Karen Ernst
Woodworking and Furniture Design
Karen Ernst
Edinboro, PA 16412
(814)-282-1549
Education
2002 MFA, Furniture Design
Rhode Island School of Design,Providence, RI
Courses in woodworking, welding, jewelry and light metals, bronze and aluminum casting, upholstery, ceramics, and CAD for furniture
1998 BA, Studio Art with German Minor
State University of New York at Geneseo, Geneseo, NY
Major concentration in furniture, minor concentration in textiles
Teaching Experience
2016-present Professor, Art Department, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Edinboro, PA, Woodworking and Furniture Design Program
2010-16 Associate Professor, Woodworking and Furniture Design
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Edinboro, PA
2005-10 Assistant Professor, Woodworking and Furniture Design
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Edinboro, PA
2004-05 Full-Time Instructor, Woodworking and Furniture Design
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Edinboro, PA
2003-04 Summer Workshop Teaching Assistant
Anderson Ranch Arts Center, Snowmass Village, CO
Performed studio and machine maintenance and assisted classes on basic woodworking, hand tools, woodturning, bent lamination, veneering, finishing, upholstery, and marquetry.
2003 Adjunct Instructor, ARTS 240, Art Appreciation
Limestone College, Gaffney, SC
Overview of the major movements in art from pre-historic times to the present, as well as a survey of artists’ methods and materials.
2000-02 Graduate Teaching Assistant
Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI
Assisted undergraduate level classes in the Furniture Department
2000-02 Wood Studio Monitor
Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI
Assisted undergraduate Furniture students with their projects.
Special Programs
2023 Frogwood Artist Collaborative, Camp Colton, OR
2022 Emma Lake Artist Collaborative, Saskatchewan, Canada
2021 A Workshop of Our Own (WOO), Baltimore, MD
Upcoming: Invited to teach an online workshop on woodcarving at WOO, a community wood studio for women and gender non-conforming people
2019 Shopbot Tools Headquarters, Durham, NC
Two-day training course on CNC technology and machining
Arrowmont School of Crafts, Gatlinburg, TN
Pentaculum Artist’s Residency
2018 Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Gatlinburg, TN
Woodturning workshop with Trent Bosch
2006 Anderson Ranch Arts Center, Snowmass Village, CO
Table design workshop with Andy Buck and Wendell Castle
Marc Adams School of Woodworking, Indianapolis, IN
One-day workshop on woodturning, steam bending, inlay, and design
2003 Anderson Ranch Arts Center,Snowmass Village, CO
Three month Artist in Residence Program
2002 Maine Center for Furniture Craftsmanship,Rockport, ME
Lighting design workshop with designer Rod Wales
Brown University,Providence, RI
Sheridan Center Teaching Certificate Program
Brown and RISD faculty lectures and discussion groups on pedagogy.
1996 State University of NY at Geneseo, Geneseo, NY
Workshop to learn techniques for constructing nesting Shaker boxes.
1993-94 American Field Service,Foreign Exchange Student, Germany
Lived with host family and attended classes at Regino Gymnasium, Pruem
Professional Experience
2018-present The Furniture Society Board of Trustees Member, Vice President June 2020-22, Board President 2022-24
2018 Panelist, “Hidden Agenda: Conceptual Elements in Furniture Design”, The Furniture Society Conference, San Francisco, CA
Presenter, “Made in Erie Design Lab”, Blasco Library, Erie, PA
2016 Panelist, “The Future of Furniture From an Educator’s Perspective”, The Furniture Society Conference, Philadelphia, PA
2014-2016 Juror, Edinboro University Design Excellence Award, Erie Art Museum, Erie, PA
Award given to two finalists in the Innovation Erie Design Competition.
