2024 Chairs
TJ Jahnke & Andy Bonnes
Smart-HR and the Pinske Edge
Integrity
Introducing "Integrity" - a masterpiece that seamlessly blends steel, chain, wood, epoxy, and stone into a captivating piece of functional art. Crafted by artists with a proven track
record of excellence, "Integrity" draws inspiration from the iconic tensegrity table design, creating an illusion of weightlessness with its floating seat, seemingly suspended solely by gravity and the intricate arrangement of chains.
The backrest, fashioned from wood salvaged from a fallen cherry tree discovered in the woods near the artist's home, adds a touch of natural beauty. With meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to innovation, "Integrity" stands as a testament to the artists' dedication to their craft, offering both visual intrigue and practical comfort. Whether as a focal point in a modern living space or a conversation starter in a contemporary office, "Integrity" promises to elevate any environment with its blend of artistry and functionality.
Sponsored By: Treasure Island Resort & Casino
* Best Overall Design
Arlan Walton
Sweet Adirondack
Elevate your outdoor space with this beautiful creation, where functionality meets artistic excellence in every curve and contour. Picture yourself enjoying a warm summer evening in this epitome of craftsmanship and natural beauty. This Adirondack chair was crafted by the talented woodworker and artist, Arlan Walton using locally harvested apple wood. The chair's captivating aesthetics are enhanced by a poly finish, offering both durability and a silky smooth touch. With its ergonomic design and sturdy construction, this Adirondack chair is not just a piece of outdoor furniture—it is an invitation to unwind and appreciate life.
Sponsored By: Heartman Insurance
Mary Beth Magyar
MB Magyar Studio LLC
Bear planning a vacation
Presenting "Bear planning a vacation," a whimsical ceramic sculpture crafted with love
and joy. Inspired by the memory of the artist's late father, who resembled a big bear in both physique and personality, this delightful piece embodies the artist's journey through grief and healing. As Mary Beth navigated the loss, creating bear sculptures became a source of solace and happiness, echoing the spirit of her beloved father.
In line with the artist's ethos of spreading joy and laughter, "Bear planning a Vacation" serves as a beacon of light amidst life's challenges and as a testament to the power of creativity in uplifting spirits and instilling optimism. With each bid, it carries the hope of bringing joy and happiness to its new owner, echoing the sentiment of the artist's father, whose spirit lives on through this endearing creation.
Bella and Kelly Brevik
Sota Clothing Company
Sota Clothing Stools
Introducing the heartwarming duo of creativity and family bonding – our Sota Clothing Stools! Partnered with Sota Clothing Company and crafted by a dynamic father-daughter team, these charming stools boast a wooden top exuding warmth and character, supported by adjustable metal legs for versatility. What makes these stools truly special is the pride infused into every inch by the 2-year-old daughter, who joyfully watched and helped sand this creation.
Kelly Brevik & Seth Lewis
UnClaimed Wood Bench
Crafted from white oak wood with a rich history, this stunning piece has a tale to tell. Originating from a farm near Kenyon, MN, the wood was forested and milled back in the 1920s before resting untouched in a barn until the summer of 2023. Handcrafted by two neighbors and friends, this bench boasts meticulous bowtie joints for added durability and aesthetic appeal. Held together solely by steel dowel pins, it offers full disassembly for convenient storage while maintaining remarkable strength, with the builders estimating a capacity of 800 lbs. A blend of heritage, craftsmanship, and friendship, this bench is both functional and steeped in history, making it a unique addition to any space.
Carlota Gay
Starry Night
Immerse yourself in the celestial charm of the "Starry Night" rocking chair, a dazzling fusion of artistry and functionality. Painted in a chic gunmetal hue and adorned with subtle sparkles, this unique piece features a black upholstered seat and back, elevating both style and comfort. Crafted by the talented local artist Carlota Gay, the chair is aptly named "Starry Night," symbolizing the optimism of a bright future. This is your opportunity to bring home "Starry Night," a symbol of hope and promise for a radiant tomorrow for our youth!
April Crom, Allen Crom & Kristina Kovacevic
Altra Federal Credit Union
Sliding Dovetail Oak Bench
Immerse yourself in the craftsmanship of this Sliding Dovetail Oak Bench, meticulously brought to life using plans adapted from American Woodworker issue #113. The solid oak construction is a testament to enduring quality, featuring sliding dovetails and half-lap joints for both strength and elegance. With a commitment to classic design, the artists applied a custom oil stain blend, enhancing the natural beauty of the oak while preserving its timeless appeal. To ensure durability and a lasting finish, three coats of polyurethane were expertly applied. This masterfully crafted bench, a fusion of traditional woodworking techniques and modern finishes, will be a great addition to your space!
