Image 1 of 4
Image 2 of 4
Image 3 of 4
Image 4 of 4
About the Instructor:
Clay Tyson is a Mammoth local known for his expertise as a climbing guide and his creative spirit. Deeply connected to the rugged beauty of the Eastern Sierra, Clay’s passion for rock climbing translates into an appreciation for natural materials and craftsmanship. His dedication to woodturning reflects a love for shaping and transforming wood into functional art, inspiring others with pieces that capture the essence of his outdoor adventures. As a guide and artist, Clay blends athletic skill with creative expression, making him a distinctive figure in the Mammoth community.
“I first experienced the wonder of woodturning at age 15 during my junior year at boarding school. I learned by watching the weathered hands of the shop teacher who had instructed my father 30 years earlier. Palmer Sharpless was a well-respected woodturner and teacher, and I was immediately enamored with the craft. Over the next 40 years, access to a lathe was limited to a brief three-year stretch in the early 2000s. It wasn’t until twenty years later—ten years after moving to Mammoth—that I built a dedicated shop on a friend’s land, finally establishing a permanent lathe studio. With 25 years of experience in teaching, I am excited to bring those skills into my work at the lathe, combining craftsmanship with a commitment to education.” - Clay
Class Schedule:
First class is Monday October 20th!
Week 1 - 10/20
Week 3 - 10/27
Week 4 - 11/3
Week 5 - 11/17
- This is an optional make up week for any last minute or forgotten steps so ensure that everyone goes home with a product they love.