Barbara Allen:

BFA Summa Cum Laude (sculpture and crafts) University of Bridgeport; MS in Art Education, Southern Connecticut State University; Art Specialist high school level, Danbury, Connecticut; Senior faculty member, Brookfield Craft Center; Exhibitions include: Canton Museum of Art, HarperCollins, New York, NY; Paris, New York, Kent Gallery; One woman show "Dwellings of the Spirit" at Brookfield Craft Center; Published in: FIBERARTS magazine, School Arts, The Jewelers Art; Cover design for FIBERARTS Design Book Four.

Corey Anderson:

Sculptor, wood artist & full-time woodturner; Member of the American Association of Woodturners (AAW) and the Nutmeg Woodturners League; Two-term past president of Central Connecticut Woodturners and a newly elected member of the Board of Directors of AAW; Instructor at the Connecticut Valley School of Woodworking and mentor at the American School for the Deaf; Has had work featured in American Woodturner magazine.

Linda Banks:

Multimedia artisan for over 30 years; taught privately and for many schools including Washington Art Association; exhibits regionally in-clud-ing: the Silo, the Washington Art Assoc.., and many churches, schools, libraries and banks; studied at Brookfield Craft Center, New England Horizons Craft School, Hot Glass Horizons, Hands On Glass at Corning, and Plumb Hill Studio; owns/operates glass studio in New Preston, CT.

Lanette Barber:

BFA, SUNY New Paltz; BS, Quinnipiac College; exhibits nationally including: SOFA-NYC, Ironwood Gallery, Jeffrey Weiss Gallery; work published in: Metal Art Source II, Rosie Magazine, Hartford Courant, Crafts Report; several television & radio broadcasts; "Excellence in Metals" Awards from Society of CT Crafts (1993, 1995, 1999, 2000); teaches for Guilford Handcraft Center, Wesleyan Potters, Creative Arts Workshop.

David Bishop:

Professional woodworker; owner of Bishop Woodworking in Redding, CT; studied industrial design at University of Bridgeport; work published by Taunton Press, Updating Classic American Colonials; also in Martha Stewart's New Old House book; studied blacksmithing at Brookfield Craft Center; demonstrates forging locally.
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Susan Bradley:

Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts and Eastern Philosophy, Kansas City Art Institute; Masters in Asian Studies (emphasis in Chinese Art History); Graduate work in painting, Chicago Art Institute; Over 30 years experience in Tai Chi; Began teaching Yang Long form at Chinese Cultural Institute in Chicago in 1979; Studied Yang short form with both masters William Chen and Benjamin Lo; Attended Aspen Martial Arts Academy Extensive arts and crafts background and Tai Chi experience combine with 28 years of teaching skills.

Lessley Burke:

AB, Smith College; working jeweler and enamelist with studio in Ridgefield, CT; studied: Brookfield Craft Center with John Cogswell, Joanne Conant, and Sue Sachs.
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Peter Callas:

BFA, University of Puget Sound; artist in residence: Archie Bray Foundation; studied Anagama with Rakusai Takahashi in Japan; work in numerous private collections including: Cleveland Museum, Western Electric Corp., Gotoh Art Museum (Tokyo); numerous group shows nationally; featured in: Ceramics Monthly, The Studio Potter; NJ State Council on the Arts: Fellowship; has taught for: Chicago Art Institute, Japan Society, Univ. of Iowa, NCECA, Greenwich House Pottery, Drew Univ., The Newark Museum, plus many other schools.

Joe Campbell:

MFA from Ohio University. He is professor of ceramics at Frederick Community College and maintains a pottery studio in Harper’s Ferry, VA. Exhibits nationally contributes to Clay Times Magazine.

Miani Carnevale:

Professional artist and workshop facilitator; graduate of the Ringling School of Art in Sarasota, Florida; also studied art in Florence, Italy and Oslo, Norway; exhibits work throughout the United States; represented in collections worldwide; Artist in Residence at the Omega Institute and currently on their faculty.

