Friday, December 30, 2011

Looking forward to 2012

2011 saw our Coop make a bold but practical move from our basement location to a street level address.  We are still on Main Street but now we sport two huge display windows, a much bigger gallery space and the work of several new artists.

I'd like to thank everyone who supported our Coop, in one way or another.  We have weathered that transition and are ready with some new challenges for the new year.

Over the next few days, I will share our plans and activities for the coming year.  For our members, 2012 will be the year for veterans.  "Art for Veterans" is what we call our program.  It is about sharing the creative experience with them.  Towards this end, we are holding our main fundraising event in February so we can offer art classes for free to all veterans.

8th Annual Souper Bowl
Soup Competition and Art for Veterans Fundraiser
Mark this date in your calendars!
On Saturday, February 4, 2012, we are holding our most important annual fundraiser from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Congregational Church in Plymouth.


Tickets are $25 per person for a handmade bowl or mug by one of our artists, and eat-all-you-can soup, bread, beverage and dessert.


Participating restaurants each provide a soup and diners select their favorites.  There will also be a raffle and silent auction.

Bring your own bowl and you can dine for $20. Children under six eat for free but won't get a handmade item.

Tickets go on sale starting January 9, 2012.  Come into the gallery to pick out your bowl or mug at 73 Main St. in Plymouth.  For more information, see our website, or call the gallery 536-2750.


Monique MacIntosh
Executive Director

Friday, December 2, 2011

Holderness Library 2011 - 2012

Hi Everyone,

We have partnered with Victoria A. Lang to bring our brand of art to Holderness Library.  Victoria is the Director, and has led the successful efforts to restore the building while creating a warm and inviting community space.  Our group display will continue until the Spring of 2012, and will evolve to stay fresh and interesting for library patrons.

Please come visit Artistic Roots at Holderness Library and thank you for supporting local artists and local community spaces, especially libraries.

Monique MacIntosh
Executive Director

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Trash to Treasure at the D Acres Educational Homestead





D Acres of New Hampshire is a non-profit organic farm and educational homestead 
located in the foothills of the White Mountains. 
To learn more, visit www.dacres.org

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Woodworking Class Schedule--Winter 2012--Eric Johnson's Furniture

Our new woodworking class schedule through March is now available.  Call or email with any questions or to reserve your space.  The Colonel Spencer Innoffers discounts for anyone needing overnight accommodations while attending a class. These classes could be a great Christmas gift as well!

Woodworking Classes

Build an 18” Cherry Side Table -- 3 Weekend Class -- 2 Sessions Available

All the materials and instruction needed to build an heirloom quality cherry side table. This class will cover:
* Dimensioning Wood
* Mortise & tenon joinery
* Leg tapering
* Finishing techniques & more
 Cost:  $325 materials included      Maximum 3 students
 Dates & Times: Two class sessions to choose from: 
Jan. 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29. Saturdays 9-2, Sundays 1-4.
                                           Or
March 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 & Apr. 1          Sat. 9-2, Sun. 1-4.

Hand-Cut Dovetails – 1 Weekend Class 

You will receive dimensioned wood to build a cherry box with a lid.  We will focus the lesson on the skills and steps to hand-cut dovetailing.  Materials & Hardware included.  Bring your own tools or use those provided.

Cost $160  Materials included   Maximum 4 students 
Dates & Times:  Sat. Feb. 11  9:00 to 3:00, Sun. Feb. 12 Noon to finish.

Build a furniture quality Picture Frame—1 Day Class

* Learn mitering and spline joinery is this one-day class. 
Cost: $50 Max. 4 Students   Lunch provided or bring your own 
Saturday, February 25:  9:00 to finish

Call or email to reserve your spot or to be added to notification list for future classes
Eric & Debbie Johnson
Eric Johnson's Furniture
http://www.ericjohnsonsfurniture.com/
(603)726-4980
Email:  info@ericjohnsonsfurniture.com

Thursday, November 17, 2011

What's new at Artistic Roots?

