NORTH BENNET STREET SCHO OL

FALL 2009 | WWW.NBSS.ORG Concord

A NATIONAL AUDIENCE: A national audience tunes in when NBSS Museum Exhibit is featured in a new episode of the PBS series Craft in America…Page 5 Opens Year of SCHOLARSHIP SUCCESS: Financial assistance for NBSS students this year is ten times the amount awarded in 2008……………Page 3 Celebration

SHOP CRAFT AS SOULCRAFT: Bestselling author Matthew Crawford addresses the class of 2009…………………………Page 6 he original Tpaper hasn’t y e l l o w e d , b u t behind the glass in its frame it is clear that it was once folded and put away, perhaps by Pauline Agassiz Shaw as she left the State House after the documents were signed on April 20, 1885 that formally incorporated The North Bennett (sic) Street Industrial School. In 2010 that document, and the school that it established, will be 125 years old. To mark the year, a series of events are planned that will highlight the ongoing vitality and vision of the school.

As the kick off event, North Bennet Street School and the Concord Museum have collaborated to present an exhibition titled A Dedication to Craft: North Bennet Street School @ 125.

The juried exhibition, which opens November 13, 2009 and runs through March 21, 2010, pres- ents furniture, jewelry, musical instruments and book bindings crafted by the school’s distin- guished graduates. The discipline and process of preservation carpentry, a nationally recognized program at the school, as well as an overview of the school’s history, will also be explored. “We have drawn from the extensive archives of the school that are now at Harvard’s Schlesinger Library to chart the history of the school,” said Continued on Page 3

Earrings by Geraldine Kish-Perry (top), a violin scroll by Christopher Wood (top right) and shield back chair by John LaGattuta (left) are a part of the Concord Museum exhibit celebrating NBSS’s 125th anniversary.

FALL 2009 • BENCHMARKS 1 Shaker Site ALIVE with Scholarship Fund Activity This Summer A Year of Celebration Planned Annual Continued from Page 1 Challenge Met – “This place is idyllic; it’s like being away at carpenter sum- exhibition designer and curator David Wood, makers, from Boston’s Judy Kensley McKie Evening mer camp,” said Bud Blanchard, a huge grin spreading “using 19th and 20th century photographs to to Oakland California furniture maker Garry across his face. “All of us are really excited. It’s been a and extended narrate the history of the school’s identity, its Knox Bennett. To demonstrate their support of Craft tremendous opportunity to study the way things are done, N recognition of North Bennet Street and to build things the way the Shakers would have.” original intentions and its place in the broader for North Bennet Street School’s programs, School’s unprecedented success in context of Boston’s cultural landscape in that the artists and the gallery have agreed to The 10th Annual Imeeting the terms of a $300,000 chal- Blanchard was one of four preservation carpentry student interns from North Bennet period.” donate half of the proceeds from the Gallery Evening of lenge grant for the Walter McDonald Street School who spent the summer at the North Family, Mount Lebanon Shaker Village, NAGA show to the school. Scholarship Endowment well in advance New Lebanon, NY. The North Family is owned by the Shaker Museum and Library, which A number of educational programs are also Traditional Craft of a three year deadline, the foundation will soon relocate its extensive Shaker collection from Old Chatham, NY to New Lebanon. scheduled to be held at the museum to comple- The work of North Bennet Street Returns supporting the challenge has offered This summer’s preservation work undertaken by the student interns was the result of an ment the exhibition, including a joint presentation School graduates will be shown in May to its Roots to match an additional $50,000, giv- innovative partnership between the historic site and North Bennet Street School which was by Curator David Wood and NBSS President at the annual Evening of Contemporary ing the school the opportunity to add initiated with the support of grant funding from the 1772 Foundation and the World Monu- Miguel Gómez-Ibáñez on Saturday, November 14. Craft which will include expanded ments Fund. In celebration of its 10th year, the another $100,000 to the scholarship fund. Children and adults will have a chance to practice programming to mark the anniversary. Annual Evening returned to where it In addition to putting the four interns to work restoring The Granary, one of the many land- their hand skills at a series of craft workshops on all started, Hill Hurst in Wellesley, MA. The terms of the initial challenge extended mark structures at the shaker site, in August North Bennet Street School held a two-week Thanksgiving Day weekend. To highlight the school’s role as a center for Hill Hurst, the home of long-time Board in 2007 required the school to raise timber frame workshop, training a group of local residents in timber frame construction and the advancement of many craft disciplines, a member Lisa von Clemm, is part of the $300,000 for scholarships by the end of repair. The workshop was the prototype for a series of summer workshops that is being Following the Concord Museum exhibit, in series of public lectures is also being planned. Hunnewell Estate and is listed on the 2009. The goal was met this August when planned for 2010 and beyond. the spring of 2010 two exhibitions of con- Titled The Future of Craft, the series will include National Register of Historic Places.

