Wendell Castle, the legendary sculptural furniture designer and craftsman, will have his legacy continue through a new school founded in his name at the site of his studio in Scottsville, New York, near Rochester.

Castle died at the age of 85 in 2018. The Wendell Castle Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the artist’s legacy through education, conservation, and programming, is launching the new school in Castle’s longtime studio. Focused on the intersection of creativity, design, and technique, the Wendell Castle Workshop invites woodworking enthusiasts, emerging and established artists, designers, and makers to learn, collaborate, and innovate in a supportive and stimulating environment. 

Located in the studio where the world-renowned artist created his art furniture for over five decades, the WCW is a creative hub where students come together to follow in Castle's footsteps—using his tools and machines—by taking classes with instructors who studied under, worked for, collaborated with, or were inspired by Castle. 

Classes in furniture design, woodworking techniques, and more will be offered in a creative atmosphere like no other. “We selected our instructors and course content very carefully, and with access to many of Wendell’s pieces, students and instructors will be inspired to do their best work in his space,” said Ken Page, interim director, Wendell Castle Workshop. “We look forward to providing an outstanding environment and instruction for our students.”

Some of the instructors currently listed on the school's website include Tim Coleman, Michael Fortune, Andrew Glantz, Scott Grove, Larissa Huff, Andrew, Hunter, Patrick Kana, Yuri Kobyashi, Silas Kopf, Vic Tesolin, Cameron Van Dyke, and Tim Wells.

The workshop is fully equipped with traditional and state-of-the-art machinery and tools for woodworking , metal working, and finishing.

The school focuses on practical education, design, and artistic expression, welcoming students of all skill levels, from those looking to learn new techniques to experienced makers seeking new challenges. The weekend, week-long, or two-week classes are project-based, technique-based, or both. 

This is not the first time the Wendell Castle studio has hosted educational activities. The original Wendell Castle Workshop was a school founded by the artist in his studio in 1980. That school was eventually absorbed into the School for American Craftsmen at Rochester Institute of Technology.

Registration is open now for classes beginning in April 2024. For more information, visit the website at www.wendellcastleworkshop.org.