Artist Returns to Woodworking Roots After Retirement — While Also Teaching Others

by Jamie Bergsten

Many retirees find themselves at a place in life where they are ready to try a new hobby. Shawnee resident Jim Armstrong is no exception.

The free time he’s gained has led him back to woodworking – a skill he began honing during childhood – and now he’s sharing his talents with others, as both a teacher and an artist.

Armstrong was born and raised in Mt. Vernon, Texas, where his father was a cabinet and furniture maker.

“He owned a woodworking shop, and that’s where I spent my time,” Armstrong said. “He taught me a lot about the trade, but I regret that I didn’t learn more.

“He was a highly skilled woodworker.”

Armstrong followed his own career dreams and was formally trained in electronics. He spent his career working for different companies doing everything from radio/TV repair to design work to facilitating classified electronic equipment. Not long ago, he got back into woodworking after he retired.

“I’ve always been an artist at heart,” he said. “There’s been no formal training though. My original ideas for things usually come at night when I’m trying to sleep. The artistic ‘training’ comes from closely studying the works of other artists and putting my own twist on things to make them come out the way I want them. The training from my dad made what I’m doing now possible.”

Armstrong has also embraced the philosophy of kaizen in the pieces of artwork he does. Kaizen is a Japanese term that refers to continuous improvement and selfdiscipline in order to achieve regular, incremental improvements in the manufacturing process.

“In other words, I try to see that each piece I design and build is better than the one before it,” he said.

About a year ago, he began teaching classes so that others could improve their skills as well.

“At the present time, The Arts @ 317 is the only place I hold classes,” said Armstrong,

This woodworking design on display and on sale at Arts @ 317 is the favorite of artist Jim Armstrong, who returned to a childhood hobby of woodworking after retiring. He also leads classes in wood art at the gallery at 317 E. Main. Photos submitted

who usually leads about two classes per month. “So far, attendees have made different style wall hanging art plaques and wooden serving trays in a Southwest design. I try to give students considerable leeway in color schemes and even choices of patterns when possible. A student will end up with a product worth at least twice or more what they pay for a class.”

Size is limited to 11 students at a time, and sessions are held in a clean, spacious, air-conditioned area. The Arts @ 317 is located at 317 East Main in downtown Shawnee.

“My work has been on display in The Arts @ 317 for around two years,” Armstrong said. “(Two of the gallery’s co-owners) Beth (Hatley) and Mary Ruth (Sadler) were gracious enough to give me a chance at holding classes, and it’s turned into a very popular venture.”

Armstrong’s classes have drawn numerous returning participants, Hatley said, and they have also taken it upon themselves to spread the word about them.

“His classes fill up so fast that I usually don’t even get a chance to advertise them,” she said.

Though Armstrong has to coordinate quite a few factors during the classes, the results make the effort worth it.

“I love seeing everyone having a good time while they create a unique work of art they can be proud of that will last a lifetime,” Armstrong said. “The biggest challenge is usually making sure everyone’s piece is going together correctly before

the glue sets.”

Not only is Armstrong teaching others to make great art, he is also creating and selling some of his own.

“Since I only started about two years ago, I’ve only sold around 30-40 pieces,” he said. “My favorite design is the 34-inch by 50-inch piece on display at the studio now.

“I think it’s the fourth one of that kind, and it takes about a week to ten days to make. “

Many of Armstrong’s creations have a Southwest flair or color scheme.

“It’s pleasing to look at, it’s something I have the capability to make and it’s what’s in demand,” he said.

Knowing that his art is hanging in the homes of others is a unique experience not every artist gets to enjoy.

“It’s mixed feelings of gratitude and pride that someone would choose my work to decorate their home or to give as a gift,” Armstrong said. “It’s not really hard letting go of a piece because I know that if someone is willing to pay a price for it, they’ll be willing to see that it’s taken care of and appreciated.”

Most of Armstrong’s sales have been through The Arts @ 317. He’s also sold art through Etsy, and he has some pieces in a gallery in Guthrie.

“I’m working on expanding into Oklahoma City, but I consider the Shawnee location as my home base,” Armstrong said. >

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Armstrong’s first art plaque was a 3D illusion quilt block pattern made from wood consisting of 18 pieces. Since then, the complexity of his work has generally increased, and the quality has improved as well. For example, the 34-inch by 50-inch work currently on display in Shawnee contains 200 pieces, each hand cut, sanded, stained or painted, and he puts them together with precision. The pieces are now finished with a marine-grade UV resistant polyurethane clear coat.

“Constant improvement,” he reiterated.

Kinetic art like large wind sculptures also fascinates Armstrong. His long-range plans include decorative yet functional yard art classes in the spring of 2021.

“Everything I create is made from scratch,” he said. “I use reclaimed lumber when possible, but usually purchase the lumber and plywood. The pieces are cut to size, sanded and either painted or stained depending on what’s needed. I also custom make each frame. I use a table saw, thickness planer, power sanders, digital calipers, digital protractors and others tools as needed.”

Though Armstrong may think he didn’t learn enough from his father, it seems that he took in plenty and is continuing to fine-tune the craft passed on to him in that shop years ago. Now he’s a highly skilled woodworker in his own right today.

For more information on taking one of Armstrong’s classes, contact The Arts @ 317 at (405) 659-8193.

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