At 92, Al Hudson is known as one the nation’s finest makers of one-of-a-kind furniture and active member of East Tennessee Woodworkers Guild. His woodworking has been published in many national woodworking publications including American Woodworker, Woodworks and Fine Woodworking. You may have also seen his pieces displayed locally at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts last fall. Al loves woodworking and it shows by his involvement in ETWG, and instructing other woodworkers on the fine art of hand tool woodworking. Here, at Knoxville Woodcraft, we are very fortunate to have him as one of our instructors. See his up coming demonstrations on Hand-Tools or take one of his popular classes including; veneering, inlay, sharpening and/or cabriole legs.

Jim has been carving for many years and is well known for his animal woodcarving. He has competed in shows and has won numerous ribbons locally and out of state.

Mike graduated in 2008 with a degree in Biology and Ecology from Appalacian State in Boone, North Carolina. While in school, he tool electives in woodworking and chairmaking under Phil Armstrong. He was also a supervisor in the college woodworking shop during his junior year. In addition to working at Woodcraft, Mike also works at a custom cabinet shop here in Knoxville.

Paul does all types of woodworking. He also enjoys turning on the wood lathe making pens and teaching the Dovetail Jig Class.

Tommy has been with Woodcraft for many years. Tommy enjoys turning pens and teaches the How to Use the Leigh Dovetail Jig Class.

The Weaver family has been doing woodworking for years and it was just second nature for me to jump into woodworking. I been doing carpentry, trim work, cabinet making, furniture construction, and finishing for almost 30 years. Within the last five years I also picked up the pen turning bug but only dabble in the craft today. If I had to pass on words of advice to others, first, to buy the best tool you can afford. Second, stock prep is critical to a successful woodworking project, and third, 90% of a good finish is in the sanding. For three years I was a regular customer at Knoxville Woodcraft prior to joining the team. The quality product and knowledgeable staff made Knoxville Woodcraft a great place to shop. Then, I thought, “The discounts are pretty good for employees, I can teach and I get to talk and do woodworking at work… why not be an employee.” Now I’ve been working at the Knoxville Woodcraft for five years as the Sales Floor Supervisor. Finally, keep in mind, woodworking is an opportunity to continue to learn and use mind and body. You can get beautiful things to keep and maybe give away in the process!

A former sociology professor, Chris discovered his passion for furniture making in the spring of 2004 while building a dresser for his soon to be born first daughter. Shortly thereafter, he enrolled full time in the University of Rio Grandes (Ohio) Furniture Making Program and graduated in the spring of 2007 with honors. The same year, he entered a reproduction Philadelphia style secretary in the AWFS - Fresh Wood Student Design Competition and was honored to receive First Place, Best of Show, and Peoples Choice. He has since published a number of articles in nationally recognized magazines such as Fine Woodworking and Popular Woodworking. Currently, Chris has pieces displayed in various area galleries and continues to pursue both his passion for furniture making and teaching.

I have been artistic all my life. My background is in painting, drawing and photography and stems back in the early 70's. I've painted murals and dabbled in commercial art painting signs, lettering, creating logos for businesses and designing menus. After moving to Tennessee, I've discovered woodcarving. I took a beginner's carving class in 2007 and have been hooked since. I discovered Woodcraft after joining our "open carving" on Tuesdays. As a Smoky Mountain Woodcarver member, I've displayed my carvings and competed as Novice and Intermediate, winning ribbons locally and out of state. To add to my madness, I also enjoy woodburning, and painting gourds. Woodcraft is a fun place to work because I learn so much from our customers. What a great environment to work in for a woodcarver. You can't beat that!

Walter and Carol Rudd teach Woodcraft's scroll saw classes. They specialize in all types of fretwork classes and around the holidays, they enjoy sharing their fun holiday designs!