Beyond the bookshelf

By Felicia Menard
HippoPress.com

The New Hampshire Furniture Masters Association showcases the highest standards of craftsmanship in its seventh annual exhibition, which runs through Saturday, Nov. 16 at the New Hampshire Institute of Art. Unfortunately, this year's show is smaller than last year's.

Some pieces to look for this time around:

• Terry Moore presents two stunning "Demi-lune Console Tables," one made of curly maple with expertly applied Brazilian rosewood and birds-eye maple accents. The second table is made of rich mahogany with Brazilian rosewood trim.
• Nearby is Gary Spykman's spectacular lady's writing desk with chair in a combination of cherry, birds-eye maple and hunter green leather. This unique triangular desk is combined with an elegantly bowed triangular chair.
• On a more formal note, David Lamb presents a settee in cherry with blue moirÈ silk. The back and arms are intricately hand carved in a delightful arbor motif.
• Michael Stafford shows his "William & Mary Lowboy" of redwood burl, bubinga and ebony accented by brass drop-pulls. This piece is reminiscent of parlor furniture in the well-to-do homes of the 1920s and 1930s.
• The Shaker-inspired tall clock by Timothy Eldridge is lovingly crafted of cherry, birds-eye maple and ebony.
• Eric Grant's Queen Anne Flat-top Highboy is of curly cherry. You've probably seen a piece like this on the "Antiques Roadshow" television show selling in the $150,000 range.
• Jeffrey Cooper's piece "ornithology" is a tall lamp of maple that has been carved and assembled to represent a tree inhabited by a woodpecker and cardinal. The wood is dyed using aniline dyes. This process gives a uniquely soft effect, as the wood slowly absorbs the dye. Paint sits on the wood and gives a flat effect. Cooper's "Piscataqua Pals" is carved and dyed maple in a similar fashion.
• Cooper has fashioned a bench of two blue whales that is richly textured and detailed. Don't miss Cooper's "Hobby Horse" with leather accents in Gallery 7, where the pieces for the silent auction are shown.
• Another not-to-be-missed piece in Gallery 7 is Wayne Marcoux's "Bow-Saw," which appears to be made from tiger maple. In the main gallery is Marcoux's "Coffee Table" of dyed curly maple.
• Scott Schmidt's side chairs rendered in two types of wood are lovely and inviting.
• Jere Osgood's eastern walnut "Sideboard" with contrasting horn-beam knobs is beautiful. His "Dictionary Stand" of curly maple with tapered laminate legs is a unique creation. The legs have a whimsical and inviting flair.
• John McAlevey's "Upper Valley Hutch" of butternut with walnut pulls is deceptively simple and charming.
• Stepping Stones," a coffee table by Howard Hatch, is one of my favorite pieces. Hatch allows the mortises and tenons to show for just the right accent.
• Another favorite is John Brook's whimsical "Abjah Menorah" of maple, aluminum, color pencil and lacquer.

All of the pieces shown in the exhibition beg to be touched, rubbed, caressed, and given a good home. Since touching is prohibited, bring your checkbook to the auction so you can take one of these gems home with you.

New Hampshire Furniture Masters Association Exhibit, through Nov. 16, the New Hampshire Institute of Art, 148 Concord St. An auction and reception will be held Saturday, Nov. 16-reception from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m; auction at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 each and available by calling 898-0242.

Felicia Menard can be reached at hippo@hippopress.com