Steven Chappell

Steve began his life-long enjoyment of woodworking as a freshman in high school. He continued taking classes throughout his high school years. While he enjoyed all the forms of woodworking taught in school, he especially loved wood turning! In his earlier years he was interested in all forms of woodworking as well as art. His mom was an artist by trade and taught him a great deal about the many aspects of art which have served him well, translating to the many forms of art he enjoys making. That knowledge and its evolution is evident in his woodworking which he proudly displays at the gallery!

In his early adult life, after focusing on work and family, he began building furniture pieces, which evolved to cabinets and bigger furniture. He returned to woodworking opportunities in his work life where his skills in cabinet building and custom trim work were made use of by the contractors he worked for. After retiring from the building trades, he went to work at the Sumner Woodworking Store serving as a consultant for all things woodworking, performing equipment assembly, repair, and sales; and from where he retired recently after 11 years of employment.

Steve’s work has become well-known through word of mouth and he has built a thriving business repairing and/or refurbishing treasured family antiques and furniture, as well as creating various commissioned wood pieces for a growing clientele. Wood turning continues to be a passion. He also volunteers his time to create pieces for the art gallery for their fund-raising purposes. Steve enjoys mentoring beginning woodworkers. Additionally, Steve is a sought-after craftsman in the spinning and fiber community; repairing spinning wheels and looms as well as creating turned drop spindles, support spindles, and various commissions of all kinds.

Steve very much enjoys sharing his love of wood working through his diverse gallery display. Included are wood art pieces for practical use focusing on culinary and kitchen needs (cutting boards, bowls, charcuterie boards and whatever else happens when he is creating!); small art and decorative turned pieces (lighthouses, ornaments, miniature vases to name a few) ; and whimsical pieces (hummingbird houses, mosquito houses and other bits and bobs) with no particular function except to make people smile.