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‘Artistry in Wood’ is next exhibition at Exum Gallery

Bill Hassel crafted this wood vessel out of yellow poplar using a handmade lathe and handmade tools.
Bill Hassel crafted this wood vessel out of yellow poplar using a handmade lathe and handmade tools. Bill Hassel crafted this wood vessel out of yellow poplar using a handmade lathe and handmade tools.
photo This black walnut desk was made from a log that wood artist Bill Hassel rescued from a tree removal service after the tree was uprooted in a storm in 2009. Its accents include hand-carved embellishments and a freshwater clam drawer pull.

“Artistry in Wood,” a collection of wood vessels and furniture by Bill Hassel, is the next exhibition at Exum Gallery.

A 26-year resident of Chattanooga, Hassel pays particular attention to the form and design of his works. Each piece is a one-of-a-kind original made from storm-felled trees and recycled material exclusively from the area.

He crafted a black walnut desk, for example, from a log rescued from a tree removal service after the tree was uprooted in a storm in 2009. Hand-carved embellishments adorn the wormy walnut, and a freshwater clam drawer pull adds another visual accent.

For his wood vessels, he uses a handmade lathe and handmade tools.

The opening reception is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, at the gallery, which is inside St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 305 W. Seventh St. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.

For more information, call 423-266-8195.