ALAN SISWEIN
Alan Siswein, 47, went into his father's industrial scrap metal business in eastern Pennsylvania and worked in that business for 26 years at such companies as Delaware Metals in Philadelphia and Krevitz Metals in Bensalem. Woodworking was his hobby, and he took classes at Bucks County Community College. "A couple of friends were decorators, knew furniture making was my hobby, and asked me if I could design some entertainment centers," he says. "Seven years ago I started designing and making custom furniture -- including solid wood, such as tables -- full time."


STEVE DELLAIRA
Not many people have a fly tying bench disguised as a Chippendale inspired side table... but Steve does. His wife and himself are both crafters and heavily invested in the arts, I can only guess that there is a shaker candle stand that converts to an artists easel somewhere in the house. I personally find this spirited, industrious outlook a welcome counterpoint to the hoards of people who watch "reality TV". Steve is a craftsman who relishes tradition, and applies the aesthetic to the modern mode.

 

JOE SANTAPAU

Woodturning, a long fascination of mine, combines the motor powered machine with the kind of skills I love to demonstrate. The objects produced on the lathe are inseparable from the person who created them for those very same reasons.
As an instructor I like to give students every chance to discover their own techniques, an ideal student takes guidance and a bit of information and turns it into technique. Techniques are really born in the hands of those who perspire long enough to learn them, they are never "handed" like some would suggest.

Visit my site: www.learnwoodworking.com

THE ARTS AT ACS: (609) 396-9783