Continuing a trend that began in 2008, students in the Product/Industrial Design & Development programs at the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC) earned honors in a national woodworking competition.
Kenton Beard and John Barry recently competed in the International Woodworking Fair (IWF) competition held in Atlanta, GA, and brought home honors for their creative work. Beard's entry was the "Cathedra" bench--a modern update on the traditional outdoor bench. This is the same design Destination Downtown South Boston selected for the Carter Green Space adjacent to Carter Bank & Trust on South Boston's Main Street.
Barry submitted a unique coffee table design that uses different types of wood to create a jigsaw puzzle effect on the table's surface. Both students received Honorable Mention, the equivalent of 3rd place, in their categories.
"I'm very proud of them for the hard work they put forth in class, and I was honored to be able to take them to this national competition," said Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC) Industrial Design & Development instructor Clint Johnson. "Both Kenton and John were very professional, and handled themselves well on the national stage. I think that reflects well on the school and program," Johnson continued.
Beard and Barry have a record of successful showings at national woodworking competitions. They each had the experience of competing nationally as dual enrollment students at Halifax County High School. Barry was part of the inaugural 2008 class of Product Design & Development students that built an updated Queen Anne Side Chair that placed first in the nation at the AWFS 2009 show. Beard and two other students designed and built the "Une Joue" demilune table that placed 4th in the nation.
"Competitions like IWF and the AWFS are important because they gives students exposure to the manufacturing industry and the related career paths they can pursue," said Johnson.This fall, Beard is back at the SVHEC continuing classes in SVCC's Industrial Design & Development program. Barry, who completed the Product Design & Development associate's degree program through Danville Community College in May is working at the Thomas A. Johnson Furniture Company, Inc.
For more information about the Product/Industrial Design & Development program at the SVHEC visit www.createyourcareer.org , or contact Clint Johnson at 434-572-5505, toll free 1-800-283-0098 ext 5505, or email information@svhec.org.
from SVHED.org
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