Wayne Delyea’s journey as an artist and master woodworker began in the rugged landscapes of rural Northern Arizona, where he developed a deep love for nature, art, and craftsmanship at an early age. By the time he was 14, his artistic talent was already shining—he sold his first oil painting at the county fair and took his first formal woodworking class that same year.
While his academic background includes Business Management studies at Mesa Community College and The University of Phoenix, Wayne’s true calling was always in woodworking. Today, he is a full-time bespoke furniture maker, owning and operating Wayne Delyea Furniture Maker near Granbury, Texas. He specializes in crafting exquisite, handmade furniture—cabinets, desks, tables, chairs, and his signature rocking chairs—many adorned with intricate marquetry and inlay embellishments.
Driven by a passion for blending fine art with woodworking, Wayne dedicated years to honing his craft. He studied under Texas Master Woodworker Frank Strazza to refine his hand tool techniques, inlay work, and precision joinery. He also trained with internationally renowned marquetry master Paul Schurch, completing two advanced marquetry and veneer courses. His expertise and dedication have earned him a seat on the Board of Directors of the American Marquetry Society, as well as membership in the Kansas City Woodworkers Guild.
Wayne’s exceptional craftsmanship has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards. He has been named Master Woodworking Artist of the Year three times, won the People’s Choice Award at the Texas Furniture Makers Show five times (more than any other artist), and received accolades for Fine Craftsmanship, Best Texas Style, Art Style, and Distinguished Craftsman & Design. At the Western Design Conference, he won Best of Show and Exhibitor’s Choice in 2021, followed by back-to-back Exhibitor’s Choice Awards in 2022 and 2023.
His work has been featured in renowned publications such as Western Art & Architecture, Cowboys & Indians, BM Magazine, Mountain Living, Woodworker West, and Fine Woodworking. Committed to sharing his knowledge, Wayne also teaches Marquetry at the Austin School of Furniture, passing on his expertise and passion to the next generation of woodworkers.
With a dedication to excellence and an artist’s eye for detail, Wayne Delyea continues to push the boundaries of fine woodworking, crafting heirloom-quality pieces that blend beauty, function, and timeless artistry.
