A father’s craft takes root in Heber

Frank Hucek of Hucek Woodworks. Photo: Dana Klein

HEBER CITY, Utah — The birth of his son sparked Frank Hucek’s journey into fine woodworking, but his artistic roots trace back to a horse farm near the Illinois-Wisconsin border.

Growing up with a veterinarian father, Hucek developed an early appreciation for craftsmanship. He built his own forge to learn blacksmithing, mastered stained glass techniques and spent two years studying pottery in college before discovering his true calling: creating furniture meant to outlast generations.

“It definitely adds complexity when people consider artwork meant to last a lifetime, and then some,” said Hucek, who began selling his pieces in 2023 after furnishing his entire Heber home. “Creating furniture is a reward in itself though.”

Hucek, who is self-taught, specializes in custom work featuring mid-century art nouveau designs. Clients typically find him through his website or Instagram account.

This summer at the inaugural Wasatch Back Art Festival, Hucek showcased his craftsmanship, including live-edge bowls from his own woodturning practice. The festival yielded a commission for a kitchen tabletop and an unexpected collaboration with Park City glass artist Mitch Bedke. The pair are creating a piece combining Bedke’s glasswork with Hucek’s illuminated wooden stand.

Hucek’s true passion lies in antique recreations. As a member of the Society of American Period Furniture Makers, he’s exploring establishing a local chapter. He maintains traditional techniques, performing inlay work and carving exclusively with hand tools – saws, chisels and implements he fashions himself.

His work draws inspiration from Dale Nish, a former Brigham Young University professor who authored influential woodturning books during his nearly 30-year teaching career.

In just three years, Hucek has transformed from a new father seeking to create family heirlooms into an established craftsman whose work graces homes throughout the Wasatch Back