Woodworkers in Madison County, North Carolina
The natural beauty of the trees in this Blue Ridge area of the Appalachian Mountains serves both as an inspiration to the woodworkers and sometimes as a source of their materials. Madison County is home to both rustic and fine woodworkers who love this rural setting as the perfect place to spend their days creating beautiful work out of wood. There is even the opportunity to take classes in rustic woodworking using only hand tools.
Drew Langsner
Country Workshops
990 Black Pine Ridge Road
Marshall NC 28753
828 656-2280
To call Drew Langsner a woodworker is selling his talent short. Since 1972, he has had a love for traditional woodworking. He is one of Madison County’s masters of this form and he wants to pass on his love of this art to others. In 1978, he and his wife Louise opened Country Workshops in a remote setting in the mountains close to the Appalachian Trail. The 5- to 6-day classes focus on traditional craftsmanship using hand tools. The finished product that the student takes home could be a ladderback chair or a rustic Windsor chair or maybe something smaller such as a spoon or bowl. The class may even begin by splitting posts and rungs for the chair from a newly-sawn oak log. This is truly a unique place in the mountains with a unique woodworker.
Gary Rawlins
Gary Rawlins Fine Craftsmanship & Design
1067 Ponder Creek Road
Mars Hill NC 28754
828 206-7305
http://garyrawlinswoodworker.com
Gary Rawlins’ one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture showcase what he calls “nature’s artwork.” He designs and makes his pieces of exotic and domestic hardwoods by using the natural shape and character of the wood for his inspiration. His designs—many of which have won awards at juried shows throughout California—include cabinets, tables, desks and rocking chairs. He trained in England and the influence of the Arts and Crafts traditions are reflected in his work. Former clients include filmmaker Barry Levinson and cartoonist Charles Shultz. And, his work has been featured in James Krenov’s book With Wakened Hands and in Andy Rae’s Doors and Drawers. After working in California for fifteen years, Gary and his wife Martha Abraham relocated to the mountains of Madison County where they operate a luxury pet-friendly Bed and Breakfast. Gary’s studio is on the property and he invites visitors to make an appointment to see his studio and his work.
Dennis Ruane
Walnut Creek Gallery
2970 Walnut Creek Road
Marshall NC 28753
828 649-0568
Dennis Ruane’s interest in woodcarving began with his first Boy Scout merit badge at age twelve and has grown since that time. His varied interests have led him from his hometown in Pennsylvania to another location in the Appalachian Mountains—Marshall, North Carolina. On the way he and his wife operated Hardwood Gallery in Waynesville, NC, and now operate Walnut Creek Gallery here in Madison County. There he displays his work which evolved from a traditional American folk and realistic style to his current contemporary form. Dennis is also the author of two novels, Wooden Spoons and Cataloochee Man as well as an avid gardener. Dennis and his wife welcome visitors to his studio and gallery by appointment.
