Dennis Ruane is fortunate to have lived most of his life in the Appalachian Mountains. As a boy scout at age twelve he received his first merit badge, woodcarving and thus was introduced to the craft that would one day become his livelihood and the focus of his adult life. Dennis began his career as a sculptor while a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, carving and selling wooden spoons in his spare time. In 1982 he abandoned his science career to follow the life of a craftsman, moving back east the following year. Dennis struggled along for many years, selling spoons to make a living while he accumulated tools and slowly taught himself how to use them. An early interest in American folk carving characterized his work for the first decade and it was mostly of a traditional style and generally realistic. He then began to study art and art history and over the next fifteen years Dennis work evolved through many styles and subjects to its present contemporary form. It is now characterized by simple flowing lines with the beauty of the wood an integral part of each composition. Hardwood Gallery was opened in the spring of 2000 by Dennis Ruane and his wife, Jean Alvarez in Waynesville, North Carolina. Jean, a former teacher, began helping Dennis a decade ago, shortly after they met and she now helps manage the gallery. The building which houses the gallery was purchased by Dennis and Jean and also serves as their home and studio. All work on display at Hardwood Gallery is created by Dennis on site from local hardwood trees.

Address: Dennis Ruane Studio 3, 2950 Walnut Creek Road, Marshall, NC 28753
Telephone: 828 456-3500
Website: http://dennisruane.com/