From the outside, no one would expect much of the ramshackle building sitting at the bottom of the hill isolated from the rest of the school. Inside, the sound of music swells in harmony with the blare of power tools working away, an unexpected sanctuary. This building is home to one of the newer additions to the Ojai Valley School, Doug Colborn’s Woodshop class.
OVS has a long-standing history of Woodshop, but after losing the facility which hosted the class in the Thomas fire, it was put on the back-burner. Last year, the completion of the newly built art studio not only provided a beautiful updated space for Chia Hersk’s art students but in its wake left behind the perfect location for the revitalization of the Woodshop program.
Mr. Colborn took the initiative of instating Woodshop as an H-block last year after, calling upon his passion for building he developed from working in a cabinet shop during his high school summers and college. This year it has since been incorporated into the OVS curriculum as a bonafide credited art class.
“The curriculum is based on them becoming familiar with all the power tools that we have and then they’re going to be turned loose after that,” said Mr.Colborn.
At this point in the year, the students have built jewelry boxes and cutting boards and are in the process of making lathes. In the upcoming semester, the class is looking forward to lessons in household maintenance and will soon be taking ownership as they start independent projects of their design.
The class is a relatively new addition to the campus for current students and is hoping to progress student interest. “I want to promote the class,” expressed Mr.Colborn. Although a strong first-year performance with two full classes, he is hoping to increase that number and get more girls involved.
At the moment, there is only one girl in Woodshop, a senior, Adelynn “Addie” Todd. “I think that more girls should branch out and try the class,” she said. “It is a way to express artistic aspects in a more natural medium.”
Addie spoke highly of the environment Mr. Colborn has created, giving guidance while still allowing independence in the fun and at times chaotic class. “The class I am in always makes me laugh,” she said.
Woodshop continues finding its place at the Ojai Valley School under the guidance of Mr. Colborn, who recognizes its utility and teaches the class with unwavering devotion.
In this day and age, you can buy almost anything and hire almost anyone, but being able to make something beautiful yourself from just a piece of wood is an incredible skill that gives you a sense of accomplishment and saves you money. “I recognize the value of the work,” said Mr. Colborn. “This is a cool thing to know how to do.”