Annemarie Ciuffini:

Degree in stonesetting from Scuola Orafa Roman (Rome, Italy); also studied at Sydney School of the Arts (Sidney, Australia), American University in Rome, New Haven University, Western CT State Univ., and John Cabot International College (Rome, Italy).

Joanne Conant:

Producing craftsperson; commercial art degree from Minneapolis Technical Inst.; taught for Tuscon Museum of Art School, Eastern Connecticut State College, and other workshops; received awards from and is represented in the collection of Tucson Museum.
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Tim Currier:

Thirty years experience as stone mason; has taught for Weir Farm National Park, owns/operates his own masonry business in Newtown, CT.

Jim Degen:

Woodworker and turner; studied at Brookfield Craft Center; also with Ian Kirby and Richard Raffan; exhibits regionally including Brookfield Craft Center, Riverguild and other juried craft shows; President of Nutmeg Woodturners League; maintains studio in Brookfield, CT.
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Chaldea Emerson:

graduated from Temple University in 2005 with a bachelor's degree in art. she has exhibited her work in several shows around CT and has recently illustrated several books. her work is mainly illustration and printmaking but she uses a variety of mixed media. she has been teaching art to children as well as adults for the past 4 years.

Mark Emig:

Self employed journeyman blacksmith; started forging over 15 years ago; forged as hobbyist for 10 years; opened his own shop in 2003; work is primarily architectural; commissioned work include: furniture, sculpture, household items; specializes in traditional joinery; studied with Uri Hofi and Mark Aspery.

Cynthia Fisher:

BS, University of Maine; studied at Art Institute of Boston; children's book illustrator since 1989; over 30 published books; mosaic artist since 2000; commissioned for mosaic wall art and installations nationwide; teaches for Snow Farm New England Craft Program; work featured in: Boston Globe magazine, Berkshire Monthly magazine, The Guild's The Artful Home (2004, 2006); conducts school mosaic projects throughout New England; member Society of American Mosaic Artists; maintains studio in western Massachusetts.

Deborah Fisher:

Creative Director and Quilt Designer for Bright Hopes Collaborative Quilt Project; Recipient of JP Morgan Chase Grant for Individual Artists Working in the Community in 2005 and 2007 for community quilt projects; MFA in Fiber, Cranbrook Academy of Art; BFA in Fiber, Maryland Institute of Art.

Judy Flanders:

Attended conferences throughout the country as well as in England; taught for: YMCA in White Plains, the North Carolina Basketmakers Convention, Assoc. of Michigan Basketmakers Convention, Westchester Area Basketmakers Guild, Croton/Cortlandt Center for the Arts; Norwalk Community College, President of Westchester Area Basketmakers Guild; also involved and in contact with many guilds throughout the country; born in England.

Carl B. Ford III:

Studio woodturner; Studied at Ellsworth School of Wood Turning, Brookfield Craft Center and Anderson Ranch Arts Center with David Ellsworth; Work is exhibited locally; published in American Woodturner magazine; member of the American Association of Woodturners.

Hans Frohlich:

BA and MS degrees; working professionally for twenty plus years in both stained glass and education; principal of Glass Craft Inc. from 1982-1990; involved with most processes of flat and warm glass including: Tiffany foil method, lead came, repair and restoration, fusing, slumping, sand blasting, acid etching and slab glass; maintains studio in Brookfield, CT with emphasis on repairs and restorations.

Viola Galetta:

Native of Budapest Hungary; teaches jewelry making, beading classes; textile designer by trade; custom designer of sportswear and neckwear; freelance artist; sells one of a kind jewelry.

Andrew Gardner:

Willow furniture maker for more than a decade; studied with John Phillips in Tennessee; worked as potter and book designer; silkscreen artist and author of The Artists Silkscreen Manual; taught at Rutgers University; Hofstra University; R.I.T., School of Visual Arts; work in numerous private collections; published in many regional and national publications.

