The hammer felt good in my hands, satisfying and simple, the battered leather tool belt snug but still doing its job of keeping pencil, nail punch, tape measure, chisel, utility knife, speed square and numerous nails and screws at arm’s length. It was a spring day in the mountains, everything around blooming and sweet smelling, wildly colorful butterflies swirling about on a canvas of sky blue. 

At the corner of Depot and Haywood streets in downtown Waynesville sits an old building. Originally a gas station, it was also a longtime mechanic’s shop and later a car wash for a period. But, in recent months, the charming, somewhat dormant 147 Depot St. location has had new life breathed into it.  

Gallery 164 in Waynesville welcomes esteemed woodturner Mike McKinney to its roster of talented artists. In celebration of this exciting addition, Gallery 164 will host a reception for McKinney during Art After Dark from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, May 3, in downtown Waynesville. 

Woodworking newcomers Matt and Jessa Brantley have already made numerous statements with their eye-catching pieces.