Michael Gleason is a woodworker and restorationist who has been crafting custom-made cabinetry and fine furniture since 1979. Even before then, in 1977 Mike began growing his craft and teaching at the Eliot School. In 2023, after spending 46 years sharing his wisdom with us, he retired to Vermont.

Our database only goes back to 1999. But since then, Mike has taught 484 people to restore furniture, make dovetails and mortise and tenon joints by hand, and construct elegant pieces of furniture. He was here another 22 years before that, so it's safe to estimate that he has delighted at least 800 people at the Eliot School over the decades with his wry warmth, his kindness, and his skill.

Why Donate?

We are elated to be able to offer scholarships to students from low-income households. Priority is given to children attending a BPS school, with preference for those attending one of our partnership schools. However, we also offer a limited number of scholarships to adult students. Having the oppurtunity to take an art class without the finacial burden of doing so can hold profound meaning to many members of the Eliot School community. Our scholarships help our community explore the joy and discovery that art-making can bring, strengthening our resolve to inspire craft and creativity for all.

Learn more about scholarship program and its impact from our 2022 publication, Celebrating 10 Years of Scholarship Giving at the Eliot School of Fine & Applied Arts.

Michael Gleason Scholarship Fund

By Eliot School of Fine & Applied Arts

Michael Gleason Scholarship Fund

Honor his towering legacy in craft education

Team Members