Work by Barbara McAlister
New Members: Dick Batchelder, owner of Harmony in Wood from Bristol, and Barbara McAlister, owner of The McAlister Collection in Canaan, were voted into the gallery this month. Dick, who does spectacular woodturning, was a member of Village Artists of Ashland for many years, and served two terms as that group's president. Barbara, widely known for her whimsical hand-painted wood carvings, was a member of the Cardigan Mt. Co-Op in Canaan and sells her work at several locations, including the Shelburne Museum in Shelburne, VT. Dick and Barbara are both also juried members of the highly-respected League of New Hampshire Craftsmen.  


New Look: Four times each year, the gallery, is given a brand new look. Last month, all forty-five juried local artisans moved to different locations and brought in exciting new work. Thousands of original, locally-crafted works of art in dozens of media including woodworking, fiber arts, metal smithing, painting, drawing, photography, mosaics, paper, glass, jewelry, pottery, prints, carvings, sculpture, decorative painting, and more. Members, who each work one day a month in the gallery, often demonstrate their mediums in the AR class room that is handicap accessible. The two large display windows in front of the gallery have also just been redone.     

Work by Dick Batchelder
New Classes:  The winter class schedule includes sessions for people of all ages, levels and abilities. Classes are being offered in oil painting with Cam Sinclair, watercolor painting with Cheryl Johnson, multi-plate printing with Alma Grand, and portrait drawing with Carol Phenix. Patti Burlingame will present jewelry making and felted scarf classes, while Lynn Haust will offer two workshops in kiln-fired glass.  More classes are being added to the schedule all the time. Check the AR website www.artisticroots.com for current offerings. In addition to classes, AR also offers Art Parties that are fun sessions in various mediums available for birthdays, friends' nights out, family gatherings, corporate functions, and more.
 
New Director: Monique MacIntosh of Campton has been selected to replace Cheryl Johnson as Executive Director of Artistic Roots. Monique, who joined the group in August specializes in recycled paper bead jewelry.  She has a professional background in communication and administration, and recent education in global sustainability.  She hopes to use that knowledge to help the co-op achieve its mission and become successful, green and a positive force in the community.   

Want to know more? Click on www.artisticroots.com, call us at  (603) 536-2750 or stop by the gallery!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Eric Johnson--Now a member of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen

We are so pleased to announce that Eric has recently successfully juried into the respected League of New Hampshire Craftsmen.  This long standing group has established a reputation for excellence among its members, so it is with great pleasure that we have achieved this association.

NewLogoColor
If you aren't familiar with The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen or its members, you might enjoy reading more about it here

Also, our first class session has begun.  Two enthusiastic students are building a classic cherry side table that will be ready well before Christmas.  We are working on the class schedule for the New Year and have created an email list just for those specifically interested in woodworking classes, so if this interests you or someone you know, please email or call  so that we can inform you of the classes to be offered.

Finally, we would like to thank everyone that joined us for our Open House the first weekend of November.  The lovely company and beautiful weather combined to make a great event!  We appreciate each one that took their time to come, visit, explore the world of heirloom quality furniture, and meet us & our guest artists, Cheryl & Joyce! 

Without our customers there would be one less small business in America!

Until next time,

Eric & Debbie Johnson
http://www.ericjohnsonsfurniture.com/
Email:  info@ericjohnsonsfurniture.com
(603)726-4980
Campton, NH

Monday, November 14, 2011

Business After Hours, November 16th

Join us this Wednesday, November 16th as we host Plymouth Regional Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours.


Mix and mingle with many of our artists while touring our spacious shop and classroom. The perfect chance to start your Holiday Shopping!


5:00 - 7:00pm
Wednesday, November 16th.

Find out more about Business after Hours and other Chamber Events @ http://www.plymouthnh.org/inner.php/Chamber+Events/Business+After+Hours/

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Fresh from the Kiln...

Milk Bottles are back in stock at Artistic Roots



Come in to pick out your favorite or order @

 
and skip the shipping when you pick it up at Artistic Roots.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Robbin Adams at Red Gate Farm

Robbin Adams, Printmaker, member of Artistic Roots in Plymouth, NH is featured in this upcoming Printmakers show at the Red Gate Gallery in Plymouth, NH:

 

Opening Reception
Friday Evening, November 4th
5-8 pm



A portion of all Sales
Will Go to Support
Pemi-Baker Literacy

See you There!


