Classes for Women, Designed by Women!
Empowering Through Craft: The Importance of Woodworking Courses for Underrepresented Groups
At the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute, we believe that the art and craft of woodworking should be accessible to everyone, regardless of gender or identity. Woodworking is where art and skilled trades meet. By offering tailored woodworking courses for women and non-binary individuals, we aim to break down barriers, foster inclusivity, and build a more diverse community within the industry.
Breaking Stereotypes and Building Confidence
Historically, woodworking has been dominated by traditional gender roles, and it can be hard to push past those stereotypes. At the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute, we challenge these norms by providing a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can explore their craft. All of our courses (not just women’s and non-binary’s) are designed to nurture confidence and skill, helping participants to develop their unique woodworking talents.
Creating Opportunities and Fostering Innovation
Woodworking is a field ripe with opportunities for innovation and creativity. By encouraging underrepresented groups to engage with this craft, we open doors to new perspectives and ideas. Women and non-binary individuals bring diverse experiences and approaches to woodworking, enriching the field and driving forward new techniques and designs. Our programs are dedicated to providing these groups with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to make a mark in the woodworking community.
Building a Supportive Community
Our commitment goes beyond teaching woodworking skills; it's about creating a welcoming and supportive community. We love woodworking, and look forward to sharing our passion with every student who comes through our doors.
Meet Your Instructors
SHERI SARATA
DIRECTOR OF WOMEN'S PROGRAMMING
SPECIALIZATIONS
Teaching
Children’s Programming
Women’s Woodworking Classes
Sheri Sarata retired from a teaching career in 2017. While searching for a way to keep herself occupied in retirement, she discovered the SBWI. Sheri took one class and quickly developed a new passion for wood. Over the next few years, she completed several courses and enrolled in the long-term Wood Design course. Sheri built her skills and found a way to merge her passion for children’s education and woodworking. She offered her services to the SBWI and became the first Director of Youth Programming.
Sheri’s credentials include an MA in Education and Curriculum from Michigan State University, BA in Elementary Education from Michigan State University, Reading Recovery Certificate from Oakland University, and a Woodworking Certificate from Woodworking Career Alliance of North America. She has spent the past several years renovating homes for resale, and she especially enjoys spoon carving and veneer and marquetry. In addition to youth classes, Sheri also teaches classes specifically geared toward helping women become comfortable with tools, and is developing a woodworking women’s group. She is also a member of the Great Lakes Woodworking Festival Planning Committee, and leads the youth educational activities at the festival.
CAROLYN RACINE
INSTRUCTOR
SPECIALIZATIONS
Women’s Woodworking Classes
Fine Furniture
Upholstery
Carolyn grew up 20 minutes from SBWI and studied Creative Writing at The University of Michigan. After college, she moved to California and spent the next 11 years doing stand up and sketch comedy, writing for shows at UCB and The Pack Theater, and managing a very busy restaurant in Los Angeles. Sometime after the pandemic she found herself pretty burnt out and took a few woodworking classes for fun at Allied Woodshop. She immediately fell in love with being in a wood shop and making things. Carolyn's mom told her about SBWI's diploma program and, after touring the school, she was eager to pack up her Honda Fit, drive back home and be a student of the trade while living close to family. As the year-long program comes to an end, Carolyn is not sure she will ever make the drive back to the West Coast. Along with teaching courses at SBWI, Carolyn is also working towards opening a custom upholstery business.