contributions reached $307,423. As a result, temporary craft will be held to highlight presentations from leading writers, collectors The home was designed and built in the school has already received $300,000 Upon arrival in late June, the four interns set up shop in the North Family’s Brethren’s the contributions of North Bennet Street and craft artists. Workshop, which will become “permanent headquarters for the North Bennet Street 1883-4 for Mr. and Mrs. Hollis Horatio in matching funds. Since the scholarship School. An exhibition titled For North Bennet Hunnewell by Horatio’s younger brother endowment campaign began, the fund School” if funding can be found to support infrastructure repairs and an ongoing program, Street School will open at Gallery NAGA, 62 Details of these and other programs sched- according to David Stocks, president of the Shaker Museum and Library. One of the interns’ Henry Sargent Hunnewell of the firm has grown from approximately $200,000 Newbury Street, Boston, on March 22, 2010. uled to mark the school’s 125th year will be first tasks was repairing two shaker workbenches, kept by the Museum in storage for years, Shaw and Hunnewell (the partner to over $1,000,000. and putting them back into service. The interns then turned their attention to the Granary The show will feature the work of the coun- announced with mailings and postings on the Shaw was the nephew of NBSS founder building, creating new gutters for the building from lead-coated copper using a set of 19th try’s leading contemporary studio furniture school’s websites. Pauline Agassiz Shaw). Hill Hurst has Disbursements from the endowment are century gutter making tools, crafting new cellar windows by hand using 19th century glass remained in the Hunnewell family since limited to a percentage of the fund’s value, and wooden pegs instead of nails; and rebuilding shutters by using old photos and those still the time of its construction. but because of a decision by the Board of on site for reference. Directors to use operating income as well Guests were inspired by exceptional as endowment funding for scholarships, Meanwhile, under a tent next to the Granary, 11 students set to work learning how to use Directors Adopt Revised By-Laws historic hand tools and their own muscle to create a timber frame structure one week, then works by over 50 graduates and faculty scholarship aid for the 2009- 2010 year will set in this extraordinary setting. Mrs. be over $125,000, or ten times the amount worked on the restoration of the timber structure of the Brethren’s Workshop the next. At their June, 2009 meeting, the NBSS Board of Directors approved The workshop was taught by NBSS preservation carpentry instructor Rich Friberg, who has von Clemm’s book binding room was of scholarship aid offered in the 2008 – run similar programs for 13 years and has taught students from all over the country. amendments to the school’s By-Laws that alter the governance structure, the perfect setting for fourteen book- 2009 school year. eliminating the positions of Executive Director and President of the Board binding exhibitors. The living room of Directors in favor of a President of the school and a Chair of the Board of provided a beautiful backdrop for the “We are well on our way to meeting our Directors. Under the new structure, the president is also a member of the work of jewelry, preservation carpentry new goal,” said Development Director The Pauline Agassiz Shaw Society – board, increasing the maximum board membership from 26 to 27. and carpentry graduates. Work by fur- Dianne Butt, “but we still need to raise honoring our Annual Donors niture making graduates was showcased an additional $40,000 by December 31 to “Under the prior system the President of the Board was technically Each year many of our generous donors make a gift or gifts totaling $1,000 or more in support throughout the house. Pieces ranged hit the $350,000 mark.” responsible for the day-to-day management of the school, including its of the school’s annual programs. Those who do become members of the Pauline Agassiz Shaw from the small – a jewelry box by Andy curriculum and operations, a role that was actually being carried out by Glenn (’08) to the tall - a Newport Society, named in honor of the school’s founder and first benefactor. This year there are 105 the Executive Director,” explained Charles Kline, the new board chair. high chest of drawers by Jeff Roberts members of the Shaw Society, 27 of them new members. “From an internal operations perspective the change the board made (’81). Piano technology students Leah Shaw Society donors enjoy special opportunities to continue learning about all aspects of the aligned the titles more accurately with the actual responsibilities of those Damgaard-Hansen and Rodney Yeh school and the traditional craft community in New England. This summer Shaw Society mem- people elected to them. From an external perspective North Bennet charmed guests with selections per- bers were invited to a special celebration and tour of the partnership between the school and Street School now has a structure that is similar to that of other educa- formed on Mrs. von Clemm’s Steinway & Sons Model L, rebuilt by students of the the Shaker Museum and Library at the North Family at Mount Lebanon. This fall members were tional institutions.” program in 1994. invited to a cocktail reception and preview screening of Process, the episode of the Peabody The governance structure of North Bennet Street School has changed sev- Award-winning documentary Craft in America at WGBH Studios (see story page 5). As we look eral times over the course of the school’s 125 year history. The original 1885 The annual evening is the school’s only forward to celebrating our 125th Anniversary, we anticipate many more exciting events for our document establishing the school is signed by the nine original members fundraising event. Funds from The Shaw Society members. of the Board of Managers, led by Pauline Agassiz Shaw. In the 1990’s the Evening of Traditional Craft provide operating support for the school, help- If you would like to join the Shaw Society - and provide all important annual support to the school, advisory Board of Overseers was established and term limits were intro- A TECHNICAL MISSION from the Forbidden City ing the school keep tuition costs as low please contact Dianne Butt at 617-227-0155 ext. 750. You may use the enclosed envelope to make duced, to broaden participation in the governance of the school. as possible. Palace Museum, Beijing, China, visited NBSS in your gift, or you may make your gift online on our secure server at www.nbss.org/giving. September. Here Philip Cates (CF ’10) shows his current project to members of the delegation.

