The University Village Woodshop is a quiet haven for numerous residents who love designing and creating with wood. Scrap lumber from a cabinet shop or an old piece of furniture can become a woodworker’s next creation. The craft window in the Commons displays a wide variety of resident work including the latest from the woodworkers.

12 year resident, Archie Bowyer is responsible for the general housekeeping of the tools and equipment. His love is creating detailed work on the scroll saw. He has a cabinet full of patterns and continues to collect and create new ones. He often cuts four pieces at a time and carefully saves scrap for another project. He works a year in advance. The festive seasonal pieces on the bench this month are actually for next Christmas. He works most mornings and afternoons, stopping for lunch with his wife. After dinner in the evening he paints in his apartment with acrylic paints.

Archie began with model airplanes and boats, always adding something unique beyond the basic kit. His creativity earned him his first job at age 13 at the local paint shop to help with the hobby area. Archie’s models were displayed in the storefront window – a great showcase next to the town’s theatre.

Archie has been an active member in Tampa’s Woodcrafters Club for the past 20 years. He also makes children’s wooden toys and puzzles to donate to church and civic groups. He paints different pictures on each side of his puzzles.

Jane and Marcia from the Wellness Clinic delight in getting a sneak peak of Archie’s latest creation as he stops to show them en route to the woodshop. Whatever your hobby, University Village is sure to have someone who will share your passion!