Driving down the Cape Arago Highway from Sunset Bay State Park in Oregon, we happened across this charming country store
Stop and see handmade quilts, Oregon preserves and much more.
and art gallery just over the drawbridge in Charleston. They featured antiques, local art and myrtlewood, and I was curious to learn more about this wood I’d never seen before.
Myrtlewood comes from the evergreen Myrtle tree native to southwest Oregon and northwest California. At full maturity, trees will have long, glossy leaves and can range in height from 60 to 120 feet. Its hardwood can vary in grain and color and is prized by artisans for its ability to take on different shapes and finishes.
At Charleytown Marketplace, I was delighted to study the art pieces of Robert Gates. From what I understand, Mr. Gates began woodworking with myrtlewood after his retirement and now showcases his work at galleries like Charleytown Marketplace. I was intrigued by the smooth finish he achieved on the wood, the variety in the grain patterns and the organic shapes.
Robert Gates' myrtlewood salt cellar to savor!
This bowl was absolutely perfect to keep beside the stove filled with my favorite fleur de sel.
95112 Cape Arago Highway, Charleston, OR
541-888-0146
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