Jessica Larsen
Jessica is an Instructor in Woodworking and General Education at the College of Southern Idaho. This is her first year as full-time faculty, after teaching as an adjunct for eight years.
A CSI alumna and working artist, Jessica has a background in woodworking, sculpture, and design. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Boise State University and her master’s degree from the University of Nevada, Reno. Her professional practice has been shaped through studio work, fabrication, formal education, and years of teaching.
Woodworking drew Jessica in because it blends hands-on problem-solving, creativity, and patience. Through teaching, she helps students build confidence, resilience, and a deeper understanding of how making can shape the way they think and work.
At CSI, she teaches both foundational entry-level courses and advanced woodworking classes focused on technical development, design, and problem-solving. She creates a structured and respectful classroom where experimentation is encouraged and mistakes are seen as part of the learning process. Woodworking is less about simply making an object and more about adaptability, patience, and learning how to respond when things don’t go as planned.
Outside of the classroom, Jessica continues developing her own art practice in the studio and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, reading, and being with her much-adored dog.
Her advice to future students: Have fun, stay curious, and try something new each semester. College is your chance to discover interests you didn’t know you had.