Monday, October 31, 2011

Woodworking Classes--Eric Johnson's Furniture

I am pleased to announce that if you are in the Central New Hampshire area on weekends and are interested in learning woodworking, that I am now offering classes. 

In this first class session we will be constructing an 18" cherry side table.  We will cover tool usage, wood movement, mortise and tenon joinery, tapering legs and finishing techniques.  When the class is over, you will be able to take your table home--just in time to enjoy for the holidays--or even give as a gift.

This class will cover three weekends beginning Saturday,  November 12. 

Cost of the class is $325, including materials.

Call or email for more information, exact dates & times, & specific questions.  I am limiting the class size to 3, once it is full, I will be happy to put you on a waiting list and let you know about future classes.

Until next time,


Eric
Email: info@ericjohnsonsfurniture.com
http://www.ericjohnsonsfurniture.com/
(603)726-4980

Friday, October 21, 2011

Adjustable Shelf Supports--Eric Johnson's Furniture

Hello again,

Here is the blog that I have been meaning to write the past couple of weeks--the exciting world of adjustable shelf supports!

You all have seen them.  Simple little metal clips that have a round post on one end and a flat surface on the other.  You push the round post into a hole in each corner of the case and viola', adjustable shelf support.

ImagesWhen I started getting serious about building reproduction furniture, I quickly realized that this wasn’t acceptable. I looked for other ideas--preferably antique ideas.  I found a bookcase that was build in the early 1800’s that had a type of saw tooth cut into a board that was attached to the case sides.  There where four of them.  Two facing each other--front to back--on one side and a matching set on the other side.  In between was another board that fit into the saw tooth.  The shelf fit onto this board and then was adjusted to the desired spacing. 

Here was my answer; however, it looked quite time consuming to build.  In a fit of clarity, I happened upon the solution.  Now I am sure I did not invent this idea, but I did come up with it on my own. 


Shelf supports002


My solution is to take a board that is about a 1 ½” thick (you can glue two boards together if you would like) and about 3 ¼” wide by however long I need.  I then start about 6” from the bottom and drill a ¾” hole in the center of the board every 1 ½” along the length.  I use a paddle bit or a fostner bit in my drill press.  Don’t use a hand held drill for this.  Once I have this done, I can then re-saw it on my table saw and cut them in half through the center of the holes. I now have four individual pieces.  Before I cut them apart, I label them A,A B,B, as you can see in the drawing.  I then attach them to the case with A,A facing each other on one side and B,B on the other.  In between I make a 5/8” thick board to fit as a shelf support.  You can see this in the picture.


Bookcase adjustable shelfI have been making this type of shelf support for about 10 years and I am really happy with it.  It’s elegant, quick, works flawlessly and fits the style of furniture I build.  This is a small detail in the whole scheme of the piece but I feel it is an important detail in separating a custom furniture maker from a factory.  This type of adjustable shelf support will last 250 years as opposed to the factory way described earlier. 

If you would like to see a video demonstration of this or some of my other techniques, leave some feedback or send an email and I will think about working on some of those.

Until next week,

Eric
http://www.ericjohnsonsfurniture.com/
Email: info@ericjohnsonsfurniture.com
603-726-4980
Campton, NH  03223

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Eric Johnson's Furniture -- Recent News

Old Fashioned Milk Paint Contest Winner!

Are you one of those people who can honestly say "I haven't ever won anything in my life?"  Well, we were too until last week! 

What a kick to learn that we were the winners in a Facebook contest hosted by The Old Fashioned Milk Paint Company!  We won a generous credit towards milk paint by posting some photos of a variety of projects we have used their great milk paint on!  We are looking forward to having a nice supply of milk paint on hand and using it with upcoming projects. 

Milk paint
In the meantime, a big thank you to Anne and all the crew at The Old Fashioned Milk Paint Company in Groton, MA!  If you need a durable and non-toxic paint that comes is a variety of beautiful historic colors and is the easiest paint you could ever want to use, we hope you will look into their American-made product!  Below you can see a sample of some projects on which we have used milk paint.

