Brian Bartel, a local artisan who has spent the last 14 years developing his technique in woodworking with hand tools, will present a demonstration at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 12, at the Jackson County Public Library.

Bartel started woodworking in 1997 and uses methods of joinery virtually unchanged for a thousand years. Most of his tools are at least 100 years old. Today in his wood shop, Bartel is producing a line of high-end rustic furniture, reclaiming unwanted barn wood.  

Bartel is a member of Handmade in America and has spoken and demonstrated throughout Western North Carolina. He has shown his craft at Mountain Heritage Day and was commissioned through the Grove Wood Gallery to produce high-end custom furniture pieces.

Most recently, he has begun teaching a series of classes dedicated to the art of fine woodworking, focusing on craftsmanship, quality and hand tools at Southwestern Community College.

This program is free to the public and is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Jackson County Main Library. 828.586.2016.