Artist, Mark Whitley
Grovewood Rocks!
Artisan-made Rocking Chairs at Grovewood Gallery
Beginning with an opening reception from 3–6 P.M. on Saturday, June 4 and running through August 28, Grovewood Gallery is presenting Grovewood Rocks! an exhibit of rocking chairs crafted by 11 American woodworkers, including six from North Carolina, in styles ranging from traditional to contemporary.
Artists participating in the show are North Carolina residents Fatie Atkinson, Brian Brace, Brian Fireman, Joe Godfrey, Andy McFate, and Seth Weizenecker, along with Curtis Buchanan and Alan Daigre (Tennessee), Libby Schrum (Maine), Leslie Webb (Texas), and Mark Whitley (Kentucky).
Grovewood Rocks! is curated by Franklin native Russell Gale, who began managing Grovewood Gallery last year. Prior to Grovewood, Russell was a full-time woodworker who specialized primarily in making custom furniture. His work has been featured in Fine Woodworking, Woodworker West, and Lark Books’ 500 Cabinets.
“We chose to do this exhibit because the rocking chair is such an iconic piece of furniture,” says Russell. “Whether they are used to take in a sunset from a porch or to rock a child to sleep, they hold such a special place in the hearts and minds of many people.
“The participating woodworkers, most of whom are regular Grovewood artists, were chosen because I thought each one would bring a unique and fresh perspective to the form.”
Grovewood Gallery is located at 111 Grovewood Road, adjacent to The Omni Grove Park Inn. To learn more, visit grovewood.com or call 828.253.7651.
