Sierra Nevada Fine Furniture Makers Guild

Our Members

Bob Waters: I love the entire process of woodworking. The design, wood selection, milling, hand planing and finishing all bring me joy. Most of all I love the tactile feel of the wood and I invite admirers to touch and feel my art. I find myself increasingly drawn to curves and arcs and it's finding its way into more of my work. I have been asked to define myself as a furniture maker, box maker or wine rack maker, etc. I prefer to say, ‘I make what interests me’. Each piece being unique.

Gary Foster: I started woodworking when I was eight years old, when I was introduced to it by model ship and furniture builder that lived across the street. I was hooked on woodworking from that time on.

Gary Thatcher: I am interested in producing very well constructed and designed functional pieces of furniture using classical as well as current processes. My design directions tend toward Arts and Crafts and Asian influenced pieces.

Jason Beam: Jason has been woodworking for about 10 years. He's made furniture for his home and has taken to building guitars as well. Jason has also built a CNC router that he uses to help make jigs and patterns for his furniture and instrument making.

Lance Gunnersen: Lance Gunnersen is a professional woodworker and educator teaching Industry and Technology Education (ITE) to teens and adults. He is an award winning furniture designer and long time supporter of wood working in California schools.

Mike Selser: I like to build objects and furniture of my own design. I try to incorporate some new techniques, be it joinery or process, in each of my projects.

Richard Verwoest: Hey, my name is Richard Verwoest. I enjoy building many things. From cabinets, to tables, and even some hand tools. I tend to enjoy building things with a rough or natural look. But if you're paying, whatever you like. Outside of woodworking I am a part of the elevator industry. I also enjoy hunting and being outdoors.

I am an apprentice with SNFFMG and am completing the projects and developing the skils necessary to be a Journeyman.

Robert Koch: When I was in college, studying towards my teaching credential in industrial arts, I was required to take a class in woodworking. My first project was a Shaker round-stand table. That was over 40 years ago and I’m still learning and making furniture and other objects from wood. My latest interests in the craft have been in the areas of wood turning, carving utility items and increased use and skill with hand tools.

Tom Jennings: I've been building hardwood furniture off and on as a hobbyist since the mid-70's (still have my Fine Woodworking Issue 8 from 1977) but have ramped up since retiring from the State in 2007. I work mostly in a simplified Greene & Greene style in cherry and walnut. Now have about 25 pieces in our home (including 9 chairs) and 15 pieces at our kids' places.

Tom Nelson: I enjoy a number of styles, leaning toward arts and crafts. I am continuing to improve my use of hand tools, but find often I need a combination of power and hand tools to accomplish what I design.