Michael L. Thompson
Growing up in the mountains of Virginia generated within me a great appreciation of nature. This appreciation led me to pursue a B.S. degree in Forestry and Wildlife from Virginia Tech and subsequently to a 31 year career in forestry with the State of North Carolina. My career was dedicated to improving the forests in NC and assisting landowners with sound forest management.
Upon retirin
g in 2003, I took a woodturning class at Alamance Community College.
It was in this class that a new passion was born -
I enjoy exploring the natural beauty found in wood and creating a form that brings out the wood’s natural color and unique grain. I find it intriguing to turn wood that I have never turned before with its different texture, color and grain pattern. I have a goal of turning every species of wood that grows in North Carolina. I probably will never accomplish that but I will enjoy the journey. So far it is 137 species, native and exotic, and counting.
I utilize mostly wood salvaged from urban settings, house sites and logging sites, giving it new life as a woodturning. These turnings include bowls, vases, ink pens, ornaments, bottle stoppers, lidded boxes, candlesticks, potpourri containers, flower arrangers, ring holders, game calls and more.
Memberships:
American Association of Woodturners
Piedmont Triad Woodturners Association
Chatham Artist Guild
Shows/Exhibitions
Chatham County Artist Studio Tour – December 2009-
Arts on the Green at Southern Village, Chapel Hill, NC – May 1, 2010
“Men-
Liquidambar Gallery, featured 3-
Hillsborough Arts Council Gallery Show “Traditional Crafts: Past and Present Perspectives”
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Elements Gallery, featured artist -
The Galloway Ridge Artists Collaboration -
Fat Cat Artfest -
Beyond the Bark” -
Upcoming Shows and Exhibitions
Chatham Artists Studio Tour December 2, 3, 9 and 10, 2023.
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