So you want to make a video? That's great! It's a challenging, but fun project that'll help you connect with people and share your ideas. Whether presenting some history or info, showing folks how to complete a task, interviewing someone, or any combination of these, this post will help by introducing the basics—from developing your initial concept, to sharing the secrets of good videos, to putting the finishing touches on your final video, and sharing it far and wide.

Ellen Kaspern, a 2003 graduate of the Cabinet & Furniture Making program, is a quintessential multi-tasker who works full-time as a software engineer and part-time as a woodworking instructor at NBSS, with time on the side for custom furniture work. We caught up in late March and discussed the upsides of being stuck inside the house, her goals to teach full-time some day, and finding the balance between technique and inspiration in her instruction.

As far back as he can remember, NBSS alumnus Bob Miller CF '11 has been interested in mechanical devices, especially older and antique machinery. So when in 2016, a fellow machine enthusiast friend offered Bob an antique, small-scale bandsaw made by the J.M. Marston Company of Boston – while he had no real plan for the machine – he agreed right away. After researching more about its history, he was determined to fully restore the 24" bandsaw. Read the story here.