Profile: Greg Klassen

Greg Klassen of Everson, WA is studio furnituremaker, who’s River® Table Collection has garnered international attention and orders. Here is Greg’s story, in his own words:

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I began woodworking while a theology student in college. Getting married at 21, I took a job as a “garbage man” at a door manufacturer to help make ends meet. Among my duties was to recycle wood waste, and I brought home wood scraps to play with. Though I had no woodworking experience (beyond a woodshop class in high school), I was able to construct needed furnishings for our very empty apartment.

In the process, I discovered that I really enjoyed working with wood, and this developed into a passion. I discovered Fine Woodworking, the work of Sam Maloof and George Nakashima, and the writings of James Krenov. This lead me to want to develop my skills, and I enrolled in the College of the Redwoods Furniture Program, after earning my college degree. I also had the opportunity to spend a semester at Capellagården School of Craft & Design in Vickleby, Sweden, founded by Krenov’s mentor Carl Malmsten.