Kate Swann explores ecology, history and folklore through embellished furniture and sculptural of salvaged wood.
Trained in furniture making her process combines traditional woodworking techniques, surface embellishment, and engagement with the places that inform her work.
Swann is the founder of the Florida School of Woodwork, a school dedicated to expanding access to traditional woodworking and furniture making skills through mentorship, and hands on education.
She studied traditional furniture making at the Oregon College of Art and Craft in Portland, Oregon, and holds a dual bachelor degree in Linguistics, French and Russian, as well as a Master of Education from the University of South Florida.
Swann’s work has received honors including an Artist Grant from the Hillsborough Arts Council, an American Institute of Architects Artisan Award (co-awarded), an International Design Week/Furniture Society Emerging Maker Award, a NICHE Award Finalist and Best in Show recipient at Gala Corina. She has lectured and presented her work at Yale University and the Museum of Art, Tampa.
Her recent residencies and fellowships include Atelier Clos Maribel in Pau, France and the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship, Maine US where she was a 2026 Fellow.
Swann lives and works in Florida.
