By Lisa Carolin
Matthew Millar gives proof to the statement that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. He uses local materials such as old barn doors, repurposes them, and creates functional woodworking art.
Visitors to the Chelsea Farmers’ Market this summer may remember seeing Millar selling his artwork. Earlier this month he opened his new store Renovatio Woodworks, located just above Smokehouse 52, at 121 S. Main St.
“I find old barnwood and different types of metals and combine them into functional woodworking art,” said Millar, who explained that renovatio means rebirth.
He has a wood shop in an old barn located between Chelsea and Stockbridge and is the caretaker of the property.
“I built a cocktail table that is a good example of what I do,” said Millar, whose skills are self-taught. “I used an old door off a barn and cut the rotten part off the bottom and cleaned it up. I put a nice finish on, left the original beautiful hardware, and used wrought iron French style legs that I found locally. I use all repurposed material.”
Millar says that his end tables were a big hit at the farmers’ market. He used a rustic piece of barn wood for the top, steel legs, and a cutout on top of table for a ceramic pot for ice and drinks as well as a place to hang wine glasses and a corkscrew.
“I find the real old treasures and combine them into functional woodwork,” said Millar. “Be prepared to smile when you visit the store.”
Renovatio Woodworks is open Thursday through Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday 1-5 p.m.
Also, the store is having an special open house during Hometown Holiday, Dec. 7 from 3-5 p.m.
Learn more at his Facebook page and see examples of Millar’s work here.
