May Artist of the Month: Dennis Capodestria

The Village Artists and Gallery features Capodestria

Spring brings out a lot of new things - the look of landscapes, brooks surging with melted snowfall, the return of color from first flowers and new works from artists emerging from their studios. This process of renewal is celebrated at the Village Artists and Gallery with May’s Artist of the Month, woodworker Dennis Capodestria.

Capodestria’s furniture designs began development in the New York workshop of Mr. Kai Ito for whom he worked constructing Shoji screens, chairs, tables and other hand worked objects. Dennis’ recent work has expanded on the quiet traditions of joinery and craftsmanship he learned under Ito’s guidance, adding stools, lamps, benches and spoons to his repertoire.

Dennis’ designs continue to evolve through repetitive practice - what remains consistent are simple lines and unadorned forms, emphasizing strength and function. Made from select native hardwoods, his designs are cleanly executed and unembellished, allowing full play to the natural characteristics of the materials. Solid structures ensure furnishings that are built to last while smooth surfaces invite frequent touch and use.

Throughout May, Dennis is featuring his newest designs in the gallery located at 51 Main Street in Ashland. A low-slung square chair from walnut with an upholstered seat rests as complement beside a coffee table with red birch top and tapered legs of walnut. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily to see these and other works by Capodestria as well as a wide variety of other handcrafted objects by local artists. For more information, phone 968-4445, or log on to villageartistsandgallery.com.

Village Artists and Gallery
51 Main St.
Ashland, N.H.
968-4445
www.VillageArtistsandGallery.org