2 BENCHMARKS • FA L L 2 0 0 9 FALL 2009 • BENCHMARKS 3 Restored Pianos For Sale First Ever Work on the following pianos has been completed by the Advanced Piano From the Calligraphy Technology students, and the pianos are available for sale: Workshop Craft in & Manuscript 1927 Mason & Hamlin model A - $24,000 Director 5’8” grand piano, serial number 36165 America: Gilding Course New soundboard, bridges, block, strings, dampers, complete action rebuild with Greetings from a very the new Wessel Nickell & Gross composite action parts, backchecks, capstans, busy Workshop Program! and plate suspension bolts. Ronsen hammers. Brown mahogany original finish in This fall we welcome mas- NBSS finds good condition. Dampp Chaser system installed. Awesome large full sound!! ter paste paper maker This fall NBSS 1934 Steinway model L - $27,500 Julia Leete Rabin to PASTE welcomed mas- 5’10” grand piano, serial number 277826 lead a two-day work- a national ter calligrapher New soundboard, bridges, block, strings, damper felt, complete action rebuild PAPER, shop on paste papers, Maryanne with genuine Steinway parts, touchweight adjusted, Brown mahogany, original color theory color theory, and Grebenstein and finish in fair condition, Dampp Chaser system installed. and match- matching colors for audience repair. We are also four calligraphy ing colors for thrilled to have Jeff students for 1918 Hazelton Brothers grand piano - $7,800.00 repairs will be Peachey return in Feb- THE FIRST PUBLIC SCREENING of a new orth Bennet our first-ever 5’4” mahogany, serial number 68682 taught by Julia Soundboard and ribs repaired and refinished, cast iron plate re-bronzed, new ruary to screen a Twilight episode of the PBS series Craft in America drew Street SchooL Three Month Leete Rabin pinblock, tuning pins, strings, and damper felt; damper and lyre system reno- Zone episode about NBSS supporters to WGBH studios this fall. received national atten- Calligraphy November 13 vated, new Tokiwa hammer shanks, Ronsen hammers, complete action and a secret librarian, and tion this fall when it was & Manuscript and 14, 2009. then lead a discussion damper regulation, tuning and voicing, touchweight improved, case refinished featured in the PBS series Craft in America, which wasN televised on PBS stations across Gilding Workshop, which both the about the issues it raises and hardware polished. the country on October 7. The school was profiled in Process, the second of two school and the instructor have been around authority, freedom, history, truth, episodes of the series’ second season. Process focuses on what inspires a person to planning for almost two years. In the state, individuality, identity, and confor- choose a career in craft, and how one acquires the knowledge and skills. the workshop, students learn callig- mity – as they pertain to books. Jeff will also teach a Case Binding workshop. raphy, layout and design, manuscript Two join staff The episode includes scenes from the Cabinet and Furniture Making, Bookbinding, gilding, and the use of computers Bookbinding In the Jewelry realm, Patty Daunis will For the first time in 19 years, returning Locksmithing and Piano Technology programs, but most of the attention was and calligraphy. The final project is be at NBSS to present an artist talk, as well Faculty Expands students and faculty were not greeted reserved for the violin makers. Four students from the class of 2009, Joseph creating a hand-lettered illuminated as teach a class on Conceptual Jewelry by the warm smile of receptionist Ellie McDevitt, Erika Sayar, A. Scott Tribble, and Paul Trombly, were filmed making two manuscript, which they bind by Martha Kearsley, Design. Tait. She traded in her post at the recep- violins, a viola and a cello. The instruments were then delivered to the Borromeo hand with the assistance of our a Portland Maine book- tion desk this summer for a well earned Larry Williams and Don McConnell String Quartet, the resident string quartet at New England Conservatory of Music, full-time bookbinding instructor, binder, has joined the retirement. will visit the school in March for a Plane where they were played and filmed in concert. Jeff Altepeter. Bookbinding Program this Making workshop, as well as a free

September as Assistant James King took over as lecture about their work and technique. Two weeks before the nationwide broadcast, the Craft in America episode had its Maryanne Grebenstein is a self- Instructor. Martha, who the public face of North Dan Faia, full time instructor and CFM worldwide premiere at a special event hosted by North Bennet Street School at the employed professional calligrapher, is a 1995 graduate of Bennet Street School in grad, is on board for Veneering Funda- WGBH TV Boston studios. Among the guests were the four instrument makers and hand letterer, and graphic designer. North Bennet Street School, has devel- September, joining the mentals and Sand Shaded Fan classes. members of the Borromeo String Quartet, as well as Jonathan Abbott, President She is the owner of the Abbey oped extensive experience in book NBSS staff at the recom- Additionally, we’re pleased to offer a Mas- of WGBH, Carol Sauvion, Executive Producer of Craft in America and a number of Studio in Hingham, MA, established conservation, working as a conserva- mendation of his former ter Keying workshop for locksmiths, led Trustees of the New England Conservatory. in 1982. Maryanne studied at the tor for Harvard University’s Weissman colleague at the Boston College Library, by DJ Dabenigno, graduate of the full

