Mr. Boh hanging around

The artistry behind today's microbrews goes beyond just the beer. After all, a hand-crafted beer deserves an equally distinctive tap handle, right? So brewers -- both in Maryland and from across the country -- turn to Baltimore craftsman Mark Supik to make their microbrews stand out behind the bar.

A 1977 grad of MICA's sculpture program, Supik fashions unique tap handles as well as furniture, architectural elements and wooden bowls in Highlandtown's Mark Supik & Co., a family business employing his son, nephew, niece and wife. Supik's fascination with old tools of the trade has made his shop a veritable woodworking museum.

His work includes Natty Boh handles (above), which are available for sale in the Natty Boh Gear store in Brewers Hill and Fells Point, taps for Bethesda-based Hook & Ladder Brewing Co. (below) and many more handles.

Hook & Ladder handles

From March 12-29, the Creative Alliance hosts Mark Supik: Turned Vessels, which highlights his work not found behind the bar. Supik demonstrates the art of wood turning there March 12, 15 & 29.