Museum Store Spotlight

Meet Woodworker and Creator Drew Kelley

Drew Kelley has always liked working with his hands, which he discovered in the woodshop of his junior high school. He went on to pursue a career in industrial design, developing new products for a variety of companies for close to 40 years.

In 2014, one of Drew’s clients was a member of the Martin House Board of Directors, who asked Drew to take on a research project to uncover opportunities for new products in the Museum Store. Drew agreed, identifying an underserved market in the store: garden products. As part of the arrangement, Drew wanted to see a product all the way from design to production, and the first of many Tree of Life Bird Feeders was produced.

Recently, the Martin House presented Drew with another unique opportunity. Wood slabs from a walnut tree that had fallen during the October storm in 2006 had been stacked and drying in storage, and it was time to convert these into something special. Drew knew right away that the hardwood would be perfect for cutting boards and serving pieces.

“Walnut is a hardwood, prized for its strength,” said Drew. “It is also enjoyed for its bold, dark color and easy workability.”

Converting the downed tree into these beautiful pieces has given visitors the opportunity to take home a piece of the Martin House. Each of the boards boasts a slightly different grain, but all bear the Martin House logo.

Drew creates these products in his studio in The Foundry, a makerspace in Buffalo where he also has access to a woodshop. We are proud to offer Drew’s high-quality products and partner with a local, talented entrepreneur.

Find Drew’s Bar Board and Mid-Mod Charcuterie Board exclusively in our online and on-site store.