A Continuation of the Kelly Mehler School of Woodworking

In 1977 Kelly Mehler began his career as a professional woodworker and opened his first shop here in Berea in 1978.  In the decades that followed both Kelly and Teri have been essential members and leaders within the craft community of Berea and have openly shared their kind, generous energy with woodworkers around the country.

In 2007 Kelly and Teri opened the Kelly Mehler School of Woodworking next to their home alongside Berea College’s forest and set an incredible standard of excellence for education and hospitality.  The amazing instructors Kelly and Teri brought to the school attracted students from all over the country, but we believe that more than anything it was Kelly and Teri themselves that made the school such a success. Their kindness, caring, knowledge, and generosity brought students back time and again, and helped foster a wonderful community.

The Mehler’s involvement has been invaluable to Berea College as we have worked to reopen the school, and we will continue to strive towards the legacy that Kelly and Teri achieved.  It was a great honor to have Kelly teaching the first class at Pine Croft in July of 2019, and we are so grateful to have him on the schedule for 2020.

Berea College re-opened the former Kelly Mehler School of Woodworking in 2019 under the leadership of Andy Glenn.  Since then, we have worked to preserve the fundamental character the school has been known for – inviting world renowned instructors from wide and diverse backgrounds to lead our classes in making and learning.  Rob Spiece, the new director of Pine Croft, continues the mission that Kelly and Andy started.  The Woodworking School at Pine Croft further supports Berea College’s 120-year commitment to the preservation and promotion of craft.

Our Mission

While in some ways woodworking is an individual pursuit, there are common traits that connect across makers: a desire to expand our skills, furnish our homes, surround ourselves with the handmade, and join a community of dedicated craftspeople. We believe that craft can both preserve traditions and beauty – and that craft can act as a counterbalance to a disposable and consumer-reliant world. Making is essential to us. We are excited to share a place where students can grow in their skills and fulfill their creative pursuits. Providing opportunities to work with leading instructors who come from diverse backgrounds and have different woodworking perspectives. All are welcome to attend.