Michael Anderson

The Calabash Canvas: Form and Surface Treatment

May 31 - June 5, 2026

Intermediate

Woodturning

Overview

This workshop offers students an immersive study in turning and embellishing the historically significant Hawaiian calabash bowl form. Students will learn how to turn multiple types of calabashes, using their best versions as canvases for a variety of surface treatments. Each day will include demonstrations of woodturning technique, alongside group discussions focused on form and thoughtful design. In addition to building advanced turning skills, students will explore various carving, woodburning, and coloring techniques for surface embellishment. By the end of the workshop, students will walk away with finished pieces, a greatly expanded technique toolkit, and the inspiration to pursue more ambitious projects.

Course Fee : $852.00

Download The Materials List

Scholarships & Material Fees

Need help covering workshop costs? Arrowmont offers financial aid opportunities to broaden access to our arts and craft programs. We believe a diverse community enriches the learning experience for all.

Material fees are not included in our national workshop costs, but are included with the cost of our winter short workshops. A material list with estimated costs will be emailed about 30 days before the national workshop begins.

TUITION & FEES

SCHOLARSHIPS

Cost Breakdown

Registration Fee

$50.00

One Week Workshop Tuition

$852.00

Estimated Cost*
*Fees exclude housing and meal plans

$902.00

VIEW HOUSING & MEAL PLAN COSTS

Artist Bio

Michael Anderson

Michael Anderson is an award-winning artist based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, who primarily works with woodturning but also incorporates carving, pyrography, and color into his pieces. He begins most of his art on the lathe, alternating between bowl forms and spindles, often using personal or historical narratives to guide his process. Michael has been featured in numerous publications and exhibitions, and was recently recognized with Best of Show at the biennial Best of Tennessee Craft Exhibition hosted by Arrowmont in 2024. He was also juried into the global exhibition Nature’s Canvas, a joint venture of the American Association of Woodturners (AAW) and the Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA).

Artist Website

Explore the Wood Studio

With a dedicated building to all things wood, the John Jordan Wood Building, it should come as no surprise that our wood workshops have developed a bit of a reputation for being the best of the best. A dedicated woodturning studio, machine room, and woodworking studio offer a wide range of equipment and options for students and instructors alike. From woodturning to furniture making, greenwood appliques to carving, the sky is the limit for what our wood workshops can do.

Explore the Wood Studio