Dana Hlebichuk
Widseth Architects, Harris Mechanical & TEC Fabrication
Twins not Sisters
Sculpted from the marriage of innovation and elegance, these modern aluminum chairs dance on the boundary between form and function. With their lightweight frames donned in a metallic sheen, these chairs whisper sophistication while effortlessly adapting to the whims of contemporary spaces. Created by returning artist Dana Hlebichuk and constructed by Harris Mechanical in conjunction with TEC Fabrication, each sleek curve and precision-engineered contour invites you to embrace comfort in a minimalist approach, where design meets the future in the cool touch of aluminum brilliance.
Diane O’Brien
Second Time Around and Eureka Hotel Apartments
Nurture–the golden opportunity
Unveil the enchanting "Nurture - The Golden Opportunity" high chair, a sparkling testament to the radiant possibilities of early childhood exploration. Drenched in a lustrous golden hue and adorned with an abundance of carefully curated embellishments, this high chair represents the golden opportunity to introduce the wonders of the world to the youngest minds. The symbolism is profound: a child under one year, seated on a throne of enlightenment. To nurture is to care, promote development, and set an illuminating example. Embrace the golden opportunity to nurture, enlighten, and inspire the tiniest hearts with this uniquely adorned high chair.
*Most Innovative Use of Material
Eric Pohl
Wounded WoodCraft
Barnwood Bench
Step into a narrative of heritage and resilience with Barn Wood Bench. Crafted from pine wood salvaged from a barn built by Norwegian immigrants in Rock Dell, MN, in 1860, this bench is a living testament to history and resilience. Its sturdy legs, fashioned from heavy-duty rebar, add a rustic charm that complements the wood's natural allure. As tradition meets philanthropy, Wounded Wordcraft pledges to match 100% of the final purchase price, channeling the bench's legacy into a meaningful donation for the Boys & Girls Club of Rochester.
Jessica Huinker
pinkredgreener
Chevron Bench
Introducing the Chevron Bench, a masterpiece created by talented Jessica Huinker, born from the ingenious transformation of a recycled Radio Flyer wagon into an industrial-style gem. Crafted with a blend of unique materials, this small bench exudes character and innovation. The cushions, adorned with an art deco-inspired chevron print fabric, bring a touch of timeless sophistication. Adding a hint of Western charm, the sisal twine accents provide a rustic and authentic allure. This one-of-a-kind bench in our Bring home this one-of-a-kind bench, where nostalgia meets industrial chic in a harmonious blend of style and sustainability.
Arlan Walton
The Lovely Bench
Indulge in the art of relaxation with our locally crafted walnut bench featuring a heartfelt touch—a delicately carved heart cutout on the back. Using locally-sourced walnut, this bench inspires moments of pause and connection, it beckons you to slow down and share its embrace with someone you love. With every curve and grain telling a story, this bench is not just a seat but a symbol of warmth and companionship, inviting you to create cherished memories in the company of those you hold dear. Bring home this enchanting walnut bench and let it become a focal point for shared moments and heartfelt conversations.
Luke Stewart
Elevated
Elevated is more than just a place to sit. Inspired by the captivating allure of a custom stair railing featuring a striking floating handrail, this exceptional piece is designed to be a resting place and a work of art. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, Elevated is full of beautiful details, from the sleek metal stair balusters to the rich black walnut wood hues, creating a harmonious fusion of modern elegance and timeless sophistication. Whether placed in a contemporary living space, a cozy reading nook, or a stylish entryway, this bench adds a touch of refinement and flair to any environment.
As its name suggests, "Elevated" offers more than just a place to sit – it invites you to elevate your surroundings with its presence.
Sponsored By: Altra Federal Credit Union
*Best Craftsmanship Award
Craig Jentz
WoodZest
Autumn leaves
Embark on an enchanting journey with Autumn Leaves. Crafted with intriguing curly maple, where the wood grain twists instead of growing conventionally straight, the chair boasts a captivating visual allure. Colored dyes accentuate the grain curls, creating a visually stunning effect that elevates this piece into a realm of artistic wonder. Melding traditional chair construction with whimsical artistry, Craig Jentz says this creation was a joy to make.
Mrs. Sherry Frank
Sherry’s Arts
Let’s play ball. Batta Batta Swing
The whimsical "Let's Play Ball" bench is a small wonder that's not just a piece of furniture but a celebration of creativity and playfulness. Handcrafted with care, this unique bench is made of wood, featuring playful applications, vibrant paint, and repurposed parts from an old bed frame cleverly transformed into balls. Accent triangles add an extra touch of charm. Perfect for a child's space, any playful corner or any sports enthusiast space, this bench embodies the spirit of fun and adventure.
Randy Pohl
Multi Hardwood Bench
Discover the timeless beauty of this exquisite 40-inch multi-hardwood bench, a unique masterpiece crafted from carefully selected pieces of hardwood, each with a rich history dating back over 100 years. This one-of-a-kind creation is a celebration of craftsmanship and heritage, showcasing the artistry of combining various hardwoods and is a testament to the artisan's commitment to creating a functional and enduring piece that can be enjoyed for generations to come.
2023 Chairs
2020 Chairs