2010-present Juror, Innovation ErieDesign Competition, Erie, PA
Regional product design competition in partnership with Erie Art Museum
2014 Speaker, Mercyhurst University, Interior Design Program
Invited to lecture to Interior Design students about furniture design processes
2012 Juror, October Evenings, Meadville Council on the Arts, Meadville, PA
2011 Panelist,Thinking Through Crafts With Mark Newport, Edinboro University of PA
2008 Juror, “100 American Craftsmen”, The Kenan Center, Lockport, NY
2007 Symposium Participant, Woodturning Center, Philadelphia, PA
Discussion between wood educators and professionals in connection with “Roll Call” exhibition of student and faculty work.
2006 Lecture, “Alternative Materials in Furniture”, American Society of Metallurgists Student Night at Penn State Behrend, Erie, PA
Juror, Eclectic Etceteras Scholarship Exhibition, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Edinboro, PA
Juror, Annual High School Art Show, Bruce Gallery, Edinboro University of PA, Edinboro, PA
2004 Visiting artist and demonstrator, Ravenel Elementary School, Seneca, SC
Annual “Artists on the Green” Event
2002 Visiting artist and exhibitor, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH
1997 - 2002 Employee, G.J.W. Spykman Cabinetmakers, Keene, NH
Assisted in the construction, finishing, and installation of contemporary furniture and architectural interiors.
2001 Furniture design consultant and builder, Smith Hill Community Development Corporation, Providence, RI
Worked with small non-profit housing and urban development organization.
1996 The Schoolhouse Gallery, East Aurora, NY
Completed an internship with two Roycroft Mastercraftsmen. Assisted in the construction and finishing of Shaker and Arts and Crafts style furniture.
Awards, Grants, and Honors
2023 Pennsylvania West Faculty Professional Development Grant, Edinboro, PA
Funding to support travel to attend the Furniture Society Conference in New Orleans, LA
2022 Edinboro Foundation Faculty Grant to Support Scholarly Activity, Pennsylvania West University, Edinboro, PA
Grant to support participation in the Frogwood Artist Collaborative at Camp Colton, OR
2020 Sabbatical Leave, Spring 2022, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Edinboro, PA
"Chair Design and Construction"
2018 Women's Philanthropy Council Grant, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Center for Faculty Excellence Professional Development Grant, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
2016 APSCUF Professional Development Grant, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
2014 Nominee, Faculty Member of the Year, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Edinboro, PA
The State Museum of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, PA, “Art of the State: Pennsylvania 2014”
Juror’s Award: Second Place in Craft Category
Edinboro Excellence, Edinboro University of PA
Recognition by Edinboro University for receipt of Windgate Charitable Foundation Grant – featured in weekly campus-wide email.
University Faculty Senate Research Grant, Edinboro University of PA, Edinboro, PA
Received funding for travel and materials to continue new body of artwork inspired by Olympic National Park.
2013 Windgate Charitable Foundation Grant
Received $50,000 to purchase tools and equipment for the Furniture Design Program at Edinboro University of PA.
Received $30,000 in scholarship funding to be awarded to undergraduate students in the Wood, Metals, and Ceramics programs at Edinboro University.
University Faculty Senate Research Grant, Edinboro University of PA, Edinboro, PA
Received funding for travel and materials to produce new body of artwork inspired by Olympic National Park.
2012 Sabbatical Leave, Spring 2015, Edinboro University of PA, Edinboro, PA
“Furniture Inspired by Olympic National Park”
2009 University Faculty Senate Research Grant, Edinboro University of PA, Edinboro, PA
Received funding for research on carved vessel forms
2007 University Faculty Senate Research Grant, Edinboro University of PA, Edinboro, PA
Received funding for research on vacuum-forming and laminating
2006 Meadville Council on the Arts, Meadville, PA, “October Evenings” Exhibition Juror’s Award, “Bloom” wall cabinet
University Faculty Senate Research Grant, Edinboro University of PA, Edinboro, PA
