Student exhibit explores whether furniture is fine art

Starting next week, the CWU Department of Art + Design will be presenting a new student exhibit titled "Can Furniture Craft Be Considered Fine Art?" in Randall Hall on the Ellensburg campus.

The solo exhibition by wood design student Zakary Romoser features intricately crafted furniture alongside jewelry and photography. His work also explores the intersection of fine craftsmanship and artistic expression, showcasing the precision of woodworking, the artistry of jewelry design, and the storytelling power of photography.

The exhibit will open Monday, March 10, with a reception from 5-7 p.m. at Gallery 231 in Randall Hall. Admission is free.

Romoser’s work is rooted in childhood memories of his grandfather’s garage, where he spent hours experimenting with nails, screws, and scraps of wood. That early creativity now informs his approach to woodworking, jewelry, and photography—where sharp angles, intricate joints, and fine details merge to explore the relationship between materials, form, and design.

Originally from Puyallup, Romoser began studying geology at Pierce College, earning an associate degree in 2019, and then transferred to CWU. He discovered his passion for wood design in 2021, shifting his focus to refining his craftsmanship and artistic approach.

Romoser received the President’s Award in Studio Art for his silver maple and black walnut coffee table, at the 2023 Student Juried Exhibition, presented by the CWU Department of Art + Design.