Robb Besosa
photos by Ryan Stacy
Hoosier Barn & Table
“
What do you want to be?” That’ s the question Robb Besosa, owner of Hoosier Barn & Table in Nashville, asks each piece of wood in his shop as he takes stock of its unique grain, shape, and feel. It’ s a question he’ s also asked himself and many others over a lifetime that’ s been anything but conventional. And— like polished fine furniture may be hard to discern in a block of raw timber— Robb’ s gentle manner and easy smile can belie the fact that he’ s as serious about his place in the community and in history as he is about the beautiful woodwork he produces.
~ by Ryan Stacy
HB & T opened last March on North Van Buren Street in Nashville, offering high-quality handcrafted furniture and housewares made of local hardwood by Robb and his sons, as well as pieces by fellow woodworker Joe McGlothlin and metalworker Brad Cox. The response from visitors has been promising, and the shop has become a welcome addition to the local artisan community.“ People have been so encouraging. Other businesses send people my way all the time, and I do the same for them.” said Robb. Some of Robb’ s favorite projects at HB & T have been custom work, which have included wood
54 Our Brown County • Nov./ Dec. 2017