Ken Graff:

Photographer for over three decades; works in film, brushes and camera; Worked as manager of photography for a Fortune Fifty corporation; travels internationally; works out of Brookfield CT studio; developed a technique called "Graffic Illusions"; prints using the limited edition process called Giclee; exhibits in art galleries from New York to Boston.

Pat Gullett:

Artist/instructor; BFA University of Illinois, Urbana; MA Columbia College, Chicago; also studied at: Brookfield Craft Center (PMC Certification); national profile working jeweler and fine art painter with studio in New Milford, CT; 22 years art teaching experience in Chicago Public Schools; contributor to fine art textbook teacher's edition Understanding Art; images published on bookcovers for Llewellyn Publishing; articles in Southwest Art, Quest, Connecting Link, U.S. Art; artist for Jewels of the Lotus divinatory deck of cards; exhibits nationally.

Brenda Hall:

Woodworker and furniture finisher for Ian Ingersoll Studio; self taught finisher and color matcher as well as furniture maker with over 17 years experience in the field; recently featured in Curve Magazines Open Studio. Maintains her own studio in Sharon, CT.

Charlotte Hedlund:

Painter/mixed media artist; BFA, SUNY/Empire State College; also studied Art Students League, Parsons, Art New England, Brookfield Craft Center, numerous group and solo exhibitions; work in private and corporate collections. Co-founder: West Street Artists Co.; teaches for Empire State College, professional affiliations include: Silvermine Guild, Ward Nasse Gallery, New Haven Paint and Clay, Center for Book Arts; Certified Expressive Arts Facilitator.
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Barbara Hurley:

Over 25 years weaving, spinning and knitting experience; ran small farm in Michigan; active member of Black Sheep Weaver's Guild; studied with numerous weavers including: Anita Luvera Mayer, Sharon Alderman, Jason Collingwood, Virginia West, Scott Norris, Gisila Bosch and Joann Bachelder; teaches weaving at The Easton Senior Center and in her studio: Working Hands for Fiber Arts in Easton, CT.
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Leslie Smith Jackson:

BS, Studio Art (Fiber), Skidmore College; also studied with Navajo weavers DY Begay and Pearl Sunrise, Chimayo weaver Lisa Trujillo, Lewis Knauss, John McQueen, and has been fascinated by all things fiber for 30+ years; studio shop "Wild West Weaver" is in Ridgefield, CT.
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John Jessiman:

BS from Ball State University (studied with Marvin Reichle); MFA from Alfred University College of Ceramics (studied with Robert Tirner, Ted Randall, Dan Dhodes and Val Cushing); exhibtied in numerous regional shows including: Everson Museum, Museum of Contemporary Craft, Newark Museum, Scripp College, renwick Gallery; work in private collections including: Ithaca College, Smithsonian Institution, Robertson Museum; gave workshops for: Cornell Univ., R.I.T., Syracuse University, Skidmore College, Archie Bray Foundation, and Alfred University.

Derek Leka:

MFA from Western Ct State University, BFA from Purchase College, studied Painting Drawing and Color; actively showing work in New York and New Haven, and have work in various private collections; Silvermine Guild Arts member; Carnegie Award from National Academy Museum.
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Margot Levy:

Studied with: John Fix, John Marshall, Rosemary Gould, Anne Besse-Shepherd, and John Cogswell; teaches at for Farmington Valley Art Center, Wesleyan Potters, Guilford Handcraft Center, and privately; maintains studio in New London, CT; exhibits throughout New England.

Larry Livolsi:

Glassblower for over 40 years; taught for Rochester Institute of Technology and Southern Connecticut State University; exhibits internationally; received numerous grants including: 1980 Winter Olympics sculpture grant, New York Council on the Arts, National Endowment of the Arts, resident at Art Park NY; worked on recycling glass in the Virgin Islands and built three studios there; currently runs a glass shop on St. John, BVI during Winters.