Parsons School of Design, NYC, and Preservation Center and the Houghton Barbara Adams Hebard. time program. This workshop is an excel- In describing the various paths that can lead to a career as a craft artist, Process pro- Hood College in Frederick, MD. She and Baker Libraries, as well as the library lent way to master Master Key systems, and Jay Knox also joined the files individuals who are self taught, who have learned through apprenticeships and is the author of Calligraphy: A Course in of Northwestern University. can be taken as a whole or in parts. DJ will administrative staff in also teach an Historic Locksmithing who have pursued formal craft training. In addition to filming at North Bennet Street Hand Lettering. Head Instructor Jeff Altepeter noted that September as the Assistant workshop. Students in that class will have School, the Craft in America film crew visited the 92nd Street Y in New York City and

several well qualified applications were School Administrator. Jay the opportunity to bring in skeleton locks the Kansas City Art Institute, as well as the self taught potter Mark Hewitt of the Maryanne and Jeff will spend about received for the position, but Kearsley assumes a newly cre- from home and make keys by hand. Jugtown Pottery in North Carolina and book artist Julie Chen of Berkeley, CA. a week in each other’s classrooms: was “the candidate whose skills best ated position, helping to the full-time bookbinding students There are many more exciting workshops complemented, rather than reinforced, coordinate the day to day administra- “Craft in America explores the vitality, history and cultural significance of the craft will learn some calligraphy and happening here at North Bennet Street the strengths of the existing program.” tion of the school from his desk in Shaw School. Please visit our website to see them movement in the United States and its impact on the nation’s rich and diverse cultural illumination, and Jeff will teach the House. He previously served as the all, and to register. I always enjoy speak- heritage,” said Executive Producer Carol Sauvion. “The goal of Craft in America is to three month calligraphy students “Jeff has tremendous technical knowledge Administrator of the Rose Art Museum at ing to graduates and working to offer the educate and interest people in the world of craft, and introduce them to craft artists some non-adhesive binding tech- of fine binding, leather work and finishing,” Brandeis University, and as Government, continuing education you want to receive throughout the United States.” niques for their structures. North says Kearsley. “I’m hoping I can add my Community and Board Relations Manager here. Please email me at workshop@nbss. Bennet Street School will run the experience in book and paper conservation org, or call with any questions, comments, for the Seattle Art Museum. Process – and its companion piece, Origins, will be rebroadcast on PBS stations calligraphy intensive every other fall, to a program that is already strong.” suggestions, or ideas you have about the throughout the year. Dates and times will be included in local PBS listings. The first alternating with our three month workshop program. We look forward to The addition of a part time instructor was Sara Goodrich, who served as Assistant to season of Craft in America, which aired in 2007, was viewed by over 4 million people bookbinding intensive. seeing you! planned with the recent expansion of the the Executive Director for the past three during the first year and won a prestigious Peabody Award in 2008. years, left her position in September to Bookbinding Program from 12 to 16 stu- Thank you, start a new career as a massage therapist dents, providing additional instruction for Jourdan Abel, Workshop Director first and second year students. in Salem, MA.

