Whidbey Island woodworker Brad Gallahar appreciates the small farm where he has his studio and lives with his wife and their seven children.  For an artist, it is a setting that is very beautiful and inspirational. Brad’s interest in woodworking began around age twenty while working in a cabinet shop and the construction field. Working with his hands and developing skills using tools spoke to him.  “As I scanned past issues of Fine Woodworking magazine, I decided I would pursue making fine furniture.”  The opportunity arose to apprentice for David Gray, one of the founding members of Northwest Fine Woodworking.  Brad stayed with David for nine years, gaining the skills and knowledge of the craft.   He supervised the shop in the later years.

Simultaneously, Brad found opportunities to work on his own projects, which helped him formulate his own design aesthetic in furniture making.   The simple lines and distinctive detailing of Arts and Crafts furniture - aspects such as slats, pegs, and inlay - resonated strongly with Brad. He continues to be inspired by Mission furniture designs and is exploring new opportunities to enlarge his range in this genre.   In recent years, Brad has incorporated some aspects of Arts and Crafts with contemporary designs emphasizing contrasting woods, exposed joinery and a bit of an Asian flair. He also continues to draw from early American styles and traditions represented his Grand Classic series.  He enjoys crafting dovetails, mortise & tenon joints, and pegs “right out in the open” - where one can see detail and function.

"I am honored to be a member of Northwest Woodworkers Gallery, where I can display my work and know I am in the company of the best woodworkers in the Northwest.  There is a great diversity of styles at Northwest Woodworkers Gallery , as well as new ideas and shows that give opportunity for creativity, which results in pieces of furniture you really won't find anywhere else.”