Beryl Maddalena:

Owner of Fiberworks (a wearable art boutique) in Nyack, NY for many years; work in appliqued and collaged clothing and accessories has been featured in museum shops and wearable art galleries throughout the country; currently working in contemporary, freeform crochet; creates one-of-a-kind jackets and scarves; teaches workshops throughout the region.

Stephanie Maddalena:

BA in Fine Arts, St. Thomas Aquinas College; also studied at: Peters Valley Craft Center, Brookfield Craft Center, Old Church Cultural Center; taught for: Syracuse University, Rockland Center for the Arts, Craft Students League; exhibits throughout the region; owns/operates Foxcroft Beads in Haverstraw, NY.
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Robin McCahill:

Robin McCahill studied feltmaking over 20 years ago with Beth Beede and has used the technique to construct masks, props and sculptures. She has taught wet felting and done large scale environmental sculptures with students as well as small works. Robin learned needle felting from Anna Vargas at a puppetry festival workshop and redesigned how she works in wool. An additional workshop with Carol Huber Cypher inspired more refinement.

Don Metz:

Carpenter/boatbuilder; operates Black Duck Boats in Danbury, CT; exhibits regionally; numerous custom construction projects both commercial and residential. 
 

Matthew Parkinson:

Self-taught blacksmith and swordmaker; graduated from the manufacturing technologies program at Vinal R.V.T.S., were he was taught the basics of forming, machining, and fabricating metal along with the basics of heat treating and metallurgy; Falling Hammer Productions LLC produces custom knives and swords along with high end railings, furniture, and hardware.

Suzanne Pisano:

Raised in southern New York State, Suzanne Pisano has always been interested in art. She holds Bachelors and Masters degrees in computer science from Iona College where she also studied art. She operates her studio in Newtown, Connecticut where she designs and produces fine jewelry, photographs and other handcrafted items. Suzanne studied silversmithing, lapidary, and glass manipulation under some highly esteemed jewelers and glass artists including Fredricka Kulicke, Lessley Burke, Joy Raskin, Linda Banks, Annemarie Ciuffini, Stephanie Maddalena, and Kurt Patzlaff.

Joan Polzin:

MFA from Western Connecticut State University; studied illustration and painting; works in oils, watercolor, ink, pastel, charcoal; specializes in the human face and figure; studied anatomy; native of New York City now long time resident of Brookfield, CT; member of The Bethel Arts Junction, SCAN of Newtown, CT, Washington Art Association; work in several private collections.
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Joy Raskin:

BFA, Rhode Island School of Design; MFA, University of Massachusetts; also studied at Penland School of Crafts, Peters Valley Craftsmen, Haystack Mt. School of Crafts; exhibits nationally; work in numerous collections including: White House; many awards including: Artist Fellowship, New Hampshire State Council on the Arts; work published in: The Crafts Report, Boston Globe, Metalsmith, Southern Accents; maintains studio in Concord, NH.
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Michael Rivera:

BFA, Syracuse Univ.; MFA, SUNY Purchase; teaches for Continuing Education Dept. at SUNY Purchase; sculptor working in welded steel; exhibits sculpture and paintings nationally; work in private and institutional collections; maintains studio in Roxbury, CT.
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Karen Rossi:

Narrative artist/designer; highly regarded for her original metal sculptures; also licenses her whimsical characters of hobbies and professions, known as Fanciful FlightsT; Rossi Studios is constantly introducing many programs; newest additions include Tide-Mark Press and Peking Handicraft; visit her website at www.karenrossi.com.

Melissa J. Russell:

Majored in jewelry and silversmithing at Southern Connecticut State University; worked as head designer and model maker for ten years at a large jewelry casting company; taught teen jewelry course for Multicultural Arts & Technology Program at CCSU in New Britain; working jewelry artist with studio in Bethlehem CT.