4 BENCHMARKS • FA L L 2 0 0 9 FALL 2009 • BENCHMARKS 5 Gifford Receives From what I’ve seen in my visit, Distinguished what you’ve received here is an Alumnus Award education in caring about what Architect, jeweler and furniture maker John F. (Jock) Gifford of Brookline, MA was named you’re doing. Maybe that’s what by the North Bennet Street School Alumni Council as its 2009 Distinguished Alumnus of NBSS Commencement May 29, 2009 craftsmanship amounts to. the Year during the May graduation ceremo- nies held at Old North Church. Gifford, who is founding principal of the nationally recognized residential design and construction firm Design Associates in Cambridge and Nantucket, is a graduate of two of the school’s crafts training programs -- Jewelry Making and Design in 1997, and Cabinet and Furniture Making in 2001. He cur- MatthewCrawford rently serves as Vice Chair of the school’s Board of Directors, and It’s an interesting choice you made, to come to North Bennet Street actually consists of -- what you ought to be aiming at -- comes into view teaches classes at the school as a volunteer. The speaker at graduation School. I’m guessing some of you have had to explain it to family and only slowly. Your own development in this craft, and in all of the crafts Gifford and his design firm have been regularly featured on the ceremonies in May 29, 2009 was friends -- why you were studying locksmithing rather than going to a taught here, then, is situated in a larger history. Your story is part of a PBS series “This Old House” and in national residential design four-year college. Why you were studying to be a piano tech instead of bigger story. magazines such as House & Garden, House Beautiful, and Home. Matthew Crawford, author doing an MBA or something. Or why you left some prestigious profession I’m not a craftsman, so I hope I have gotten these things right. What I do The firm’s work has also been included in a number of books on to take up cabinet-making. of the best selling Shop Class is fix things that belong to other people. So we do very different kinds home design. as Soul Craft- An Inquiry I quit a job at a think tank and went into business fixing motorcycles. In of work, but glossing over the differences, I’d like to focus on a common “Any one of these accomplishments would have qualified Jock for the first couple of years it made for some awkward moments at cocktail aspect of various skilled manual trades and crafts, which is that you’re recognition,” said Dennis McCarten, chairperson of the school’s Into the Value of Work. parties. People would ask what I do, and when I said that I fix motorcycles, always coming up against a hard reality, the kind that lets you know right Alumni Council. “But the sheer scope of his dedication to the there would be this moment of silence. What made it awkward was that away when you’ve gotten something wrong. quality of life and of instruction at North Bennet Street School Crawford came to North the other person would be feeling embarrassment, and I would be feeling This leads to certain habits of mind. You pay attention to what you’re left us no doubt that he was the right choice.” pride, and the two just didn’t match up. Bennet Street School on the day his book doing. It was striking when Miguel was showing me around the school The Award Committee of the Alumni Council bestows the was published, and one week after excerpts Maybe you’ve had similar moments. So, why make things? Why take old yesterday, how much quiet concentration was going on. One guy was Distinguished Alumni Award at graduation ceremonies each year things that are broken and restore them to life? I wonder if the pride of preparing to do a shell-patterned inlay in a piece of furniture that was to a graduate who has shown outstanding achievement in his/ from Shop Class as Soul Craft WERE the craftsperson boils down to this: To be the maker of everyday objects nearly finished, which as he explained was going to entail taking a router her craft and who has advanced the body of knowledge in his/her is to assume a special place in our common life. You are no mere specta- to its surface. I thought, “what if you slip?” I didn’t say it out loud, because particular trade. The award may also be extended to an NBSS published in the New York Times Sunday tor or consumer. Rather, you are a builder of the world. To be a fixer of it would have been pointless. Nobody knows the answer to that question graduate that gives back to the greater community through ser- Magazine under the title The Case for old things means that you set the world right. better than he does. Here’s the mechanic’s equivalent: I once dropped a vice and commitment. feeler gauge down into the crankcase of a brand new motorcycle. That’s From what I’ve seen in my visit, what you’ve received here is an educa- Working with Your Hands. the kind of mistake you tend not to repeat. Anyone affiliated with the NBSS community may submit a nomi- tion in caring about what you’re doing. Maybe that’s what craftsmanship nation, including a brief statement of why the nominee should amounts to. What’s weird is that it’s kind of counter-cultural, this craft The kind of attentiveness you see in the trades and in craft work -- call it receive the award, to the Director of Student and Alumni Services A physics major, Crawford put himself thing that you do. These days, the most fashionable sort of business pro- heedfulness -- seems to be tied to a larger ethic of individual responsibil- by regular mail or by email at [email protected]. duces something virtual, on a screen. The value of the thing, if you can ity. You are responsible to the piece itself, to principles of aesthetics, to through college working as an electri- even call it a thing, lies not in its durability, nor in being well-adapted to the person who commissioned the work, and to future generations who cian. He earned a Masters and then a PhD some settled purpose, but rather in being exquisitely sensitive to shifting may use these things you’ve built. demand. I’m sure that kind of work has its satisfactions, but where the THE ANNUAL I’d like to conclude by noting that there’s a lot of talk about responsibility STUDENT standards are always shifting, there isn’t much room for the develop- in political philosophy before becoming these days, as something we need to cultivate in ourselves as a society. EXHIBIT was ment of a specific skill through continuous practice -- the kind of steady held May 8 - 15, I think the North Bennett Street School offers some real insight into 2009 at the Boston the director of a Washington Think Tank, cultivation that gives coherence to a working life. Architectural this problem. Work forms us. There is good reason to suppose that College. Here a job he quit in 2002 to open a motorcycle I think the challenge is to compose a life that makes sense, the kind you responsibility has to be installed in the foundation of your mental equip- two BAC students can look back on and say, yeah, it added up to something. Feeling that ment — at the level of perception and habit. There is an ethic of paying admire the work repair shop. These are his remarks to the of NBSS jewelry you’re connected to something larger than yourself is a big part of that. attention that develops in the trades through hard experience. It inflects students during graduating students. Some of you make violins. I’m told that if you’re graduating, you’ve made your perception of the world, and your habitual responses to it. The the opening recep- tion. After seeing six violins, a viola and a cello by now. I take it you’re trying to approach consequences of a mistake are often dire and immediate, and they are the show, one BAC an ideal of perfection, one shared by those who came before you. You’re undeniably the result of your own actions, for example slipping with that student applied to grappling with essentially the same technical challenges that Stradivari router. Blame isn’t spread around. So it comes naturally to care about the jewelry program and was accepted for applied his genius to, and making those challenges your own. You share what you’re doing. That strikes me as the foundation, not just for a good the fall. with him a gut-level concern for the excellence of violins. Your honor is cabinet, but for a good life. Thank you. at stake in each instrument. Your ability to discern what a great violin

6 BENCHMARKS • FA L L 2 0 0 9 FALL 2009 • BENCHMARKS 7 Billy Chubb (PA ’08) posted this The profile of Stanwood, a Jewlery Rangeley, Maine. Mary Jane photo on Facebook, West Tisbury resident, traces says that people come up to Saidis Bauer Halldorsdottir saying “look what I his 30 year career in piano her and say “I saw your photo (JM ‘08) can do.” Responses technology and his ground- has started her own [in the paper]” to which she ranged from “you N B S S breaking work with piano jewelry studio in Reykjavik, replies “How could you miss magician” to “the Iceland, and also works for a second from the left, actions. it?!” To this she adds “I worry master goldsmith. “My days when people say that it is a third row back looks Larry Fine (PT ’76) author are long but I enjoy every min- good photo of me! I think a little loose.” since 1987 of The Piano Book, ute of it”, she writes. the caption should have said News has published the Acoustic & Bookbinding Furniture Ilah Cibis (JM ’05) “Locksmith Wanted by Police!” Digital Piano Buyer and set up a won the 2009 Reader’s Choice Award Amanda Nelsen (BB ’07) Ira Richer (CF ’02) passed Connecticut. The commission Nikolaus Meller (CF ’96) has new website www.pianobuyer. THE WOODWORKERS GUILD was featured this summer in away on July 2, 2002 after a required the design and con- started a business called the for Best Jewelry Store in Preservation com as a complement to the Carpentry of the Lexington Arts and Crafts a video recently produced long illness. An avid traveler struction of 62 Gothic Revival Nik Meller Collection publication, which will appear Sudbury, MA and a Bronze Society invited NBSS students to for the newspaper’s region by Cambridge Community and hiker and a North End style tables with removable His first collection of designs twice a year. Robert Adam, longtime join their Annual Exhibition. Twelve (which encompasses Wayland, Television in tandem with resident, Ira came to NBSS tops that didn’t use bolts or was released in 2008 and instructor and Special Advisor students and twenty Guild members Weston, Framingham and participated. The show opened in June the work she has on display after a distinguished 40 year hooks. “It was great to return he just released the second to Preservation Carpentry, at CCTV’s studio “Drive by career in electrical engineer- to my NBSS roots and use collection this fall. His cli- Natick, MA). with a well attended reception and a taught the Falmouth Heritage talk by Earl Powell (CFM ’08). Gallery.” Additionally, her ing. He is survived by his the engineering techniques I ents include Dell Computer, Karen Chartier (JM ’03) Renewal staff in Jamaica how work also was on display at wife, two children and three learned in school,” says Brent. National Healthcare, The was featured as a case to install “Dutchman patches” the Cue Art Foundation in grandchildren. “I believe that my association National Guard and many study in author Martha E. to restore damaged portions of Violin New York City. with NBSS influenced Taft others. His work “Solitude” Miguel Gómez-Ibáñez (CF Mangelsdorf’s new book wood with identical types, grain Eric Roy (VM ’95) won a School to trust me with the is on display at the newly The Boston Public Library’s ’99) was featured as a case Finding Your Very Best Next and age of wood, while leaving Silver Medal for Tone at the task in the first place.” opened Porsche Museum in international exhibition Bound study for career transition in WorkLife: Strategies for Successful the majority of original material 2009 International Society Stuttgart, Germany. for Success included work by author Martha E. Mangels- Dan Faia (CF ’94) will have Career Change published by Ten untouched or unaltered. of Bassists (ISB) Convention Speed Press. Amanda Nelsen (BB ’07) dorf’s new book Finding Your an article on carving tool Brian Miskinis (CF ’05) and The Metropolitan Museum for a bass that he had made. and Jim Reid-Cunningham Very Best Next WorkLife: Strategies sharpening in Fine Woodwork- his wife had a second child, of Art in Manhattan recently Eric has also opened a new (BB ’90). Each of the 117 for Successful Career Change pub- ing: The Annual Tools and Shop Kaya Rose, born on June 13, employed the expertise of show room for Upton Bass artists included in the exhibi- lished by Ten Speed Press. issue to be published this fall. 2009. He will also be tak- String Instrument Co. at 1108 Charles White (PC ’01), and tion produced a binding of ing part in the Sixth Annual Boylston Street in Boston. Kevin Mack (CF ’08) re- Nicholas Maraldo (CF ’07) his company Boerum Hill Water, a collection of poems. Deerfield Arts Tour taking A 1922 SEEBERG cently completed a mahogany has taken a break from