The Art of Woodturning Comes to Marietta Square

Woodturner Joe Ruminski applies his woodturning knowledge and skills to create imaginative art, practical forms and unique gift items. He has commercially produced over 800 natural edge bowls, utilitarian bowls, vases, Christmas tree ornaments and art pieces.

“Some things are made just to be pleasing to the eyes. Others are made to cause one to dream, wonder and maybe even question. For me working in wood is a wonderful combination of all these."

"There is a natural beauty in wood that can be exposed in different ways to show that beauty to others," Ruminski said in his artist statement.

His work appears in the Biltmore Estate and numerous galleries in Western North Carolina as well as  on Marietta Square.

Ruminski started turning wood at the age of 13. He has studied with master craftsmen such as Ray Key, Mike Mahoney, Gary Sanders, Nick Cook and Bobby Clemons.

Ruminski has a well-equipped working studio with classroom space where he creates his unique pieces and teaches all levels of woodworking classes. 

Ruminski also teaches at the Arrowmont School of Arts and the John C. Campbell Folk Art School. He has displayed his wares at National Woodturners Symposiums and worked with the youth program for the American Association of Woodturners for the past three years. His "Craft Corner" Performances have been featured on television shows. 

Ruminski is a member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, past president and Board Member of Carolina Mountain Woodturners and member of American Association of Woodturners. His studio website is thegiftturningstudio.com.

Ruminski, of Fairview, NC, will be the solo artist exhibiting in June at . The artist will also be giving live woodturning demonstrations on Saturday, June 2 and Saturday, June 16 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Each demonstration will last about a half hour. Ruminski will show how the basics of turning can be used to make wooden art pieces. The demonstrations will be an opportunity for attendees to watch, learn and ask questions about the woodturning process. 

The opening reception for Ruminski’s solo exhibit takes place during the Marietta Art Walk on June 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. and is free to the public. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the artist while enjoying live music and refreshments. The exhibit will be available for viewing at the gallery through June 29. 

Take a look at previous exhibits at 2 Rules Fine Art:

Learn More about the gallery  and the mother-daughter duo who runs it.

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