Michael Fortune

Designer/maker, teacher and mentor Michael C. Fortune is one of Canada’s most respected and creative contemporary furniture masters. Since his career began 33 years ago, Fortune has become acclaimed for his innovative, but resolved, designs for one-of-a-kind objects in wood, commissioned residential furnishings and items in limited editions. His work has brought him an international clientele and reputation. He is acknowledged for both his technical and design expertise, giving lectures and workshops across Canada and the United States. His work has appeared in numerous exhibitions worldwide. He has taught at many schools and craft centers including; Sheridan College School of Crafts and Design, Ryerson Polytechnical Institute, the Rochester Institute of Technology NY, Worcester Center for Crafts in Massachusetts, Anderson Arts Center in Colorado, Australian National University in Canberra, Sturt School in New South Wales, Centre for Fine Woodworking, Nelson New Zealand, Savannah College of Art and Design and the Marc Adams School in Indiana where the fellowship program for advanced students has been named in his honor. 

Fortune’s career has taken on other dimensions. He consulted the government in Trinidad and Tobago when the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Assistance contacted him to assess their manufacturing potential and ultimately to design a range of outdoor furniture to be produced by five manufacturers.

Fortune has undertaken a similar venture using sustainably sourced timber in Mexico, aimed at the expanding hotel industry within the country. In addition, Fortune has volunteered his time and expertise to Woodlinks, a joint Canadian/U.S. not-for-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing vocational training in secondary schools throughout North America. He was an active trustee of the Furniture Society based in North Carolina, an organization that encourages innovative studio furniture making across North America. With this organization, Fortune spearheaded a contemporary internship program that gives emerging craftspeople opportunities to work alongside established makers throughout the continent.

Michael Fortune’s mission is to positively affect the culture and economy of Canada and the world beyond through fine craft education and practice.