Michael Fortune

About this Craftsperson

Michael Fortune maintains his studio near Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, where he designs one-of-a-kind furniture for private residences across North America. He has taught at Sheridan College, Ryerson University, Rochester Institute of Technology, and the Savannah College of Art and Design. He was the first woodworker to receive the prestigious Prix Bronfman Award, Canada’s highest award in the crafts. Michael has won dozens of honors, awards, and prizes. His work is in the permanent collections of several museums, including the Claridge Collection of Canadian Art and Craft in Montreal, the Museum of Civilization in Ottawa, and the Ontario Crafts Council Collection. He was inducted into the Royal Canadian Academy of the Arts, awarded a Queen’s Jubilee medal, and has been featured in just about every woodworking magazine in existence. Michael received the Award of Distinction from the Furniture Society in 2007 and in 2010 became a contributing editor to Fine Woodworking. Michael is featured in The Difference Makers, published by Lost Art Press, and his #1 Chairs grace the front cover. This is Michael’s 24th year teaching at MASW.

Click on a Class for Details

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March 30-April 3, 2026

Developing the Idea

with Michael Fortune

2026-031-Apprenticeship-A-Creative-Bend--w-fortune__1

April 27-May 8, 2026 (2 weeks)

Apprenticeship: A Creative Bend on Furniture Making

with Michael Fortune

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June 8-12, 2026

Eclipse the Ellipse: Design & Make an Oval Table

with Michael Fortune

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June 13, 2026 (Sat)

Getting the Most from Your Bandsaw

with Michael Fortune

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June 14, 2026 (Sun)

Making a Living as a Craftsperson

with Michael Fortune

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September 14-18, 2026

Designing Chairs

with Michael Fortune

2026-258wcl-Making-Simple,-Yet-Elegant-w-fortune__1

October 24-25, 2026

Making Simple, Yet Elegant Tables

with Michael Fortune

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October 26-30, 2026

Fundamentals of Woodworking

with Michael Fortune

Updated November 2025

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