Last week, Jerome Bias led a woodworking class of six black woodworkers as they built a six-board chest by hand in our workshop. It was one of the more memorable and enjoyable classes here at our storefront.
In addition to woodworking, every day of class was filled with explorations of the past led by Jerome, who worked as a tradesman at Old Salem Museum & Gardens and now explores African-American foodways by preparing open-hearth historical meals at plantation.
The chests were made entirely by hand, and each student personalized their chest with the decorative cutouts, the mouldings and the milk paint they applied on the last day.
This remarkable class was possible because of Jerome’s fearlessness and desire to encourage young black woodworkers. And it was possible because of your donations of cash and tools. Thanks to your help, the wood, the food and the kits of tools we prepared for the class (which they took home) were all covered, gratis.
I feel certain you are going to see these faces again, both here at Lost Art Press and in the world at large. The enthusiasm and drive of these students was infectious.
Thanks to everyone who helped. We hope we can do this again. First we all have to rest, but not for too long. Tomorrow at 10 a.m., Megan and I begin a new project that we hope will plant a seed for future generations. More details to come.
— Christopher Schwarz
Complete awesomeness. Thanks to Jerome and LAP!
Really enjoyed meeting Jerome at the open house. When the time comes for another class or two, you can count on me to contribute. Thank you for sharing.
I now want to take a Six-Board Chest class – I never even considered (comprehended) that chests could be painted such vibrant colors… as my spouse said… “Holy Sx%t”.
Okay, when is the next class…..
Glad to hear things went so well, and that there will be more in the future. Like Eric, count on me to chip in when future classes come about.
Awesome, really worthwhile endeavor
Kudos to all involved! Education is the key to enabling ones self.
Good energy begats more good energy. Congratulations to all.
Well done, Mr Bias.
Well done indeed.
Big, big kudos to LAP for making this class happen!
Absolutely love this and very much hope there is more of it!!!
Years ago Jerome and I were in a class taught by Adam Cherubini and Jerome was a great addition to the class. Glad to see him teaching.
Those are some fine looking chests. Love the colours. Congratulations. Good luck on your next steps.
Exciting and heartening. Yep, I will contribute too.
Beautiful work everyone!!
Heartwarming. Chris and the entire LAP team should be proud of the class.
What a fantastic class. The students did a great job. Congratulations to everyone involved.
Very cool, thanks for the update and pics.
Kudos
Had an extra tool not being used. Talk about a waste. Super cool to see a great group making stuff with tools. We all win.
Fist pump. Nicely done by all.
Gotta love it!
Speaking of six board chests, I have seen that is included in Anarchist Design Book are you skirt design changes included in latest edition? Question for Chris.
The six-board chest chapter has remained the same through both the original and revised editions. A variety of skirt (and no skirts) are shown in the book. Hope this answers your question.
Thank you.
This is a really good thing you guys do for these woodworkers. I wish all of them the best of luck as they get started and look forward to seeing more from them.
Jeremy
May I please also join the choir of appreciation for the initiative, for those chipping in to help out, for the resulting class and very handsome handsome chests (those colours — zowie!), and for this delightful report on the proceedings!
Well done all around!
Cheers,
Mattias
this makes me very happy!!!
Thank you everyone for making this class possible.
So amazing to see the tradition and history of Black excellence in woodworking being kept alive. More of this in the world, please.
good looking chests. i especially like the bright color choices.
Outstanding on all fronts