Received funding for research on containers: cabinets and boxes
2005 Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Edinboro, PA
Commission to build podium for Louis C. Cole Auditorium
Erie Art Museum, Erie, PA, 82ndAnnual Spring Show
Juror’s Choice Award, “Quandary Mountain” Chair
1999 Lederer Gallery,SUNY Geneseo, Geneseo, NY, Juried Student Art Show
Honorable Mention, 3D category, “George” four-posted bed
1998 SUNY Geneseo Foundation Student Grant Award
Funding for materials, “George” four-posted bed
Lederer Gallery, SUNY Geneseo, Geneseo, NY, Juried Student Art Show
First Prize, 3D category, “Beauty Crutch” Mirror
Publications
2015 Merkle, Karen Rene. “ Nature Informs Furniture Design at Museum Exhibit.” Erie Times News, October 1st, 2015.
Greenstein, Naomi. “Ernst’s new exhibit, ‘Land, Sea and Sky,’ on display at EAM.” The Merciad, September 16th, 2015.
2014 Hudson, Abbey. “Art Professor Creates Award-winning Work.” Edinboro News-Journal, August 1st, 2014.
2012 Mind & Hand: Contemporary Studio Furniture. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing Ltd 2012.
2010 Lark Studio Series: Chairs.New York, NY: Lark Books, 2010.
500 Cabinets: A Showcase of Design and Craftsmanship. New York, NY: Lark Books, 2010.
2009 500 Tables: Inspiring Interpretations of Function and Style. New York, NY: Lark Books, 2009.
2008 500 Chairs: Celebrating Traditional and Innovative Designs. New York, NY: Lark Books, 2008.
2007 Vesery, Jacques. “Roll Call Bridges Gap.”American Woodturner: The Journal of the American Association of Woodturners,Fall 2007, Vol. 22, Number 3.
2004 Day, Chris. “Exhibit of Wooden Pieces Helps Open Downtown Celebration.” Seneca Daily Tribune, March 13th, 2004.
Exhibitions
2023 Cole Arts Center, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, TX, “Refined” Exhibition. Second prize Juror’s Award.
Sweetwater Center for the Arts, Sewickly, PA, “Against the Grain” Exhibition
Messler Gallery, The Center for Furniture Craftsmanship, Rockport, ME, “Turning it All Around” invitational collaborative exhibition
Created work with PennWest Metalsmithing Professor Cappy Counard
2022 Virginia Beach Arts Center, Virginia Beach, VA, “H2O Exhibition”, Honorable Mention Award
Appalachian Center for Craft, Smithville, TN, “Workshop Instructor Exhibit”
Erie Art Museum, Erie, PA, “Made by the Lake: Woodworking by Regional Artists”
Co-curator and Exhibitor in show of work by eight woodworkers, including four Edinboro Wood Area alumni.
2021 American Association of Woodturners, Annual Symposium in Omaha, NB, "Professional Outreach Program (POP) Invitational Exhibition"
2020 Greater Denton Arts Council, Denton, TX, "Materials Hard and Soft"
The Dairy Barn Arts Center, Athens, OH, “Art of Our Appalachian Woods”
2019 American Association of Woodturners, Annual AAW Symposium in Raleigh, NC, "Continuum"
Community Arts Phoenixville, Phoenixville, PA, "Vessels"
The Stonewall Gallery, Cambridge Springs, PA, "Essence of Art - Pattern and Color"
2018 The Dairy Barn Arts Center, Athens, OH, “Art of Our Appalachian Woods”
The Dairy Barn Arts Center, Athens, OH, “OH+5: Biennial Ohio Border Exhibition”
2017 Waterloo Arts,Cleveland, OH, “Juried Exhibition”
Annual Conference of the American Association of Woodturners (AAW). Kansas City, MO, “Members Gallery”
The Stonewall Gallery, Cambridge Springs, PA, “Cabin Fever”
2016 The Wharton Esherick Museum, Malvern, PA, “Frames”
The Stonewall Gallery, Cambridge Springs, PA, “Art of Nature”
The Sebastopol Center for the Arts. Sebastopol, CA, “Abstract: Art From Nature”
2015 The Ronald E. Holstein Gallery, Erie Art Museum, Erie, PA, “Land, Sea, and Sky: Details From Nature”
Solo Exhibition of Sabbatical Work
Blair Walkway Gallery, The Hoyt Center for the Arts, Newcastle, PA, “Crafts Faculty of Edinboro University”
2014 The Harlan Gallery, Seton Hill University, Greensburg, PA, “Residents and Residence: An Exhibition of Somewhat Regional Makers”
The State Museum of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, PA, “Art of the State: Pennsylvania 2014”
Juror’s Award, Second Place in Crafts Category
The Stonewall Gallery, Cambridge Springs, PA, “Cats and Dogs” Invitational Exhibition
Fundraiser for The Humane Society
2013 The Stonewall Gallery, Cambridge Springs, PA, “Drinking Vessel Invitational”
Fifth Floor Gallery, Los Angeles, CA, “Craft + Design”
Exhibition of furniture and wood objects designed for production in conjunction with the Annual Furniture Society Conference.
