Ramon Valdez was born in 1964 in Farmington, New Mexico. His passion for woodworking led him to pursue a marquetry class in 2005 at Anderson Ranch in Aspen, Colorado, under the mentorship of Craig Vandall Stevens. In 2012, Valdez returned to further enhance his marquetry skills, this time with the guidance of Silas Kopf. Among his notable works is “Higher Education,” which is included in the permanent collection of the San Juan College Gallery, where he has also exhibited his work as a solo artist.

In addition to his artistic endeavors, Ramon has contributed to the education of others by teaching marquetry classes at a local college and has developed a comprehensive tutorial course which includes a flash drive with video lessons and all the tools & materials to begin learning marquetry. This tutorial is titled “Marquetry Class 101” and is available on his website.

Valdez is dedicated to creating exceptional furniture pieces that merge artistry with durability, designing meticulously crafted items intended to last for decades. He takes particular pleasure in integrating marquetry, concealed compartments, magnetic latches, and innovative magnetic “keys” into his work. An award-winning artist, he has garnered numerous accolades and has been featured in prominent woodworking publications, establishing a devoted clientele. Valdez exhibited for 18 years at the Shidoni Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and currently resides in Bloomfield, New Mexico, where he operates his studio.

Class Title: The Art of Marquetry

Ramon Valdez

Bob Behnke is Franklin International’s Technical Service Manager for the Construction Division handling all technical aspects of the Titebond Branded product line of wood glues, construction adhesives, wood flooring adhesives and sealants. At Franklin Bob manages a group tasked with handling all calls to the company’s 800 number along with technicians tasked with testing of competitive products and new substrates. Bob has worked for over 30 years in the adhesives and sealants industry with experience in the development of emulsion polymers, scale up from bench to production of a range of adhesive technologies and development of breathable technology for organic and inorganic fabrics.

Class Title: All About Glue

Bob Behnke

Brittney Carbone is a dynamic mixed-media artist and educator. Equipped with a Master's in Art Education and over a decade of teaching experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to both her artistic creations and educational endeavors. Driven by a passion for pushing the boundaries of artistic expression, Brittney is particularly drawn to the versatile medium of epoxy. Her artistic journey involves a fusion of modern experimentation with traditional roots in painting, drawing, and textured surfaces, to create multi-dimensional artworks. Brittney's work reflects a commitment to continuous exploration and growth within the ever-evolving art landscape.

Class Title: Success with Epoxy: Tools, Techniques and Artistic Touches

Brittney Carbone

Adam Barnett is a lifelong artist and maker with deep roots in both traditional woodworking and modern digital fabrication. With nearly two decades in industrial manufacturing and a passion for making that began in his father’s garage woodshop, Adam blends old-school craftsmanship with new-school techniques like CNC carving and epoxy work. He runs Barnett Builds, a content brand and small business focused on inspiring and educating woodworkers through humorous videos, innovative designs, and creative project builds. Adam also creates content for Rockler Woodworking & Hardware, sharing woodworking knowledge and engaging stories with a wide online audience. Whether it’s a refined cutting board or a quirky sci-fi-themed piece, Adam’s work celebrates creativity, continuous learning, and the joy of making.

Class Title: Great Shop Tips and Tricks

Adam Barnett

Rob Johnstone is a woodworker who has been in the craft since he was a teenager. He grew up in a family woodworking business, trained as a luthier and has spent the last couple of decades with the Woodworker’s Journal magazine as Editor-in-Chief and Publisher. Rob is an expert woodworker with a love of storytelling be it in print, video or in person.

Class Title: Designing and Building a Plant Stand with Inlay
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Rob Johnstone

George Vondriska has been teaching woodworking since 1986. In addition to teaching classes at his own Vondriska Woodworks School, George teaches at woodworking shows across the country and has taught woodworking for Peace Corps/Swaziland, Andersen Window, Northwest Airlines, and the Pentagon. George has had numerous magazine articles published, from tool reviews to shop improvement projects.

Class Title: Furniture Making Tips and Tricks

George Vondriska