At a Glance
Fine Woodworking & Design
Martin is a classically trained woodworker and graphic designer whose artistic journey began at the renowned University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA. He later earned a Master of Arts in Art Education from Kean University in Union, NJ, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary innovation. As a proud member of The Wood Whisperer Guild and The Woodworkers Guild of America, Martin continually refines his expertise in advanced furniture-making techniques. His work focuses on precision craftsmanship, custom furniture design, and integrating 21st-century vocational skills into educational settings. Through his artistry, Martin explores both traditional woodworking techniques and modern fabrication methods, creating work that balances function with aesthetic excellence.
Inclusive Arts Education
Since 2013, Martin has dedicated his career to teaching woodcraft and fine art in specialized school settings, fostering creativity in students with diverse learning needs. As the Industrial Arts Shop Coordinator at The Center School in Somerset, NJ, he leads a K-12 Industrial Arts Program that provides students with hands-on experience in carpentry, furniture making, and toy creation. His curriculum introduces elementary students to hand tools, while middle school students develop planning and measurement skills through small toy and furniture projects. At the high school level, students refine their craftsmanship through advanced machinery, joinery techniques, and complex builds, such as hardwood cutting boards, cornhole tables, and cabinetry. This progression ensures students gain foundational skills that prepare them for real-world applications.
Experiential Learning & Career Pathways
Martin’s teaching philosophy is rooted in experiential, project-based learning, where students develop craftsmanship through practical, hands-on engagement. His Industrial Arts Program extends beyond the classroom by collaborating with The Next Step Transition Program, which helps students develop vocational skills in preparation for careers in woodworking, trade schools, and the workforce. Through this initiative, students gain experience in practical woodcraft fulfillment, furniture restoration, and advanced carpentry techniques, as if working in a professional retail woodworking studio. This program is closely aligned with The Craft Space, the school’s vocational retail environment, where students learn the business side of woodworking, from product creation to customer fulfillment. By bridging artistic skill-building with career readiness, Martin empowers students to turn their craftsmanship into future opportunities.