Joinery, in its renovation and place in Deerfield, NH on ORCHESTRION, used in Violin instructor Roman Alison Kuller (BB ’99) has breakfront for Bruce Dayton, woodworking at Walter Lane installation of the “Marmion October 17 and 18, 2009. theatres, clubs, and any entertain- Barnas, joined Erika Sayer, her work exhibited at the a member of the NBSS Board Cabinetmakers in Haverhill, Room,” noted for its decora- ment venue that desired a live music Joe Lotito, A. Scott Tribble Center for Maine Contempo- of Directors. His only direc- MA to serve in the U.S. Navy. Seth Sparhawk (CF, ’11) tive paneling first installed in sound without the resources of a and Paul Trombly, all mem- rary Art in Rockport, ME. tion for the commission was and his wife Rachel had their live orchestra. 1756 in a plantation home in Thomas McAndrews (CF bers of the class of 2009, at The show’s title is “Work of that it “look North Bennet”. first daughter Scout Ann on northern King George County, ’03) recently graduated from the WGBH TV Boston studios the Hand” and opened on August 20th in Billings, MT. Virginia. Brent Karner (CF ’85) The Furniture Institute of Marguerite Lykes (PT in September for the world October 9, 2009. Her web site Seth had only a few weeks PIANO BUYER: The new founder of ClearLake Furni- Massachusetts. Michael Dempsey (PC ’09) premiere of Craft in America, a is www.3stonefolios.com. with his family before he ’08) is working at Reblitz publication recently launched by ture in Ludlow, VT was cho- Restorations in Colorado was featured in a September, public television series on craft Mike Fitzpatrick (CF ’07) returned to school in Boston. Larry Fine (PT ’76), long- Barbara Adams Hebard sen to craft the dining hall Springs, CO, restoring antique 2009 feature story in The to be aired nationwide. has undertaken a massive time editor of The Piano Book, (BB ’90) and Jim Reid- tables for the Taft School in Berkenfield Design of Driggs, musical machines, and recently will appear twice yearly. Chronicle of Higher Education home renovation project of Cunningham (BB ’90) both Idaho, co-owned by Susan completed the restoration of which described his transition the 1855 Cyrus Fay house published chapters in the 2009 Berkenfield (CF, ’02) took a 1922 Seeburg Orchestrion, from a Lorain, OH assembly in Westborough, MA. In Ya-Hsun Chin (JM ’10) and Boston Athenaeum Bicenten- home the coveted People’s an instrument capable of line worker for Ford to a pres- the course of renovation he Chi-Lu Tu had their first baby nial Essays. The chapters were Choice Award at the Western mimicking the sound of an ervation carpenter. discovered a 19th century Rita Tu on June 20th. Their titled “The Role of Women at Design Conference in Jackson orchestra. The project will be diary written by a direct daughter is doing fine and the This summer Peter Smith the Boston Athenaeum” and Hole, Wyoming for the sec- featured on the cover of the relative of Esther Forbes, the mother is once again back in (PC ’04) was the crew leader “Conservation at the Boston ond year in a row. “It’s funny,” November/December 2009 issue Pulitzer prize winning author the classroom to finish up her for a group of four interns Athenaeum” respectively. Susan says, “because I made a of Mechanical Music, the jour- of Johnny Tremain. He has en- degree! from the class of 2010 assist- cradle for my case piece while nal of the Music Box Society Pictorial Websters: A Visual listed the help of the North- ing in the restoration of The attending NBSS.” International. Dictionary of Curiosities by John east Document Conservation Locksmithing Granary at the Mt. Lebanon NY Shaker Village. Peter THE WINNING TEAM At the Carrera (BB ’96) continues Center to restore the diary Bryan Hartzler (PT ’00) spent Mary Jane Clark (LK ’09) NBSS Bowling Night in September (l Piano works for David E. Lanoue to receive a lot of attention, and plans to donate the book a third season at the Aspen to r) Jonathan Hopewell and her locksmithing busi- Inc., Stockbridge, MA. (see most recently with a full GOTHIC REVIVAL DETAILING to the Historical Commission David Stanwood (PA ’79) Music Festival and launched (CF ’11), Megan Yau (VM ’12), ness were recently given Shaker Site article on page 2) page picture and write-up in was used by Brent Karner of Westborough. was featured in the July 17, a new website showcasing a large spread in her local Christopher Cavalieri (CA ’09), Nicole Aiken ( JM ’11) the fall issue of Boston Home (CF ’85) in the design of 62 refectory 2009 edition of the Vineyard his piano restoration services, newspaper The Highlander of magazine. tables for the Taft School in CT. Gazette of Martha’s Vineyard. www.hartzlerpianos.com. and Bill Rainford (PC ’11).

