Portland may be known for its high tech atmosphere and hipster persona, but The Northwest Woodworking Studio is working to make her cutting edge as well – 19th century style. The Studio has planted itself firmly in the tradition of the 19th century British Arts and Crafts movement, teaching woodworking skills to promote craftsmanship. The approach is simple: build solid, honest furniture with one’s hands and heart that will last a lifetime. From novice classes to the three different Mastery Programs to the week long Summer workshops, students come from around the country and the world to take a place at a bench for our hands-on classes. At the start of each class, as students introduce themselves they often state the need to work with their hands, to see the results of their efforts after a day spent staring at a computer screen. Many search for a connection to the past by learning to use the woodworking tools that may have been passed down to them. This tradition based approach of the Studio gets students working right away with tools and wood, making that very real connection between hands and minds.