Bear Run Woodworks share their craft at Columbus Farmers Market

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COLUMBUS—One of the newer vendors at the Columbus Farmers Market, held on Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to noon at 40 Courthouse Square, is Bear Run Woodworks, out of Columbus. 

Bear Run is owned and operated by Teena and Michael Bohm, a husband-and-wife team making waves with their handcrafted wood products. The duo, who have made Polk County their home for nearly a decade, decided to venture into woodworking just a few years ago, igniting a hobby that rapidly flourished into a business.

Teena said of their beginnings, “We actually started about three or four years ago when we made our first table and benches.” 

Their newfound passion for woodworking evolved, and soon, they were spending considerable time collecting equipment and building a shop within their home. 

“It’s been six months since we started making cutting boards,” she added, proudly showcasing a variety of their creations, including coasters and decorative bottle holders. “We work with a variety of woods like pecan, walnut, and maple, and we just received a load of cherry,” Michael explained. 

They specialize in creating river pour style cutting boards, which feature live edges and are artfully infused with colorful epoxy designed to highlight the wood’s natural beauty. 

Teena, who identifies as the color artist in their partnership, enjoys selecting shades that complement the wood, while Michael takes on much of the cutting and planning. Their collaboration is evident, with both of them involved in the sanding to ensure every piece is smooth and refined.

Their journey into the woodworking world was spurred by a desire to create unique items and share them with friends and family. Their connection to the Columbus Farmers Market began organically, as they frequented the market and met other woodworkers, who have been a valuable source of knowledge regarding different wood types.

Community is at the heart of what they do, and when asked to describe the Columbus Farmers Market, Michael highlighted its friendly environment and the abundance of local goods. 

“There’s a great variety of plants, crafts, and food, all created by local artisans,” he adds.

Their dedication is evident in the meticulous care they put into each product, demonstrated by their use of food-grade finishes, ensuring their creations are as safe as they are beautiful. “It’s definitely a labor of love,” Teena said, smiling.

For inquiries, Teena and Michael can be reached at their booth at the Columbus Farmers Market or on Facebook. For more information about the Columbus Farmers Market or to sign up as a vendor, visit polkcountyfarms.org.