John P. Kerns operates a small shop called The Shaker Box in the village of Waynesville, Ohio. Many years ago he observed a Shaker Box maker at Pioneer Village. The box maker had asked him to come to his shop and learn the art of making boxes, but due to teaching full time was unable to do so. Upon retirement as a teacher, he decided to try his hand at making the Shaker boxes. He visited Shaker Village in Pleasant Hill, Kentucky to observe some of the techniques being used. Being self taught, he has made over 200 boxes since his first endeavor. Most of his boxes are cherry and other boxes are maple with a bird’s eye maple top. He finishes most of his pieces with a hand-rubbed natural finish and others in Olde Century Color paint. He not only enjoys making the Shaker boxes but recently began making Shaker keepsake music boxes, candle holders, and jelly cabinets. He considers each box a work of fine art and will only sign each piece when it meets his satisfaction. He attributes his acquired skills to his dad, Paul, who was a carpenter and cabinetmaker. “ I am amazed as to how four pieces of wood can be made into such a beautiful piece of fine art,” said Kerns. “I hope others will enjoy the beauty in my boxes as much as I do. Thanks to the Shakers for giving us these beautiful pieces of art over 150 years ago.”

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