Gary Gencarelle began his career in woodworking in 1969 as an apprentice to a cabinet and furniture maker. In 1975 he started his own antique restoration and reproduction business, creating period pieces circa 1700 to 1825. He has also restored pipe organs and has reproduced period architectural woodwork.
Mr. Gencarelle has taught woodworking at Coconino Community College in Flagstaff, Arizona, where he especially enjoyed sharing his 40 years of furniture-making experience with his students.
Now Mr. Gencarelle offers his own workshops in which he instructs students in the construction of fine furniture. His students use handmade tools to construct green wood furniture including a variety of Windsor chairs, foot stools and benches. He also offers workshops in building hand tools, such as the shavehorse, the steam bender, and a variety of wood hand planes, as well as a workshop on tool maintenance and sharpening. Students can expect to gain expert knowledge in the creation of hand tools, techniques for using and maintaining these tools safely, and hands-on experience building fine green wood furniture.
Please visit the Workshops page for a complete list and a detailed description of all workshops offered. The Gallery page shows some of Mr. Gencarelle's handmade tools and some of the furniture he has built with them. You can register for workshops on the Register + Contact page.
"Some people fall into woodworking. The luckiest few fall in love with it."