Message from the President

Honing Craft and Connection: A Year of Inspiration at NBSS

Dear NBSS Community:

As we embrace the summer season, I am inspired by the past year of training, growth, and achievement at North Bennet Street School. It has been another testament to the dedication and hard work of our students, faculty, staff, and extended community. And, it is always an honor to share reflections on our year, celebrate our recent graduates, and continue to build the future of our school.

Each year, NBSS shows the remarkable aspects of the unique and diverse community we have built. Our career training students come from all walks of life, bringing with them a rich set of experiences and perspectives. This diversity is not only a hallmark of our school, but also a source of strength and inspiration. Whether our students are experiencing higher education for the first time, retraining for a new career, or bringing years of life and work background into our programs, each of them contributes to the vibrancy that makes North Bennet Street School so special. This thriving community also includes our Community Education students, who bring their curiosity and passion to the wide variety of short courses we offer.

As always, our students have demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in their respective fields. From the meticulous craftsmanship of our furniture makers and bookbinders to the precise tuning of instruments by our piano technology students, the quality of work produced has been nothing short of extraordinary. Our Career Training program faculty have also ensured that each student not only hones their technical skills, but also develops a deep appreciation for the artistry and history of their craft—and are positioned for employment and career. Our Community Education classes similarly contribute to individual journeys by offering introductory training and advanced learning, allowing all NBSS students to refine their skills and pursue their craft.

I experience NBSS as more than just a place of learning, but as a thriving ecosystem of support and opportunity. This year, we saw our partnerships grow with educational institutions, employers, businesses, museums, nonprofits, and individuals, expanding our strong network beyond our classrooms and workshops. These relationships are built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to excellence, allowing our students to gain valuable real-world experience and forge connections that will last a lifetime.

With people at the heart of what we do, our combined efforts uphold our vision to remain the foremost institution for craft and trade disciplines. Our ongoing work deepens and enriches our community, through expanded access to our programs & classes, a supported student experience, new Community Education offerings, and strategic efforts across NBSS. Guided by our values, we foster an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives unite for common goals, helping to create space for meaningful, lasting work. This commitment to opportunity and excellence is what sets us apart, and propels us forward. Thank you for all the ways you’re a part of this. 

With best wishes for your summers and your own good work, 

Sarah Turner, President

About Sarah

As an educator, leading from both the office and the studio, Sarah has worked at the Cranbrook Academy of Art, the Rhode Island School of Design, the State University of New York at New Paltz and the Oregon College of Art and Craft. As the Dean at Cranbrook, she directed the Academic Programs of the Academy, including a ‘public-lecture-as-variety-show’ series, and a Critical Studies + Humanities residential teaching fellowship, which she established in 2009. Sarah has also worked extensively in the areas of student success, from enrollment and admissions to developing opportunities for students and alumni. She has lectured widely, regularly serves as a guest critic to studio programs, and has organized exhibitions on contemporary craft and design in the US and abroad. In 2005, Sarah was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to the Netherlands to research Dutch contemporary applied art.

In addition to her work in education, Sarah has maintained a studio practice rooted in craft. Trained initially in metalsmithing and jewelry, her work has ranged from woodworking to weaving to printmaking—always with a focus on the meanings inherent to objects and materials. Her artwork has been included in exhibitions nationally and internationally, including the Museum of Art and Design in New York, the National Ornamental Metal Museum in Memphis, Galerie Noel Guymarc’h in Montreal, and The Society of Arts and Crafts in Boston.

Sarah has been a volunteer and advisor for a variety of organizations, including the Southeast Michigan Fulbright Association, the Vermont YWCA, and the Society of North American Goldsmiths. She currently serves on the Boards of the Art Jewelry Forum and The Furniture Society.

Born and raised in Ohio, Sarah received a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Smith College and a Certificate in Metalsmithing from the Oregon College of Art & Craft. She earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from Cranbrook Academy of Art.

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For interview requests, speaking engagements, or other inquiries, please contact Kevin Derrick at kderrick@nbss.edu or 617-227-0155 x180.