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From Central Alabama Arts Alliance

In the artistic community of Chilton County, May 2025 casts a well-deserved spotlight on a gifted artisan whose craftsmanship continues to inspire and impress. This month’s Artist Spotlight honors Marie Barrett, a visionary woodworker whose work not only showcases exceptional skill and dedication but also reflects the heart and soul she pours into every piece. Marie was raised by a mother who firmly believed there was nothing her children couldn’t accomplish if they put their minds to it. That mindset, along with hands-on learning from her brother-in-law, laid the foundation for her skills in woodworking. She later gained additional experience working in a cabinet shop, where she learned from the owner and discovered her love for working with wood. Years later, when she and her husband found out they were expecting their first grandchild, they were fortunate enough to be financially stable for Marie to leave her job and become a full-time Nana. On the days she isn’t with her grandbabies, she spends time in her workshop, creating and building. It’s a humble space, but one filled with purpose—and she hopes to one day share it with her grandchildren, passing on the same lessons she once learned.

Marie primarily works with repurposed wood, much of it salvaged from old fences. She carefully cleans each board, removes nails, sands them down, and brings them back to life. Recently, she has begun collecting used wooden cutting boards from flea markets, sanding out imperfections and engraving them with custom designs and phrases.

Marie has worked on a range of custom pieces, including large planter boxes for a local coffee shop and a sizable hand-painted sign for a restaurant in Stanton, of which was by far her most demanding project. Measuring approximately 6 feet by 10 feet, it required careful construction and hand-painted lettering—an ambitious project that challenged her skills and patience. She is confident with most woodworking tools and always uses them with care, knowing how easily mistakes can happen. When making custom projects, Marie works closely with her clients to understand their vision, especially when they have clear preferences for size, color, and design. She keeps communication open throughout the entire process, sending progress updates and inviting feedback. Her goal is to create something durable and meaningful—something both she and the customer can be proud of. For Marie, the greatest joy comes from transforming an idea into something tangible. Watching people connect with and enjoy her creations is incredibly rewarding.

Her family is her biggest inspiration. Hearing her children express pride in her work means the world to her, and her husband remains her most loyal cheerleader. Participating in local craft events has become a shared passion for the two of them.

Marie’s work is featured on her Facebook page: Repurposed by Ree. It’s the best place to view her creations and get in touch for custom orders.