George School proudly welcomes back Lauren Verdugo, a once visiting artist and now teacher for our Woodworking program. 

In January 2024, Lauren came to George School to showcase their exhibit titled “Invasive Configuration,” as part of our Visiting Artist Series. Lauren's work blends sculpture and sustainability while exploring the interplay between us and nature as well as their identity as a non-binary woodworker. Throughout their initial visit to George School last January, Lauren shared their work as well as connected with students in the woodshop.

Lauren states, “The access that these kids have to college-level studios is super impressive.” During their stay on campus, they presented how to inlay different contrasting woods to create a clock setting, and instructed in both Carter Sio ’76 and Amedeo Salamoni’s art classes. 

“It is great to see students not only engaged with what they’re learning, but also contribute what they are interested in.”

Lauren received their formal training from master craftsman Larry White, who was the first employee of Sam Maloof, a renowned 20th-century studio art furniture designer and MacArthur Genius recipient. Lauren obtained their BA in Applied Design from San Diego State University and regularly taught at Allied Woodshop, Would Works, and the Maloof Foundation on the West Coast.  Their work has been featured in Architectural Digest and the Craft Dictionary Project by Craft in America. 

Most recently, Lauren spoke in a virtual artist talk with Craft in America. Learn more about their approach to wood furniture here.

Lauren has taken time from pursuing their MFA degree at California State University Long Beach, studying Studio Art with an emphasis in Woodworking, to join our community at George School as our woodworking teacher and an Upper Drayton Dorm Parent. 

The GS community is beyond excited to welcome Lauren to campus and cannot wait to see their classes thrive as they carve out the next chapter of the Woodworking Program at George School!