Have you ever wondered how your dining room table and chairs or that wooden desk your dad left you went from being a tree or trees to that finished heirloom? How about that bedroom dresser that came from your grandparent’s house with all that fancy veneer and inlay? Have you ever wondered if that antique sideboard you bought last summer at the antique show or auction is really made of oak like the sales person said?
I am often asked questions like these. Since they seem to be coming up more and more as we move from a wood based society to one nurtured on plastics and other better than the real thing – miracle concoctions, I thought it would be fun to explore how things made of wood come to be. Starting with the next issue of our studio newsletter I will share with you the design and construction of a nice little desk. But, this desk is not your run of the mill sit down and write a letter utility type desk! Nope, this desk is fun; covered with veneer, marquetry, laminated curved parts, and you sit “in” it, not at it. Yes, I said “in it,” so be sure to read the next newsletter for more!
The Art Prize event in Grand Rapids came to an end this weekend and the winners have been announced. No, Jodie and Courtney didn’t win, but they did receive many wonderful comments and lots and lots of votes! Thank you to all of you who made the trip to Grand Rapids and to all of you who were able to figure out how to vote for your favorite work of art this year. (Yeah you could actually vote but how you do it is a heavily guarded secret!)
Art Prize is now 3 full years old and while there are many things that need improvement (did someone say the voting process?) it is an amazing event. Last weekend during the “Meet the Artists” event I would bet there were over a hundred thousand people enjoying a beautiful fall day in downtown Grand Rapids viewing the artwork, participating in the many activities, eating at area restaurants and shopping all over the city! What a great time!