BCW Winter Highlights
When one opens the door of the Bull City Woodshop and breathes in the scent of sawdust, memories of "Grandpa" or "8th grade shop class" fill the heart and mind. We all tie that smell back to a positive experience we remember fondly.
As a woodworking program, the BCW exists to teach students how to build. But the "building" that takes place at the BCW goes far beyond manipulating wood. Students are building skills that they will carry with them the rest of their lives. Volunteer mentors are building relationships with the students. The BCW is building community partnerships to widen the impact into Durham and the surrounding Triangle. Donors are building investments into sustainable and life-impacting programs.
To say that I am honored to be a part of Durham's community in this capacity is the least I can say. I am humbly and deeply grateful to every individual who has participated with the Woodshop. With our collaborative efforts, we are building those same positive experiences for these students so that one day, they will think back and remember with fondness the skills they developed at the BCW. Thank you for being a part of this mission to MAKE WOODWORKERS.
Andrea Bowens
Founder and Executive Director
A few words with DJ
Andrea: What kind of skills have you learned at the woodshop?
DJ: It feels nice to make something with my hands. It gives...I wouldn't say life skills but kind of just being on your own doing something.
Andrea: I would say that's a life skill! Do you have a favorite project you've made?
DJ: I really liked the tray table I built.
Andrea: That was one of the very first projects you built! Tell us when you started at the woodshop.
DJ: I started when you were still in your garage. I was in middle school, I think seventh or eighth grade when I started.
Andrea: Ok. And, now you're how old?
DJ: I'm 17.
Hear from a Volunteer
"I learned a lot of my woodworking skills in a community-oriented woodshop more than 40 years ago. During open shop nights there, it was common to see kids, their parents, and their grandparents working on projects together. That experience left a lasting impression. When I discovered BCW, I volunteered immediately. What I like about woodworking is that the skills are a blend of new technology (in power tools), old technology (hand tools), craft (you must follow the rules!), and art (you can do anything you want, within the rules). Helping students learn those skills and develop that capacity for creative innovation is really rewarding for me. The larger lessons apply beyond woodworking and will serve students well for many years to come.- Dean Urban.
Meet Zeke
Our advanced students get the opportunity to take on commissioned projects! Pictured here is Zeke, who engraved a total of 120 ornaments for a local organization.