The Nautical Arts Workshop, located at 51 Meadow Woods Road, Deep River, Connecticut has been offering a variety of weekend workshops and classes for several years now, but the much-beloved courses are soon coming to an end.
According to an announcement on the company’s website, the spring semester of woodworking classes will be the last.
“We will be retiring from teaching classes at the end of July 2025,” a statement on the website reads. “Private instruction will not be available after August 31, 2025. [But] the Nautical Arts Gallery will remain open!”
The hands-on workshops they offer focus on projects inspired by our maritime heritage. Students use traditional hand tools and techniques to create their own individual projects. All skill levels are welcome.
Classes are offered for half days or one or two days, depending on the project.
“We offer hands-on classes that are inspired by our rich maritime heritage. Our students use traditional hand tools and techniques in creating individual projects,” the company says. “We have a variety of classes to meet our participants’ interests and skill levels. Our small class ensures that everyone receives personal instruction and guidance.”
The classes are held in a country barn workshop that the founder Peter built himself back in 2001. It has 3 large workbenches and can accommodate up to 10 students.
The shop is heated and has air conditioning, and with its beautiful awning windows and large French door, it lets in plenty of natural light and fresh air.
Upcoming class projects for the final semester include how to make a lobster buoy bird house, fish-shaped serving spoons, a dory window box, a Nantucket basket bracelet, a sperm whale weathervane, and more. There will also be a brief introduction about tools like drills, planers, saws, lathes for woodwork, and basic instructions on how to use them.
Additionally, Peter offers private woodworking lessons for beginning, intermediate, and advanced students. They can even host a woodworking event for your friends, group, or organization.
Students must be at least 18 years old (15-17 years old welcome, if accompanied by a parent). Tuition for the workshops varies, but typically starts around $60 with an additional small fee for materials.
For more information call 860-767-7345, or visit their website at www.thenauticalartsworkshop.com