IMG_4758

Tiger/Milk Paint Hutch


Pine Cupboard


Laker Home Article Recently Published

We recently had a very nice article written in the Home Edition of a local paper:  The Laker

Thank you to Christine Randall for the great coverage and featuring New Hampshire Craftsmen! 

Enjoy every minute of fall!

Eric & Debbie Johnson
www.ericjohnsonsfurniture.com
Email:  ejfurniture@roadrunner.com
(603)726-4980

Monday, October 10, 2011

Ships on your wall not in a bottle

If you love the sea, think its romantic and captivating, mysterious and awe-inspiring, fun and adventurous, then you probably have nautical and marine mementos and art in your home and office.

A reminder of the days when shipwrights designed and built boats are small scale models.




Before computers and design applications, ships were built using a scale model.

The model was carved out of wood and showed one half of the ship's hull in profile.

The model was then reproduced in full size with the two halves needing to be mirror images of each other.






This wonderful craft is practiced today by one of our artists.

Sam Coes III makes half hull models beautiful enough to be works of art.

Sam recycles wood and finishes them to show off natural grain and color.



Friday, October 7, 2011

Artistic Roots Selects New Executive Director

 
Cheryl Johnson will get to follow her passions again - painting and teaching.  Cheryl gets to become a regular member once more because Artistic Roots has a new Executive Director.   Her name is Monique MacIntosh and she starts this fall.

Monique is a paper artist and Coop member.  She has worked many years keeping front offices working efficiently.  She is also a writer and has experience in public information and grant writing.

While the Coop warmly welcomes Monique, it isn’t saying goodbye to Cheryl at all.  Artistic Roots will hang onto her for dear life.  Cheryl is a valuable and dedicated member.  As the Coop's first Executive Director, she successfully led the move from its old basement location to the current bigger, brighter, more accessible space.  She has also spearheaded the education and community outreach activities of the Coop by organizing classes and encouraging fellow members to share their knowledge and experience.  Cheryl loves to teach, and inspires others to get involved.

Then there are the intangibles.  With her quiet persistence, calm demeanor, good humor, creative thinking, and positive outlook, Cheryl has united the members to take the gallery from one milestone to another.  And with her characteristic grace, Cheryl has been generous with her time and money for all manner of causes related to the Coop.  After she transfers responsibility to the new ED, she still plans to stay involved with the management of the Coop by continuing to organize classes and help secure grants for key programs.

Friday, September 30, 2011

2ndhandpaper jewelry at Plymouth Art Show, Saturday Oct. 1, 2011

Hi, my name is Monique MacIntosh.  I am a new artist at the Coop.  I make beads out of paper that I would otherwise recycle and send to the dump.

I make my beads by cutting paper into strips, rolling the strips, and finishing the bead using water-based glue and lacquer.

I then string the paper beads with bone, glass, metal, pearl, seed, semi-precious stone and wood beads to create unique and interesting jewelry.

On Saturday, Oct. 1st, as part of the Plymouth Art Show, I will be making my paper beads at Artistic Roots.   Come join me and learn how to make rolled paper beads.  I plan to be there from 11am to 2pm.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Bookcase--Custom Tiger Maple Bookcase

This week I wanted to share some pictures and talk about a custom bookcase that I recently completed for a customer in New Jersey. 

This customer had some great ideas of the bookcase that he was looking for and it was a great collaboration of ideas.


Bookcase

It included a number of custom features such as beveled glass on the upper case which shows the beautiful solid tiger maple back.  The doors are also locking.   We wanted a streamlined look with this piece, so rather than using knobs, the key to the lock is the actual knob.   Another custom feature on this piece was to hide the butt hinges by using overlay doors. 

The shelves in both the upper and lower case are fully adjustable.  Next week I will blog about how I make these fully adjustable solid wood shelves.

It was a great project! I always enjoy working with people to mesh their ideas with period features to build both practical and beautiful pieces of furniture.  If you have a project in mind, I would enjoy hearing from you.
Until next week,

 Eric
www.ericjohnsonsfurniture.com
(603)726-4980
Email:  info@ericjohnsonsfurniture.com
Campton, NH  03223

Monday, September 12, 2011

Congratulations to our Clock Winners!

