 Issue: November 2007 |
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Milwaukee James Borden from Timeshapes of Zumbrota, Minnesota won best in show for his body of work in a contemporary style for his incredibly beautiful wooden clock sculptures. Gary Keener of New Carlisle, Ohio won the award for best in show for his body of work in a traditional style. The fiberart atomic egg side table designed and handcrafted by Anne Bossert of Fort Collins, Colorado was named the best piece of contemporary furniture. A sculptural chair built by Michael Doerr of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin was awarded best single piece of furniture in a traditional style.
Judges for the best in show awards included Bruce Pepich, Executive Director and Curator of Collections of the Racine Art Museum; Nancy Herrick, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Entrée Editor; and Leslie Dohr of Kahler Slater Architects and the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Wisconsin chapter. Providence Carl Schlerman from Crimson Asphalt of Williamsburg, Massachusetts won best in show for his body of work in a contemporary style for his bold new bedroom collection. Brian Boggs of Berea, Kentucky won the award for best in show for his body of work in a traditional style. The twig coffee table designed and handcrafted by Jason Henderson of Bolton Landing, New York was named the best piece of contemporary furniture. A dramatic Grecian style day bed built by A. Thomas Walsh of West Stockbridge, Massachusetts was awarded best single piece of furniture in a traditional style. Student awards went to Kevin Mack from the North Bennet Street School for best traditional furniture piece and Zeke Leonard from RISD for best contemporary furniture piece. Peter Thompson of Cornville, Maine won the Marc Harrison award for marketing excellence for his welcoming presentation. The best in show accessory award went to Liz Alpert Fay of Sandy Hook, Connecticut for her textile art. Judges included Bill VanSiclen, Arts Editor at the Providence Journal; Jan Shephard, Editor of the New England Crafts Connoisseur; and Melissa Buchanan, the assistant curator of decorative arts at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Museum. Call for 2008 exhibitor applicants
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Comments about the Shows
“We were so impressed by the breadth and quality of work available at the Fine Furnishings Show in Milwaukee. In fact, we were able to source several artisans to feature full-time in our Chicago studios. Those who attended the show were amazed at the level of craftsmanship available from these purely American artisans. This is what "green" is all about! Responsible individuals using sustainable domestic resources to their fullest extent - and then building in quality that will ensure the pieces will last for generations! I think anyone, designers included, would be foolish to ignore this show. This is the place to "bookmark" resources for the future.” - Paul Zurowski, Sawbridge Studios “The Fine Furnishings show was a wonderful surprise. I was expecting to find a few things that might interest me since I am in the process of constructing a condo on the east side of Milwaukee. As it turned out, most all of the exhibitors had marvelous items that would appeal to a broad spectrum of the attendees. I bought several items that will showcase my new place and I am having two tables made. I can’t wait for next year’s show after I’ve been in my new home for awhile so I can find items to round out my living space.” - Ronald E Jacquart, Milwaukee show attendee
“The show broadened its range of styles and design, while maintaining its excellence in quality. The show's level of high quality craftsmanship has become a given, with the attendees only needing to find the style or design that fits their needs.” - Bill Huston, Furniture maker "This year's show provided a wonderful showcase for some of the finest craft artists from all over the country. Exhibitors were very pleased with sales and attendance, and shoppers expressed their delight at the quality and variety of handmade work.” - Micki Whelan Jewelry maker "This show is high quality, great exposure and takes care of the bottom line. I'll be back with more stuff next year.” - Whitmore Boogaerts, sculptor
Mark your calendars for next year's shows! 3rd Annual
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Brian Boggs of Berea, Kentucky, who built a complete chair from start to finish during the show, won the Marc Harrison award for marketing excellence. The best in show accessory award went to Kelly Marshall of Minneapolis, Minnesota for her handwoven textiles. Andrew McAleese of West Terre Haute, Indiana won best in show fine art for his intarsia patterned wall hangings. The first best in show fine craft award went to Elizabeth Garvin of New York, New York for her exquisite jewelry.
Jacquelyn Rice and Uosis Juodvalkis from Gild the Lily of Prescott, Arizona won best in show original art for their original printed designs on wearables and accessories. The best in show fine craft award went to Cara Romano of Cherryfield, Maine for her colorful felted wool and silver jewelry. 
