Exhibitors Form Collaborations

This story began in our last issue. If you did not receive it you can view it on the show website here. Husband and wife, father and son, boyfriend and girlfriend, colleagues, and life partners are among the collaborations formed by many exhibitors at the Fine Furnishings and Fine Craft Shows.

Michael Roseberry and Bruce Winn of Roseberry-Winn Pottery and Tile of Tiverton, Rhode Island will be exhibiting at Providence. An initial idea for a design might come from either Michael or Bruce, but before pencil has even hit paper it usually gets volleyed back and forth for a while. By the time the form is realized it is often hard for them to remember who initiated the original design. Bruce does most of the actual carving of their relief patterned pottery and tile work while Michael takes over when it’s time to glaze. The job of unloading a kiln of new work is like dessert so that is usually shared.

George and Roseann Saradakis of Groton, Massachusetts combine their business experience plus their artistic and technical expertise to collaborate on several aspects of the work each produces. George currently combines woodturning and sculpting to create functional and decorative art. Roseann supports George’s efforts by helping him evolve new designs and working as his quality assurance person. Roseann also creates Shaker inspired baskets using ash splint and Nantucket style baskets with interestingly figured hardwood bases. They also collaborate on product marketing.

Glass Artisans Michael Kraatz and Susan Russell of Canaan, New Hampshire usually meet and brainstorm with clients together. They talk over and sketch ideas for colors, patterns, and designs. Then Michael produces the blown glass elements which Susan designs and fabricates the leaded panels from. If the piece incorporates cast glass they will work collaboratively on those portions. They also often work together on assembling and installing the final architectural piece or sculpture.

In their work, Harold and Michele Shapiro of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania experiment together with assemblage that allows them to edit, slice, and reassemble materials. The resultant works reflect the natural twists, turns, and cracks they seek to blur the lines between sculpture and furniture.

Judy and Frank Dubai, owners of The Shade Tree in Moodus, Connecticut each have their preferences as to what kinds of woodworking they prefer, so there's actually not a lot of cross over. Frank is more oriented to the details and precision while Judy prefers the overall esthetics. However, they do enjoy being in their workshop and exhibiting in shows together.

Among several other exhibitors showing collaborative work at the Providence Fine Furnishings & Fine Craft Show are Michael Pietragalla and Michelle LaPointe-Morris from New Bedford, Massachusetts who collaborate on glass and wood furniture plus Marcella and Alberto Toro who produce leather furniture, mirrors and pocketbooks for their company, El Cuero del Toro, in Maryville, Tennesee.

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