Applied Arts with Mr. Myers

Mr. Myers has been the Applied Arts teacher at PWS since 1993. Students begin working with him in Grade 5, and his woodworking and blacksmithing workshops are legendary. As one of the founders of our school, and teacher of subject that is very special in our community, we asked him a few questions.

Q: What is your favorite part of teaching?
Mr. Myers: When a student looks at their work and says, "Wow, I never thought I could do that," sometimes even years later. That's my favorite part.

Q: How do you see students benefiting from working with their hands?
Mr. Myers: Our bodies are meant to work as a whole, like any other system. One part informs how another may react or view situations. To learn with only our intellect is like playing basketball with your eyes closed. You could do it, but it just wouldn't be the same experience. Hand work ties the head, heart and hands together. It gives us another way to improve our judgment and thought process, and to appreciate what fine tools our hands are.

Q: How was it teaching applied arts over Zoom?
Mr. Myers: Teaching on Zoom was much better than I expected. Students produced a much higher volume of work. Unfortunately, this is because they were not socializing. I never thought I would say that, after years of trying to get students to focus more on their work! But it is such an important part of the classes where they are free to talk to other students. You'd be surprised at how many problems get worked out in class.

Q: What do you like to do outside of work? A favorite hobby?
Mr. Myers: I build cabinets and custom furniture on the weekends and am finishing a restoration of a 1966 FJ45 Land Cruiser (only 150 in the US). I enjoy fly fishing and am hoping to start on my dream build: a 1956 356 'Outlaw' Porsche, when time and money can come together.