January 2025 – Hunter Locke began woodworking when he and his wife moved into their first apartment. Needing furniture and driven by ambition and a penchant for craft, Hunter bought his first tools: a tablesaw, jointer, and planer. After teaching himself the basics of making small furniture, he gained confidence, and his passion for woodworking ignited. Eager to further his knowledge and immerse himself in the craft, Hunter attended the Next Steps in Furniture Making workshop at the Center in 2021 on a scholarship.
“I learned more than I could have imagined at CFC. I was fascinated by the daily demonstrations. I’ve never been someone who takes notes, but when I left, I had pages and pages of them,” Hunter recalled. He appreciated the small class size, which allowed for a personalized experience with his instructors, Mike Korsak and Libby Schrum. He valued how they constantly challenged him, encouraging him to think critically about his design choices. “My instructors were incredibly knowledgeable and helpful throughout the class and gave me a good amount of creative freedom.” It was during this course that Hunter solidified his vision of turning his woodworking passion into a business.
After completing the workshop, Hunter started taking commissions for his work and making furniture after his shifts at a local bakery. “I’m motivated to continue growing and learning new skills as a woodworker, as we never truly stop learning. With each piece, I strive to do something new to challenge myself.” This drive led him to return to CFC in 2022 for the Chair Making workshop with Bruce Beeken and Brian Reid. “Bruce operates a large-scale production woodshop. I gained a lot of insights from him about business and production, and I was inspired by what he shared.”
In 2023, Hunter began woodworking full-time. New tools and techniques continue to engage him as he develops and refines his design style. Operating under the name Black Tenon Furniture, his business offers made-to-order pieces from its collection as well as custom commissions. In addition to his woodworking activities, Hunter enjoys being part of the woodworking community. His appreciation for community has inspired him to organize “The Maine Woodworking Event,” which he will host at his shop in Scarborough, ME, in 2025. “I’m excited to host an event where makers can gather, learn from skilled demonstrators, explore new tools, and just talk shop! The community at CFC gave me my first glimpse into the importance of interacting and connecting with other makers, and I’m eager to create another opportunity for people to experience the joy of woodworking.”