Cynthia Saari:

MS from Pennsylvania State University; instructor of lampwork glass classes for: Brookfield Craft Center, Sharon Arts Center, Worcester Center for Craft, John Campbell Folk School, Corcoran College of Art & Design; exhibits work in galleries including: Kittrell-Riffkind Art Glass, Arts Afire, Ironwood Gallery, Symmetry Gallery; work included in several publications including: 1000 Glass Beads, The Flow magazine's 2006 "Women in Glass" issue; maintains a studio in Putnam, CT.

Michael Saari:

MFA, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale; also studied: International Teaching Center for Metal Design (Aachen, Germany), Philadelphia School of Art; exhibits work throughout the U.S. and Europe; numerous commissions in historic buildings; gives workshops & lectures across America and in Germany; specialist in metal and wood architectural details and tools.

Bill Scheer:

Interpreter and Blacksmith at Mystic Seaport Museum, Shipsmith Shop; blacksmith instructor for the Williams-Mystic Maritime Studies Program; teaches adult classes and special programs for area colleges; demonstrated at many blacksmith shops and museums; President of the CT Blacksmiths Guild; past director of NE Blacksmiths; produces work for Mystic Seaport and other museums.

Myra Serrins:

Studio textile artist; MFA, University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth; BFA Cleveland Institute of Art; exhibits nationally including: Center for the Arts in Jackson, Wyoming, Seton Gallery, University of New Haven; Taught 2-D Design in Textiles at UMass Dartmouth; gives workshops and lectures for schools and guilds across the nation; maintains studio in Sherman, CT.

Morgan Schwartz:

Graduate of UMass Dartmouth with a degree in Art Education. He has been experimenting with different art media all his life. Once introduced to glass, there was an instant attraction. The science, bright fire, swirling colors, and precise techniques involved in glass combine all of his interests in one. Blowing glass for eight years so far, Morgan Has a house in New Haven with a small studio where he works and does private lessons. You can view some of his work at: www.glassartists.org/misticglass

Lisa Scroggins:

Rhode Island School of Design, Parsons School of Design, BFA. Also studied at Silvermine Guild of Art. Professional ceramic artist for 15 years. Numerous group shows and awards. Work exhibited in many privatecollections and nationwide through art galleries and American fine craft stores. Art featured in publications including The New York Times, Danbury News Times, Ridgefield Press, American Style magazine, Niche magazine and Gourmet magazine. Maintains a private ceramics studio in Ridgefield.

Patricia Segar:

BS, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and MS BA, Indiana State University. Began study of silversmithing and goldsmithing in 2004 after retiring from IBM Corporation. Studied with Raychel Wengenroth at Silvermine Art Guild, New Canaan, CT; Anne Marie Cuffini, Joy Raskin, John Cogswell and Sue Sachs at Brookfield Craft Center, Brookfield, CT; Kate Wolf and Blaine Lewis at Kate Wolf Studio in Portland, Maine. Member of Manufacturing and Jewelry Suppliers of America (MJSA) and the Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG). Gallery of works may be viewed at www.patriciasegar.com.

Buster Shaw:

Woodworker and turner; studied at Brookfield Craft Center with Beth Ireland and Michael Hosaluk; work is exhibited locally and in private collections; President of Nutmeg Woodturners League; maintains studio in Bethel, CT

David Silver:

Professional landscaper with over 25 years of experience with bonsai; studied with Japanese, Chinese and American Bonsai masters; owner of Bantam Bonsai, a garden design, construction and maintenance business; specializes in Japanese, perennial, rock and water gardens; member of Bonsai Clubs International, The American Bonsai Society, North American Rock Garden Society.
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Marjorie Simon:

Bryn Mawr College; BA, Connecticut College; studied: Parsons School of Design; exhibitions include: Views Gallery (PA), Contemporary Crafts Gallery (OR), Sawtooth Ctr. for Visual Design (NC), other national exhibitions; represented by galleries throughout the USA; publications: Art Today, Jewelry/Metalwork Survey, Ornament, NY Times, Metalsmith; recipient: NJ State Council on the Arts Fellowship Grant.

