About | Inside Passage School of Fine Cabinetmaking

Our school and its program is founded on and dedicated to the teachings of James Krenov. At Inside Passage School of Fine Cabinetmaking, students are encouraged to discover & explore the intimate relationship that exists between the wood, the tools and the details of fine cabinetmaking. A sensitive and sensible approach to our craft is taught and practiced in our work.

James Krenov served as an advisor to our school since its inception.

Resident Craftsman & Teacher

Robert Van Norman

Taught by James Krenov, Robert is the founder, Resident Craftsman and teacher of the Inside Passage School of Fine Cabinetmaking.

Robert apprenticed under master cabinetmaker Erich Janisch, further refining his skills at the College of the Redwoods under the direction of James Krenov. In 1991 he founded a small woodworkers cooperative where he began to make commissioned and speculative pieces of his own design. Robert’s work has been exhibited throughout North America, Europe and Japan. He has taught and lectured at schools throughout Canada and the United States. Robert maintains a small benchroom at the school, where he continues to work at his craft.
Robert’s work »

Admissions & Student Services

Yvonne Van Norman

Often the first contact our students have with Inside Passage School of Fine Cabinetmaking is with Yvonne. As her title suggests she looks after everything from correspondence, registrations and assisting our students with their transition to life on the beautiful Sunshine Coast of British Columbia.

Yvonne has developed a close network of locally available services and accommodations specific to our student needs. She has been with the school since its inception, and with Robert throughout his life as a craftsman. Yvonne lives in Roberts Creek with her family, a short walk from the school. When not at the school she can often be found on her bike or in her garden.

Contact Yvonne »

Facility

Inside Passage School of Fine Cabinetmaking is located in the oceanside community of Roberts Creek on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia Canada. The facility was designed specifically for our needs and includes separate bench, machine and wood rooms.

Our bench rooms have an abundance of natural light and wooden floors to protect our tools and our bodies. Each Student is supplied with a bench, stool and anti fatigue mat and has an adjacent sharpening station and tool cabinet.

We stock fine cabinet woods from across the world including locally harvested woods. Current inventory includes: