Edward Foley

Owner, Founder

I’m the founder of Northport Workshop & Studio, and my work lives at the intersection of art, making, and ecology. I earned my BFA from the College for Creative Studies in Detroit and my MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art. Over the years, I’ve explored photography, printmaking, sound, film, sculpture, and furniture design, but a deep connection to nature has always grounded my practice.

Living in Northwest Michigan, I’ve turned my focus to wood turning as both an artistic medium and an environmental response. I work with fallen or threatened local trees—such as ash affected by pests and extreme storms—to create sculptural and functional pieces like bowls, plates, and candle holders. Finishes such as shou sugi ban and milky white washes reveal the grain and honor the history of the wood.

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I’m represented by V Gallery in Omena, Michigan, where I show sculpture from my Infinite Disasters series on climate change. I also collaborate with landowners to transform their downed trees into co-branded pieces that carry the story of place, loss, and renewal. Through my studio work, I turn environmental disruption into form—preserving meaning, memory, and material.

Virginia Foley

Co-Founder, Head of Marketing

As a co-founder, I particularly enjoy overseeing marketing, advertising, and event planning for the Workshop.

Additionally, I handle the operations of the AirBnB located next door. Feel free to check out northportworkshop.com/stay.