Anna Siok:

Graduate of Rhode Island School of Design; teaches for 92nd St. Y in New York City, Children's Art Studio, Greenwich House Pottery.

Wayne Smith:

Professional woodworker; studied with many national carvers; exhibits work and demonstrates nationally; maintains studio in Newtown, CT.

Kelly Smyth:

Forges hardware for historic sites and ships' hardware; Early American Life magazine's Directory of Traditional Crafts; international conference presentations; Smithsonian Institution Folklife Festivals 2004 & 2007; teaches workshops nationally; demonstrates and interprets living history museums.

Missy Stevens:

BA, Program in Artisanry/Boston University; studied: New England College; solo shows at: Mattatuck Museum, The Works Gallery; group show throughout the U.S.; CT Commission on the Arts Grant, 1991; work in numerous collections including: Rhode island School of Design, State of CT Artists' Collection; lectured for Renwick Assoc. at Smithsonian Inst.; published in : Metropolis, Home, American Crafts, FiberArts.

Steve Tanneberger:

BS in Art Education from Southern CT. State Univ.; further studies at the University of Notre Dame, Lake Placid School of Art; taught pottery and runs workshops for many local art centers and schools including: Rowayton Art Center, Escape to the Arts, Wooster Community Art Center; currently teaches at The Melrose School in Brewster, NY.

Keith Tompkins:

Member Northeastern Woodworkers Association, American Association of Woodturners, Wood Turning Center, ACC; work published in: Fine Woodworking, Woodwork, 500 Wood Bowls.; Winner of 2005 Niche Award.
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Paula Walton:

Professional crafts-person since 1986; sells as “A Sweet Remembrance”; chosen by Early American Life as one of the top traditional craftsmen in America: 1996, 1997, 1998, 2004, 2005; work shown in other national publications including; Teddy Bear Review, Teddy Bear Source Book, Cross Stitch and Country Crafts, Santa Claus, Holiday Crafts, Crafting Traditions, Christmas from the Heart, Christmas All Through the House, Scrap Crafts from A to Z, Holiday Cooking and The Williams Catalogue of American Master Craftsmen; craftsperson in residence at Old Sturbridge Village, 2005.
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Venerable Tenzin Wangchuk:

Born in Tibet, escaped to India when he was a child, completed his primary education at the Tibetan Children's Village school in Dharamsala, India. In 1987 he joined Namgyal Monastery and studied the memorization of different meditation deity texts. For five years he learned the sacred Tibetan arts of butter sculpture, mandala drawing, ritual instruments and dances. In 2004 Tenzin Wangchuk completed his 13-year philosophical studies, earning the degree of Master of Buddhist Sutra and Tantra. Wangchuk has traveled throughout the US and Europe performing sand mandalas and ritual dances. He has served in the ritual offering activities of many empowerments given by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He has served as: A member on the Board of Directors at the parent Namgyal Monastery Dharamsala, India; Manager of the Namgyal Monastery branch located in Bodhgaya, India; and he will serve as the first board member from the parent Monastery to simultaneously serve as a member of the Board of Directors at the Namgyal Monastery, Ithaca branch.

Sandra Yahner:

BA in Studio Art from SUNY Cortland; MS in Art Education from Syracuse University; teaches high school art in Marathon, NY; demonstrated and taught workshops at The Cooper Hewitt Museum and throughout the Northeast; exhibited both nationally and internationally.

Jeff Zamek:

BFA and MFA in Ceramics from Alfred University, College of Ceramics; taught for Simon's Rock College and Keane College; started ceramics consulting firm; contributed articles to: Ceramics Monthly, Pottery Making Illustrated, Clay Times, Studio Potter, Craft Horizons; author of What.
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