Building Creative Treasures By Karen Brutsche
Do you want to build something, but don’t have a woodshop with all the tools you need? Perhaps you are unsure of where to start on a project you’d like to begin. Maybe you have a small workshop area, but you need some special tools that you don’t have? Reston Community Center’s woodshop can come to your aid. The woodshop at RCC Hunters Woods can provide the tools you need and support from experienced woodworkers – and all at a reasonable cost. RCC’s woodworking program has many specialized tools in the shop, offers intriguing classes for all skill levels and open shop hours that include supervision by experienced people eager to provide feedback. You can learn about making specialty boxes, using new or essential tools and layout aids, or obtain new skill in handling the band saw. RCC also hosts twice-weekly open woodshop hours and Pinewood Derby workshops for Cub Scouts. Our Good Neighbors Woodworking Group is a very fulfilling daytime volunteer program where participants handcraft wonderful wooden toys that are donated to children in the community. Year-round, the RCC woodworking instructors address topics that include basic hand tool and power tool use along with completing projects like building boxes, picture frames or trays. Occasionally, RCC schedules advanced classes addressing more complex projects such as tables, chests and desks. We periodically offer master classes with experts from a local woodworking guild. A master class taught by Michael Pekovich on the Japanese Kumiko art form was recently held in which all the students made a Kumiko box. Reston Community Center’s skilled practitioners teach students necessary skills and how to safely use tools while completing their woodworking, but most importantly, they guide patrons to the satisfaction and fulfillment that come from creating and building something from an idea to an object that will be treasured. For more information on the classes and schedules, visit www.restoncommunitycenter.com. 50
AROUND RESTON MAGAZINE