Winners announced in Second Vermont Wood Products Design Competition

Furniture World Magazine

About seventy-five entries were received in the Second Annual Vermont Wood Products Design Competition sponsored by the Vermont Wood Products Council. The goal of the Design Competition was to raise awareness among architects and designers, industry members, and consumers about the diversity, high quality craftsmanship, and innovative design exhibited in Vermont wood products. From large manufacturers to small shops to hobby woodworkers, all corners of the state and all facets of the industry were represented. First place winners in each of eight categories were Steve Holman of Holman Studios in Dorset for a Reliquary Chest; Robin Chase of Maple Corner Woodworks for his Nine-drawer Dresser; Charles Shackleton of Charles Shackleton Furniture in Bridgewater for his Ruffle Floor Lamp and candle sconce; Rick Schneider of Vermont Custom Woodworking for his stunning spiral staircase and exquisite Femme Florale sculpture; Bob Gasperetti Furniture Makers for intricately joined miniature wooden boxes; Randy Crossman of Yankee Woodworking for a spectacular two-man sea kayak. In addition, nine students from U-32 High School in Montpelier received Certificates of Appreciation for their woodworking projects that were on display at the Showcase. Winners were honored at a reception held at Union Arena in Woodstock, Vermont as part of the Second Annual Vermont Wood Products Showcase. The keynote speaker at the reception, hosted by the Vermont Wood Manufacturers Association was renowned furniture maker and author, Thomas Moser of Maine. Thanks to the generosity of the National Wildlife Federation, a cash award was distributed among the winners who could document the use of certified wood in their work. The awards were presented to Charles Shackleton of Shackleton Thomas Ltd.; Bob Gasperetti of Bob Gasperetti Furniture Makers; and Bruce Beeken and Jeff Parsons of Beeken Parsons. Winning pieces will also be displayed at the Providence Fine Furnishings Show under the Vermont Wood Products banner, to further advance the mission of the Vermont Wood Products Marketing Council that is dedicated to promoting the quality and craftsmanship, outstanding design, environmental sensitivity, and commitment to customer satisfaction. Judges for the Design Competition included an interior designer, two architects, a wood products specifier, the home editor for a regional magazine, and a high school woodshop teacher. Pieces were judged based upon the quality of the craftsmanship and the innovativeness of the design. According to the judges, it was a pleasure to review such beautiful work but quite difficult to select winners from the outstanding entries.