Donna Zils Banfield

Thin Wall Turning and Piercing

October 11 - 16, 2026

Intermediate

Woodturning

Overview

This internediate to advanced woodturning workshop focuses on the specialized techniques required to turn thin-walled bowls and end-grain vessels from green wood. Students will learn how to turn to the final thickness in one session, aiming for a finished wall between 3/16'' and 1/16''. Students are required to have a few years of experience turning bowls and vessels, and have an understanding of how to safely use bowl and spindle gouges. The second half of the workshop will focus on detailed embellishment - students will learn how to see negative space and create intricate patterns using high-speed pneumatic handpieces and dental piercing bits. Students will practice piercing on thin plywood before applying the technique to their turned forms.

Course Fee : $852.00

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

Donna Zils Banfield

Donna Zils Banfield is an award-winning artist who has been creating works of art in wood in her Derry, New Hampshire studio since 2001. She is highly sought after for teaching her surface embellishment techniques and frequently travels to present at symposia across the country and Europe. She has taught at prestigious institutions including Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Marc Adams School of Woodworking, and Snow Farm: The New England Craft School. Her work is held in major institutions such as the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts, the Permanent Collection of the League of NH Craftsmen, and private collections worldwide. Donna was recently featured as one of ten artists in the award-winning documentary film, A Handmade Life, which was shown at the 2024 NH Film Festival and later appeared on PBS.

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