2012 The Lockhart Gallery, SUNY Geneseo, Geneseo, NY, “Alumniexh12”
The State Museum of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, PA, “Art of the State: Pennsylvania 2012”
The Kenan Center, Lockport, NY, “Extraordinary Forms III”
Invitational exhibition of college educators working in wood and fiber
The Portland Public Library, Portland ME, “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” Exhibition in conjunction with the Annual Furniture Society Conference
2011 Grovewood Gallery, Asheville, NC, “A Wood Collector’s Home” Exhibition
The Stonewall Gallery, Cambridge Springs, PA, “For the Birds” Invitational Exhibition
Fundraiser for Tamarack Wildlife Center
The Edinboro University Highlands Buildings, Edinboro, PA
Commissioned by architect David Thal to create carved panels for permanent installation in newly constructed Highlands buildings
The State Museum of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, PA, “Art of the State: Pennsylvania 2011”
Fancy Gallery, Seattle, WA, “Co:Operation Tableware”
Collaborative work with metalsmith Sue Amendolara, in conjunction with SNAG conference
2010 Meadville Council on the Arts, Meadville, PA, “October Evenings” Exhibit
The Annual Furniture Society Conference, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, “Member’s Gallery”
Erie Art Museum, Erie, PA, 87ththAnnual Spring Show
The Kipp Gallery, Indiana University of PA, Indiana, PA
“The Far Side of Function: Contemporary Works in Wood”
TheSociety For Contemporary Craft, Pittsburgh, PA
Exhibitor in Retail Store
2009 The Dairy Barn Arts Center, Athens, OH
“The Far Side of Function: Contemporary Works in Wood”
Meadville Council on the Arts, Meadville, PA, “October Evenings” Exhibit
The Society For Contemporary Craft, Pittsburgh, PA
Exhibitor in Retail Store
2008 The Neuberger Museum, SUNY Purchase, Purchase, NY
“Multiplicity: Art of the Furniture Prototype”
International juried exhibition featured at the Furniture Society Conference
The Stonewall Gallery, Cambridge Springs, PA, “Shelter” Invitational Exhibition
Fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity
Anderson Ranch Arts Center, Snowmass Village, CO
Contributor since 2003, Annual Art Auction Exhibition/Fundraiser
The Society For Contemporary Craft, Pittsburgh, PA
Exhibitor in Annual Fundraising Auction, Retail Store
2007 Meadville Council on the Arts, Meadville, PA, “October Evenings” Exhibit
Wood Turning Center, Philadelphia, PA, “Roll Call” Exhibition
Faculty and student work from college woodworking programs
Erie Art Museum, Erie, PA, 84thAnnual Spring Show
2006 Meadville Council on the Arts, Meadville, PA “October Evenings” Exhibit
Garnerville Center for the Arts, Garnerville, NY
GAGA Arts Festival, “Once A Tree” Group Show
2005 Roycroft Arts Festival, East Aurora, NY
Participated in annual Juried Art Show / Sale
Erie Art Museum, Erie, PA, 82ndAnnual Spring Show
2004 Anderson Ranch Arts Center, Snowmass Village, CO
Annual Program Director and Workshop Assistant Exhibition
The Arts Company, Seneca, SC, Solo Exhibition, “Askew”
2003 Belton Center for the Arts, Belton, SC, “Form and Function” Exhibition
Anderson Ranch Arts Center, Snowmass Village, CO
AnnualProgram Director and Assistant Exhibition
2002 RISD Museum, Providence, RI, Graduate Thesis Exhibition
