The following are examples of student-designed projects built aboard Side Street Project’s Woodworking Buses — mobile wood shops aboard renovated transit buses where kids age 5-11 learn about art & design using only hand tools, raw materials, and their imagination. These are not “woodworking kits” mind you, these are unique designs that kids envisioned and fabricated by themselves from raw pine stock.
What is the Woodworking Bus? Since 1997, over 15,000 kids in LA County have thrived aboard our Woodworking Buses — mobile wood shops aboard renovated transit buses where kids age 5-11 learn about art & design using only hand tools, raw materials, and their imagination. The Woodworking Bus has 10 height-adjustable workstations custom made for children. Each station is equipped with hand saws, hand drills, screwdrivers, supplies and materials: everything needed to create a multitude of projects using white pine as the primary material. There are two artist-teachers per bus, providing a 5:1 student/teacher ratio at all times.
Our goal is to teach children how to use tools safely, effectively and (ultimately) independent of adult assistance. Kids make a variety of projects that increase in complexity as they progress through the program. They accumulate a working knowledge of techniques like as sanding, sawing, shaping, drilling, setting screws, using clamps, hammering, and incising. After only a few sessions on the bus, kids are confident and competent enough to create projects of their own unique design. This is the program’s ultimate goal.
Appropriate for elementary and middle school students. Classes are mixed age groups. The program is challenging, but allows kids to progress at their own pace, regardless of experience. Children must be at least 5 years old. Closed toed shoes required. For safety and insurance reasons, parents are not allowed on the bus during class times, but may observe from the rear emergency exit door. Kids must be on time for all classes, especially the first day.
student designed projects by 2nd & 3rd graders (from left)
Alternate Routes: Education on Wheels — “The Woodworking Bus” is made possible by the Leonard I. Green Foundation, The City of Pasadena Cultural Affairs Division, The City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, The Pasadena Arts League, The Los Angeles County Arts Commission, The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Foundation, The Ahmanson Foundation, The Rowe and Gayle Giesen Trust. Special thanks to Shelia Dawson.
What a fantastic evening! Good food, good drink, good friends, and a great cause. Bookmeat was a success on many levels. We’re so grateful for everyone that came out and showed their love for Side Street. For those who were “there in spirit,” here’s a little 2 minute video of what went down @ Bookmeat. Enjoy.
Martin Kersels gave us his 1996 McMaster-Carr catalog! Oh my god, I’m literally trembling. This is a piece of art history, folks. This is THE catalog Martin used & consulted whilst constructing most of his early contraptions, sculptures, and installations. It also includes a (partial) list of the things he’s ordered from this catalog… many of which are immediately identifiable to fans of Martin’s work. Thanks Martin, this is amazing!
Michael Dee contributed a copy of “Fortunate Son,” the unauthorized and unflattering bio of George W. Bush (remember him?). Tucked inside is a beautiful pencil drawing by Michael of a supersonic F-102 Delta Dagger Interceptor — George’s training aircraft from his Air National Guard days.
Artist Jean Lowe contributed a copy of “Diet for a Small Planet,” a book that she read as a child which had a huge influence on her art career. But wait! When we say “copy” of the book, It’s not the kind of “copy” you’re thinking about… it’s a papier-mache copy of the book!
Did you know that Mark has the most beautiful handwriting we’ve ever seen? You’ve got to see it to believe it… it’s like 18th century penmanship. Crazy. Mark contributed a copy of “Black Like You,” a history of blackface & whiteface in American history. Included is a hand-written note by Mark with beautiful doodle drawings in the margins. We love you, Mark… thanks!
Andrea Bowers donated an enhanced version of the “Earth First Direct Action Manual.” Andrea’s work for the past 5 years of so has investigated the strategic use of both violence & non-violence in civil disobedience. This could be yours if you come to Bookmeat.
We’re blown away by Carmen’s amazing & hand-made book: full of portraits she did of characters whilst watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy! Holy fan art, Batman! Life and art intertwined — a day of watching movies beautifully recorded by Carmen for Bookmeat. This could be yours… if you come to Bookmeat!
School’s out? The Woodworking Bus is open! Take care of those last-minute holiday errands while we teach your kids skills that’ll last a lifetime. Special 
What is the Woodworking Bus? Since 1997, over 15,000 kids in LA County have thrived aboard our Woodworking Buses — mobile wood shops aboard renovated transit buses where kids age 5-11 learn about art & design using only hand tools, raw materials, and their imagination. The Woodworking Bus has 10 height-adjustable workstations custom made for children. Each station is equipped with hand saws, hand drills, screwdrivers, supplies and materials: everything needed to create a multitude of projects using white pine as the primary material. There are two artist-teachers per bus, providing a 5:1 student/teacher ratio at all times.