8 BENCHMARKS • FA L L 2 0 0 9 FALL 2009 • BENCHMARKS 9 New Repayment Plan for SUCCESS Story Student Loans Robert Adam N B S S It was a warm day Matt Emery (CF ’08) Receives Askins Calendar n late June 2009, the U.S. this summer when Colleen Chapin (PC ’06) Award Department of Education I three new Habitat Eric “Red” Hinds (CA ’08) November 6 – 7, 2009 announced a new repayment plan: for Humanity Marguerite Lykes (PT ’08) “The principal architect of one of the NBSS ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE “Income-based Repayment” (IBR). homes were dedi- Katherine Westermann (BB ’09) most successful full-time preservation North Bennet Street School Eligibility for income-based repay- cated at 390 Market Street in Lawrence, MA. Aude Gabory (BB ’09) skills training program in the country.” November 13, 2009 – March 21, 2010 ment is determined by a person’s Two families; the Reyes (pictured above) Andy Reach (PA ’09) A DEDICATION TO CRAFT: NBSS@ 125 income and loan size. For most and the Mbiyes, joined by various Habitat With that introduction, Robert Adam, Eli Cleveland (CF ’09) Concord Museum, Concord, MA eligible borrowers, monthly pay- dignitaries, cut the ceremonial tape. After Robert McSwegin (CF ’09) longtime preservation carpentry ments would be less than 10% of celebrations and festivities, they moved Jeff Citro (CF ’09) instructor and current Special Advisor to the program, was December 11-13, 2009 income. Payments would never into their new homes. Ed Frontino (CA ’09) honored by the Preservation Trades Network with the 2009 CRAFT BOSTON Holiday exceed 15% of any income over Wendy Withrow (BB ’09) Askins Achievement Award for outstanding contributions to The Cyclorama at Boston Center for the Arts Why is this significant? Because between $16,000 a year. Those who earn Christopher Dowd (PC ’09) the preservation trades. Adam was recognized for his role in October 2006 and May of 2009 dozens of January 22, 2010 less than $16,000 would not have Erika Sayar (nee Safran) (VM ’09) envisioning “preservation training that would be unique in the NBSSers including students, alumni, mem- ARTIST TALK WITH to make any monthly payments. JP Sayar field: a curriculum-based training program to teach compre- bers of their families and construction JEWELER PATTY DAUNIS After 25 years of repayment, Evan Heraty (PC ’09) hensive traditional carpentry skills in the classroom and shop Free lecture at NBSS contractors who are supportive of NBSS’ any balance would be forgiven. Gayle Koyanagi (JM ’09) and on projects chosen to teach and reinforce those skills.” efforts volunteered to erect those homes. Nancy Maloney (CF ’09) February 18, 2010 Through beautiful days, not-so-beautiful THE OBSOLETE MAN AND THE Although this repayment alter- Gary Bosse (CF ’09) The Askins Achievement Award criteria includes “contri- ones, and a January 2008 fire that destroyed OBSOLETE BOOK? A CONVERSATION native gives graduates with Kim Toigo (PC ’06) butions to the preservation trades for: the continuance of months of work, intrepid volunteers plied WITH JEFF PEACHEY substantial debts more flexibility, Geoff Shaw (PC ’94) traditional building skills, advocacy of training in preservation their expertise and hand skills until the Free lecture at NBSS the plan will not be for every- Scott Corneille (PA ’10) trades, practicing a building trade at master level of skill and homes were ready. body. Stretching out repayments Justin Hess (VM ’12) knowledge, and extraordinary effort given to advancing the February 27, 2010 HOW TO APPROACH A GALLERY TO over as much as 25 years will Any NBSS alumni, or supporters who would Paul Piszczek (PT ’09) awareness of traditional building trade skills and knowledge.” SELL YOUR WORK increase the total cost of the loan like to find out more about the Habitat Esther Piszczek North Bennet Street School because interest will be accru- builds and perhaps even volunteer see Denise Fenoglio (JM ’07) “Robert Adam has been a tireless advocate for thorough skills ing while the loan is not paid off. www.nbsshabitat.org for more information. Adrian Rousson training in traditional building trades for more than thirty years,” March 2, 2010 Julian Rousson said NBSS President Miguel Gómez-Ibáñez, “and the Askins WOODEN MOLDING PLANE MAKING The Merrimack Valley Habitat for Any student considering this Sara Purgus (PC ’10) Award is well deserved recognition of his contributions. He LECTURE: ARTIST TALK WITH LARRY Humanity, and the North Bennet Street WILLIAMS & DON McCONNELL option should also consider Anthony Long (CA ’09) has provided critical assistance to many house museums and School, would like to thank the following Free lecture at NBSS the previously existing options: Brendan Delaney (CA ’08) historic sites hampered by meager budgets but responsible for their volunteer efforts the past few “income contingent repayment Mark Shriner (CA ’08) for saving our architectural heritage. Setting a high standard of years (those in bold volunteered three or March 27, 2010 plan” with monthly payments Jan McCloud (PA ’10) community involvement for his students and his field, Mr. Adam FOURTH ANNUAL STUDENT more times): capped at 20% of income or the Nick Mamakos (CF ’10) has served as a volunteer and consultant on projects through- ALUMNI PARTY graduated repayment plan. You David LeBlanc (CA ’09) out New England. In short, Robert Adam represents in every Charles River Museum of Industry, Waltham Sean Hardeo (CA ’06) can also get more precise esti- Glenn Batten (of Essex Restoration) way the qualities, accomplishments and dedication that is envi- Dana Christensen (PT ’06) March 5 – 27, 2010 mates of monthly payments under Hallie Pinta (of Heritage Modular Construction) sioned for the recipient of the Askins Achievement Award.” Pete Michelinie ( CF ’08) FOR NORTH BENNET STREET the various plans by using on-line Dorime “Duke” Ducarmel (CA ’09) Shelly Corcoran (CF ’98) Gallery NAGA, 67 Newbury St., Boston calculators at www.dl.ed.gov. Kristie Connolly (PC ’02) The award was presented at the August, 2009 annual conference Monica Feeney (BB ’08) John Langston (PT ’09) of the Preservation Trades Network in Leadville, CO. April 9 – 11, 2010 Andrew Maloney (CA ’99) CRAFT BOSTON Borrowers can check their eligi- David Bardes (of The Paris Building Group) Brian Boyd (CF ’07) Seaport World Trade Center, Boston bility for IBR at a loan calculator Ryan Rhoades (CF ’08) Dwayne Bailey (CF ’06) on the web site www.ibrinfo.org. Rick Swanston (CA ’09) Ellen Kaspern (CF, ’03) April 2010 Alexa Holmes (CF ’06) ANNUAL STUDENT EXHIBITION OF Sara Goodrich (NBSS Employee) North Bennet Street Keith McIntosh (CF ’08) STUDENT WORK Heather Proffitt (PC ’05) School participates in Bencha marks a variety of cultural Date and location TBD Adam Ricci (CA ’02) The newsletter of the Rich Friberg (CA ’04) festivals throughout Jim McIsaac (PC ’09) North Bennet Street School Celeste Devlin the year, thanks in part June 4, 2010 Anthony Ferrigno (CF ’02) 39 North Bennet Street Tom Devlin to funding from the Boston, MA 02113 GRADUATION EXERCISES Christopher Hutcheson (PC ’06) Massachusetts Cultural Drew Maher (617) 227-0155 Old North Church Jonathan Stevens (PC ’02) Council. We are grate- Josh Ewart (PC ’08) ful to the Council for Do you have news to share? this ongoing support. Contact us at [email protected]

10 BENCHMARKS • FA L L 2 0 0 9 FALL 2009 • BENCHMARKS 11 7th t 17

annual unlock your imagination See extraordinary craftwork in progress

17th Annual Open House

Friday, November 6, 2009 10am – 2pm Visit with instructors and students from: (Boston and Arlington Locations) • Bookbinding Saturday, November 7, 2009 10am – 3pm (Boston Location) • Cabinet & Furniture Making • Carpentry • Jewelry Making & Repair • Locksmithing 1885-2010 • Piano Technology • Preservation Carpentry • Violin Making & Repair Celebrating 125 Years Of • and a host of fine Workshops an education in craftsmanship

WWW.NBSS.ORG

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Boston MA 02113 NORTH ·BENNET ·STREET ·S C H OO L Permit No. 52223 An Education In Cr aftsmanship 39 North Bennet Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02113-1998 (617) 227-0155 • WWW.NBSS.ORG