RISD Sol Koffler Graduate Gallery, Providence, RI
Solo Exhibition, “Mindscapes”
2000, ‘01 Providence Fine Furnishings Show, Providence, RI
RISD Furniture Department Booth
2001 RISD Woods Gerry Gallery, Providence, RI, “Recent Graduate Work”
RISD Market House Gallery, Providence, RI
“Unclamped”, Graduate Furniture Design Show
1999 Lederer GallerySUNY Geneseo, Geneseo, NY, Juried Student Art Show
1998 Sundance Gallery, Geneseo, NY, Senior Solo Exhibition
Lederer Gallery, SUNY Geneseo, Geneseo, NY, Juried Student Art Show
Professional Travel
2018 The Furniture Society Conference, San Francisco, CA
2017 Joint Symposium of The Furniture Society and the American Association of Woodturners, Kansas City, MO
Wendell Castle/RIT Studio Tour, Rochester, NY
2016 Asheville, NC
Travel with Wood Club students to tour The Old Wood Company, Penland School of Crafts, Brian Boggs Chairmakers, Brent Skidmore Studio, Grove Park Inn
International Woodworking Fair (IWF), Atlanta, GA
The Furniture Society Conference, Philadelphia, PA
2015 Sculptural Objects and Functional Art(SOFA) Exposition,Chicago, IL
Wendell Castle/RIT Studio Tour, Rochester, NY
The Furniture Society Symposium, Durham, NC
2013 Olympic National Park, WA
Gathered literature, photographs and sketches in preparation for the creation of sabbatical body of work. Met with traditional Native American totem carvers of the Jamestown S’Klallam tribe to investigate tools, wood carving methods
2012 Wendell Castle/RIT Studio Tour, Rochester, NY
The Furniture Society Conference, Maine College of Art and Design, Portland, Maine
2010 Sculptural Objects and Functional Art(SOFA) Exposition,Chicago, IL
The Furniture Society Conference, The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
2008 The Furniture Society Conference, SUNY Purchase, Purchase, NY
2007 The Woodturning Center, Philadelphia, PA
Participated In ”Roll Call” symposium with college wood educators
Wendell Castle Studio Tour, Rochester, NY
Sculptural Objects and Functional Art(SOFA) Exposition,Chicago, IL
David Ellsworth Woodturning Workshop, Indiana University of PA
New Zealand and Australia Traveled extensively for four weeks, viewed and photographed modern and traditional Maori and Aboriginal artwork
Tucson, AZ and Mexico Viewed and photographed local artwork
Philadelphia Furniture and Furnishings Show, Philadelphia, PA
New York, NY Student Art League Trip
2006 Tucson, AZ and Mexico Viewed and photographed local artwork, researched alternative/environmentally friendly building materials
New York, NY Student Art League Trip
The Furniture Society Conference, Indianapolis, IN
Providence Fine Furnishings Show, Providence, RI
2005 Nicaragua Traveled extensively through rural countryside and cities, viewed and photographed traditional artwork and architecture
Providence Fine Furnishings Show, Providence, RI
2004 Providence Fine Furnishings Show, Providence, RI
2002 Providence Fine Furnishings Show, Providence, RI
International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF), New York, NY
2001 Sculptural Objects and Functional Art (SOFA) Exposition, New York, NY
Professional Organizations
2016-present Member of the American Association of Woodturners (AAW)
2006-present Member of the Erie Art Museum
2002-present Member of the Furniture Society