So you’ve decided that a piece of original, masterfully crafted furniture is for you. But how do you choose a craftsman? In pursuit of a painting, then you might visit local galleries, browse their collections and choose an artist whose works speaks to you. So we’ve created this website, kind of a virtual gallery, that curates the work, personalities and individual styles of our thirty makers. And the Five in 5 series…they’re brief little snapshots of our membership to pique your curiosity and interest. From these samplers, and from our site, you can launch into more complete member collections…
Row 1: Dan Mosheim & Dorset Custom Furniture, Dorset VT Making custom studio furniture since 1980. Vast catalog of work ranging from complex period restorations to arts and crafts designs, special niche commissions to entire room concepts. Plus a catalog of studio designs. Out of Dorset VT, a five-man modern shop offers custom metal forging and fabrication (check out Bethlehem Steel) and complete CNC capabilities. Award winning custom game tables. Check out the DCF collection on our site or visit Dan’s blog… over 500 entries on the making process, creative life and custom jobs across a variety of styles and genres. Connect by Email.
Row 2: Jas. Becker Cabinetmaker, Manchester Center VT Becker began his career as an apprentice with Thos. Mosher Cabinetmakers. Opened his studio in 1986. Recognized for original designs like the Windsor-inspired Bowback Bench (featured in the New York Times) and a complete line of Ming Shaker pieces. Loves a custom design challenge. Handles intricate reproductions with ease. Noted for achievements in work inspired by Hepplewhite, Prairie, Queen Anne, and Art Nouveau schools. Check out his portfolio on our site and an archived post – lines and arcs — devoted to his work. Connect with Jim via E-mail.
Row 3: Paul Donio & Hawk Ridge Furniture, St. Johnsbury VT Work balances traditional values of early American design with contemporary style and function. Favors Shaker simplicity and graceful design. Student of Boston’s North Bennet Street School. Fan of early New England furniture and architecture. Opened his Caledonia County studio in 1989. Most popular items include standing desks out of local hardwoods. Traditional, time-tested joinery. Sustainable woods whenever possible. Custom designs and commissions welcome. Reach him via E-mail. Check out his work!
Row 4: Kit Clark Furniture, North Ferrisburg VT Handcrafted. Beauty. Luxury. Function. Kit makes traditional and contemporary studio furniture from his Champlain Valley workshop. Avid outdoorsman, Student of Forestry and Craft. Passionate about the building process, reverential about wood. Look for supremely sculpted furniture…Chairs, Bookcases, Tables, Beds. Gets hands-down rave reviews for his Rockers – Furniture to Fit You. Find Kit’s work on our website and at favorite galleries throughout the state. Want to visit in person, shoot him an Email.
Row 5: Joe Breznick Fine Woodworking, Londonderry VT Work inspired by Shaker, Mission and Early American traditions. Custom Cabinetry. Original line of fine home accessories. Look for a passionate focus on wood selection with clean, clear finish, allowing the figure and color to distinguish the piece. Highly collaborative style, custom projects and commissions welcomed. Shop mascot: yellow lab Atilla. Take a tour of Joe’s Londonderry workshop, check out his collection or connect with him via E-mail.
Thanks for joining us! Hope you’re looking forward to the next round of FIVE IN 5 & getting to know our makers. Buy handmade for health, happiness and local prosperity!
Past Features: Five in 5 (1st installment, featuring Tim Clark, Erin Hanley, Steve Holman, Bill Laberge, Bob Gasperetti) and Five in 5 (2nd installment, featuring Richard Bissell, David Hurwitz, Chris Ericson, John Lomas, Chip Ogg)
