About the Artist

Jason Meneely is an Associate Professor at the University of Florida, specializing in interior and architectural design. With 28 years of design teaching experience, he brings a wealth of knowledge in form-making, proportion, and color to his woodturning demonstrations and work.

Although he began woodturning in 2018, his passion for the craft has quickly earned him significant recognition, including the Best of Show award at the 2024 Florida Woodturning Symposium and the People’s Choice Award at the Jacksonville State Fair Woodturning Competition.

Jason is also known for his engaging and approachable demonstration style. His ability to break down complex concepts into clear, understandable segments ensures that participants leave his sessions with a deeper grasp of the material.

About the Work

My work stems from a desire to “feed my soul.”  Simply put, the process of turning wood is cathartic, creative, joyful, and quiets my mind to be present in the moment. This work—this communion with wood—it's my oxygen. It's the vital sustenance that keeps my spirit alive and my soul thriving in a world that often suffocates with its demands.

“Mobius Strip”—Best of Show, 2024 Florida Woodturning Symposium

Awards

  • 2024 | Best of Show, Florida Woodturning Symposium | “Mobius Strip” | Sweetgum Burl Hollow Form                                       

  • 2024 | 1st Place Jacksonville State Fair -Hollow Form | “Star Struck” | Norfolk Island Pine     

  • 2023 | People’s Choice Award, Jacksonville State Fair -Woodturning Competition | “Understanding Alain” | Carved Mulberry Hollow Form                

  • 2022 | 2nd Place, Jacksonville State Fair -Woodturning Competition (Round & Brown) | “Exit the Cave” | Sweetgum Hollow Form

  • 2021 | 2nd Place, Jacksonville State Fair -Woodturning Competition (Embellished) | “The Holey Spirit” | Dyed Maple Hollow Form

  • 2021 | 3rd Place, Jacksonville State Fair -Woodturning Competition (Round & Brown) | “Enter the Cave” | Spalted Maple Hollow Form                                    

  • 2020 | 2nd Place, NE Florida Woodturning Competition (Embellished) | “I Love Green Wood” | Dyed Maple Hollow Form                         

  • 2020 | 2nd Place, NE Florida Woodturning Competition (Round & Brown) | “Intersection” | Florida Rosewood Hollow Form 

Invited Demonstrations

  • MAR 2025 | “Mastering Design and Form in Woodturning” | Woodturners of Alachua County, Gainesville, FL

  • AUG 2024 | “Mastering Design and Form in Woodturning” | NE Florida Woodturners Association, Jacksonville, FL

  • NOV 2023 | “Color Mixing and Application for Woodturners” | Hands-on Woodturners, Beverly Hills, FL

  • AUG 2023 | “Holey Hollow Forms” | Woodturners of Alachua County, Gainesville, FL

  • JAN 2023 | “Color Theories and Design for Woodturners” | NE Florida Woodturners Association, Jacksonville, FL

  • SEP 2022 | “Reverse-Turned Long Neck Hollow Form” | Hands-on Woodturners, Beverly Hills, FL

  • APR 2022 | “Reverse-Turned Long Neck Hollow Form” | Woodturners of Alachua County, Gainesville, FL

  • JUL 2022 | “Hydro-Dipped Color for Woodturning” | Woodturners of Alachua County, Gainesville, FL

  • FEB 2021 | “Two-Part Hollow Form” | Interactive Remote Demo (IRD, co-taught with Jack Roberts)

  • OCT 2020 | “Danish Candle Holders” | Interactive Remote Demo (IRD)