A hearty thank you to all that entered our summer clock giveaway by either joining our email list or "liking" us on Facebook!  It was fun to meet some new folks in person and watch as they entered to win the 8" shelf clocks that we were giving away.   One lady was so sure she was going to win, she asked me just to send it home with her that day so that we could save the postage!    Smart gal!

Eam clock 1

Our winners are:
Jackie and Keith from Fairhaven, MASS
&
Nancy Kennedy from S. Royalton, VT
 We hope you both enjoy your new clocks and that they bring you much joy and special memories of your time in New Hampshire!

Thank you everyone else for being willing to share your information with us so that we can stay in contact and let you know the various things that will be happening in the months to come.  We have several things in the works and will look forward to sharing them with you weekly after taking the majority of the summer off from most on -line communications. 

One thing to mark on your calendar is the great event--New Hampshire Open Doors.  This fall it is scheduled for the weekend of November 5 & 6, so mark that on your calendar so that you can be sure to visit us as well as the many other artisans that are sure to participate in this fun and festive event!  You can watch as artists sign up and plan your route at http://www.nhopendoors.com/

Keep us in mind for your special gifts or home items!  We look forward to hearing from you when you are ready for your next heirloom!

Until next week,

Eric and Debbie
http://www.ericjohnsonsfurniture.com/
Email:  info@ericjohnsonsfurniture.com
Campton, NH
(603)726-4980

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

New Arrivals!

New ceramics from Mary Ober:


Dragonfly Soup Bowl

One Sun Soup Bowl

Farmhouse Bowl in Goldenrod

Budding Chives Mug

Farmhouse Bowl

 Now at Artistic Roots!

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Rowing for Roots!





In August, Gunnar and Heather Baldwin plan to take another rowing trip. Starting in 2003 the Baldwins have rowed from Key West, FL to Norfolk, VA on the Intra Costal Waterway, up the Hudson from Newburg, NY to the Champlain Canal, and the length of Lake Champlain to Quebec. Three years will have passed since their last trip on the Erie Canal in August of 2008. In the past they have rowed to support Habitat for Humanity, raising almost $750,000.00 in money and product donations. This year they plan to row two canal routes in Canada. One is the Rideau Canal from Kingston, Ontario to Ottawa. The other is the Richelieu River and Chambly Canal from the northern end of Lake Champlain to the St. Lawrence River. They plan to leave on August 13, starting in Kingston on the 14th and, if they finish the Rideau in time, they will also row the Richelieu, before returning on August 28. Their goal is to row 200 miles!

Because there are no affiliates of Habitat for Humanity located along these routes, the Baldwins have decided to raise money for a different cause this time. Artistic Roots, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) non-profit cooperative art center and juried gallery whose mission is to bring together artists and the community through workshops and classes; peer mentoring; receptions and events; and to provide a venue for the sale of artists’ works. The cooperative is managed and run by the members. Membership dues, sales commissions, class tuitions, fund-raising and donations support the maintenance and financing of Artistic Roots, Inc., for the benefit of its members and the community. 

The Baldwins want to give Artistic Roots their support in every way they can. (Artistic Roots, in their opinion, is the best place to find fine art and fine crafts north of Boston!) One of the reasons for their interest in Artistic Roots is that Heather is the president of its Board of Directors. Artistic Roots needs all the support they can get! They are doing a wonderful job bringing art education to the Plymouth area as well as providing a very reasonable outlet for their member’s work.

The Baldwins are hoping that friends of Artistic Roots will support their row and send donations and pledges for the miles they row. Pledging by the mile has a way of motivating them to keep going each day to maximize distance! Mileage pledges can be made for any amount and can have a maximum distance. Any and all tax deductable contributions will be gratefully appreciated! Checks should be made out to Artistic Roots and should be sent to:

Rowing for Roots
Donna Castor, Treasurer,
Artistic Roots,
73 Main St.
Plymouth, NH 03264

The Baldwins will maintain an account of their trip at their rowing website, http://rowing.thorntongore.com. Heather and Gunnar hope you will follow their progress and will add your support and become a part of this adventure!