Showcase Presenters for 2026 (more to come)
Rich Caruso and Jim Pate | Mike Bloomquist | Tom McLaughlin
Ken Page | Dave Parks
Tom McLaughlin
Tom McLaughlin apprenticed in the early 90s with Master Craftsman P.A. “Pug” Moore of Rocky Mount, NC. Over his 30+ year career he has designed and built a myriad of custom pieces for clients seeking to own pieces that are as much a work of art as they are functional.
As a 25-year member of the New Hampshire Furniture Masters, and former Chairman, his work has become recognizable for its dramatic use of figured wood, creating a sense of movement in each piece.
Tom can be seen on repeat episodes hosting Classic Woodworking with Fine Woodworking on PBS TV, and he’s a frequent contributor to Fine Woodworking Magazine.
In 2016, Tom shifted his focus from commission work to teaching on his Epic Woodworking platform. He and his wife Kris enjoy furthering the craft by providing resources and instruction for all levels through a free weekly livestream called Shop Night Live on YouTube, Online courses, and In-shop classes at his shop in Canterbury, NH.
They also offer a community Membership experience called “The Neighborwood” which brings together woodworkers from all over the world with the goal of expanding skills and inspiring creativity.
Be sure to check out Shop Night Live, Thursdays at 7:30 pm ET. Each week Tom goes live from his Shop and demonstrates tips and techniques or walks viewers through a small project. It’s free – catch the link here each week: epicwoodworking.com/SNL. Can’t watch it live? There are over 200 episodes archived at the Epic Woodworking YouTube channel, check them out anytime!
If you’ve yet to experience his teaching style, you’re in for a treat as he clearly delivers concepts for those at various levels of expertise to understand, with professional skill and a disarming humor. In addition, Tom is always glad to field questions throughout.
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Ken Page
Ken Page is the director of the Wendell Castle Workshop (WCW), a nonprofit woodworking and metalworking school based in the former studio of the renowned Wendell Castle, widely recognized as the Father of the Art Furniture Movement. Castle’s groundbreaking work revolutionized the world of furniture design, and his legacy continues to inspire artists and makers today.
Before taking on the role of inaugural director at WCW, Page had a diverse career that bridged engineering and craftsmanship. While he was a part-time woodworker, he spent the majority of his professional life as an engineering program director in industries ranging from aerospace and automation to chemical manufacturing. This multifaceted background has equipped him with a unique skill set in leadership, project management, and team building—all of which have been instrumental in establishing and growing the Wendell Castle Workshop. Under his direction, WCW has become a dynamic hub for creativity, education, and artistic collaboration.
Topic:
A Second Life for the Wendell Castle Studio
Presentation:
Wendell Castle, widely considered the Father of the Art Furniture Movement, has left a lasting legacy that continues to influence studio furniture makers, sculptors, and artists across disciplines. Conference attendees will have the rare opportunity to learn about the transformation of Wendell’s longtime studio—from a space where he created his iconic, large-scale works to a vibrant hub for woodworking and metalworking education, now home to the Wendell Castle Workshop (WCW). Despite the transition, the essence or “DNA” of the original studio has been preserved, allowing it to remain a powerful source of inspiration for all who enter.
For many years, Wendell’s studio also served as his family home, and a section of this historic space is now dedicated to WCW, offering classes and artist residencies. The workshop is a living tribute to Wendell’s creative spirit, with walls adorned by photographs of his work, images of him in the studio, and displays of his original sketches. The studio also has an on-site gallery, which features not only Wendell’s work but also pieces by his widow, Nancy Jurs. By working in the same space where Wendell crafted his groundbreaking masterpieces and using the very tools and machinery he once employed, WCW students and resident artists are deeply immersed in the environment that nurtured his vision. This unique experience sparks creativity and encourages the next generation of makers to push the boundaries of their own craft.
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