The “Vessels: Work by Craig Watson” Exhibition will formally open at Central ARTSTATION, 801 Crockett Street in downtown Shreveport, on Wednesday, March 25.

The exhibition featuring the wood-turned works of Louisiana artist Craig Watson will continue through May 8, 2026.

Watson uses reclaimed and salvaged wood to create his one-of-a-kind bowls and vessels that reveal the natural beauty, grain, and character hidden in each piece of timber.

“Each piece of wood is my canvas,” said Watson, “Unlike a painter, I don’t paint an image on the canvas. Mother Nature unveils the secret world tucked beneath the grain of every piece. It is my vision to find what is hidden and merely bring out its inner beauty.”

Inspired by global travel and the long history of wood as a lasting material, Watson’s work celebrates craftsmanship, sustainability, and the story within every tree.

His travel history is extensive. “I look for like-minded people who share the passion of turning wood into art – a piece that can last for centuries,” Watson noted. Michael Sinclair of the Orkney Islands in Scotland, Diego Garcia of Venice, Italy; Emma Cook of Yorkshire, England; Mike Gable of Shreveport, Louisiana; Stuart Batty England of Colorado; and Mike Mahoney of California are Watson’s inspirations.

“My work is deeply influenced by the many artists I have known,” Craig said. “Yet my most frequent lessons come from the mistakes I make along the way.”

Watson visited the Forbidden City in Beijing, China, where he discovered that the entire city is constructed of wood. He was also “blessed” to see King Tut’s sarcophagus while it was on tour in Los Angeles. The sarcophagus is over 3,300 years old.

Since Watson is the owner of Impressions Advertising, he has had to establish good work ethics to allow him time for his craft. “Work hard. Work early. Work late,” advised Watson. He also follows “environmental ethics,” never cutting a living tree to use the wood for his art. Instead, he rescues wood that is already cut, discarded and on its way to the landfill or fireplace.

“I feel my work extends the life of a tree,” he said.

Craig began teaching himself woodturning in 2016. What started with a single lathe has grown into a passion – and a collection of four machines today!

The upcoming exhibition is being sponsored by Watson and the Shreveport Regional Arts Council. It will be open to the public during regular business hours at 801 Crockett Street in downtown Shreveport.