Featured Artisans

An opportunity to practice your craft…..

The Whidbey Island Center for the Arts is inviting local woodworkers to participate in building furnishings for an upcoming stage production of the Pulitzer prize winning play "The Kentucky Cycle".

"The Kentucky Cycle" follows a plot of land in eastern Kentucky and 3 families from 1775 through 1975. The "cycle" consists of 9 one act plays that includes 90 + characters played by about 30 actors. One showing of the full cycle runs two evenings.

A variety of benches in a rustic Appalachian style are needed to seat the cast and some audience members on stage during the production. Most of the benches should be in the range of 5' to 6' length and be able to seat 3 people. There is also some call for a few smaller benches and stools. The benches will be onstage in full view of the audience for the entire run of the show.

WICA will provide the lumber which is available for viewing and selection at the theater shop. The stock is good quality locally milled alder, air dried under cover for 8-10 years. There is a good selection of 5/4 thru 8/4 stock in widths ranging from 5" thru 12", and lengths ranging from 6' thru 14'.

The benches will be for sale in conjunction with showings of the "Kentucky Cycle" and will be actively marketed by the theater. We propose that individual builders set a minimum price for each bench, and the benches will be sold on a silent auction basis throughout the run of the show. Included in the marketing of the benches will be information about each builder. The builders will receive 80% of the proceeds from the sale of each bench. The remaining 20% of the sale price will go to the theater as a way to reimburse for the cost of the lumber and marketing. Any benches not sold will be returned to the builders.

The show opens April 9 and runs through April 25th. The benches would be needed at the theater by April 2.

WICA will provide two complimentary tickets for a full performance of the "cycle" to each builder. For more information contact Michael Barker at 730-1110 or Jim Scullin at 425-508-0900.

The monthly meetings are a unique open door invitation to visit other WIWG members woodworking shops and studios. On occasion visits are arranged with other related artists and suppliers to the woodworking industry. Meetings are held the first Thursday of the month and are open to all WIWG members and curious guests.