Northern Neck News

Northern Neck News

Mar. 9, 2009

Furnture-making classes offered

Something about living in the Northern Neck brings out the creative nature, as many people move to the area and become artists. For those who think their talent may lie in wood working, an opportunity awaits.

The latest class offerings resulting from the partnership between Rappahannock Community College and the Rappahannock Art League will focus on the creation of fine furniture under the instruction of skilled artisan Andrew Pitts. These sessions are geared both to beginners and to furniture makers of some experience.

Pitts will teach a two-day course about “Starting Your Own Studio Furniture Workshop” on Monday and Tuesday, March 23 and 24, at his workshop, 667 Courthouse Road, Heathsville, Northumberland County.

Furniture-maker Andrew Pitts, shown at work in his Heathsville studio

Participants will learn all aspects of setting up a furniture shop, from space and equipment to maintenance and safety. Two more courses will follow: “Designing and Constructing Heirloom Furniture” on Monday and Tuesday, April 20-21, and “Veneering, Laminating, Carving, and Finishing Furniture” on Monday and Tuesday, May 18-19.

Information on these and other RCC/RAL classes can be obtained from RCC’s Workforce Development Office; please call 804-333-6794 (Warsaw Campus) or 804-758-6750 (Glenns Campus).

“Andrew’s original designs are a bit whimsical, but functional at the same time,” said Elise Ritter, director of RAL’s Workshops program. “His contemporary designs are meticulously done, projecting grace and durability.”

Formerly a career naval officer, Pitts spent his time ashore teaching himself to design and build solid hardwood furniture, and after retiring set up his Heathsville workshop in 2002 in order to pursue this passion full time. There he uses primarily native Virginia hardwoods, which he cuts, mills, and dries himself from local trees that fall in storms or have to be felled for other reasons.

“I start every design with the intent of bringing out the natural beauty of those woods,” he says. “My furniture is above all functional, and beautiful as well.” The hallmarks of his pieces are pleasing proportions, exquisitely matched grain patterns, exacting joinery, and meticulous finishing throughout.

Pitts has been honored with a number of prestigious recognitions. He was a finalist two years in a row (2008 and 2009) in the annual awards program sponsored by NICHE magazine, an exclusive trade publication for progressive retailers of art and fine craft. He also received honorable mentions in the Custom Woodworking Business Design Portfolio competitions in 2008 and 2009; blue ribbons (first place) in RAL’s Annual Art Exhibits in 2005, 2006, and 2007, as well as the Viewer’s Choice Award in 2007; and the Blue Ribbon Award of Excellence in the Navy Newport Artists and Art Show (Newport, R.I.) in 1991.

As well as being a member of the Rappahannock Art League, Pitts is a juried Virginia Professional Artisan with the Artisans Center of Virginia. His work will be on view at the Philadelphia Invitational Furniture Show, March 27-29; the Fine Furnishings and Fine Craft Show in Baltimore, May 2-3; and locally at the Reedville Historic Garden Week Art Show, April 22 at Festival Halle in Reedville. It can also be seen at his Web site.