Photos attached w/ caption:
1) timetable.jpg- "Time Table", commissioned by the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake for their Rustic Tomorrow project, was created in collaboration with world renowned architect Allan Shope. The walnut slab was harvested using certified sustainable practices.
2) LakePlacidLodgeTable.jpg - This table was created by Weisberg for the Lake Placid Lodge. The base is sculpted from a collection of driftwood salvaged from Catskill Mountain streams.
3) weisbergtrailer.jpg - Weisberg and his beloved Golden Retriever, Macabee, pose in front of the trailer used for transporting his new exhibit to furniture shows throughout the Northeast. The trailer was purchased, in part, with a grant from the Watershed Agricultural Council. |
LEXINGTON, NY - Judd Weisberg - a rustic designer, teacher and custom furniture builder - recently completed a project to improve his company's ability to attract new customers. The project was funded, in part, through a federal grant administered by the Watershed Agricultural Council's (WAC) Forestry Program.
"One of the main goals of the watershed forestry grants program is to provide incentives that improve markets for locally-made forest products," states Collin Miller, a Wood Utilization Specialist at the WAC.
From his studio in Lexington, Weisberg assembles a variety of branches, burls and roots shaped by nature into a variety of products from tables, chairs and mirrors to sculptures, railings, and stage settings. Operating under the name Judd Weisberg Designs, this small business has carved out a special niche in the world of rustic.
Juried craft shows, like the Rustic Fair, held annually in September at the AdirondackMuseum in Blue Mountain Lake, NY, are where Weisberg generates a large share of annual sales by taking custom orders and selling pre-built work. However, he complained that the complex arrangement of his work was making transporting the booth to shows, setting-up and taking-down a real pain.
"I was using a small Chevy Blazer and a hand-built booth that was fairly labor intensive," Weisberg said. "Since I do about three or four shows like this in a year, it was very taxing on the body."
With grant funds awarded through a competitive application process in 2007, Weisberg purchased a new booth and a custom-detailed box trailer. He also hired another Lexington businessman, John Sturman of Blue Moon Farm, to generate key promotional items including a full-color leaflet and CD-ROM business card showcasing a portfolio of Weisberg's creations.
Weisberg's designs are inspired by the natural meanders of CatskillMountain streams and he often uses weathered driftwood salvaged from shorelines of the region's waterways. To this end, he would like to coordinate an effort with other artists to petition the NYC DEP to allow for organized reservoir driftwood clean-up so the material collected, and usually burned or chipped, can be put toward good economic use for area artists.
"This abundant waste-wood build-up is a nuisance for operations crews," stated Weisberg. "There are many craftspeople that could benefit from allowing safe and controlled access to this resource."
Weisberg is one of over 70 wood-based businesses that participate in the Catskill WoodNet to promote their products and share marketing resources. He is also a New York State Licensed Fly Fishing Guide and Instructor and has considerable knowledge regarding the best trout hot spots on the Upper Delaware.
When the flies aren't hatching on a nearby trout stream, Weisberg can be found in his woodworking studio or by contacting him at (518) 989-6583. To visit his online catalog, visit www.juddworks.com.
The purpose of the Watershed Agricultural Council is to protect both the rural, land-based economy of the watershed region and the drinking water quality of over nine million people. Working with farmers, agribusinesses, forest landowners, forest industry professionals and others, the WAC seeks to enhance both business profitability and environmental stewardship. It works through partnerships with other nonprofits organizations, government agencies and community stakeholders to achieve its purpose.
The WAC is funded by The New York City Department of Environmental Protection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Forest Service and other federal and foundation sources. The WAC is an equal opportunity employer and provider.
For more information, visit www.nycwatershed.org.
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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
START: Feb. 24, 2009
END: Mar. 31, 2009 |
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SUMMARY: Local artist recycles Nature's bonfire materials to create furniture. Watershed grant enables him to purchase transport trailer to bring creations to market and consumers. |
RELEASE CONTACT:
Wood Utilization & Marketing Specialist
(607) 865-7790 x112 |
WAC CONTACT:
Tara Collins
Communications Director
(607) 865-7017 x226
(607) 643-5148 cell |
The Watershed Agricultural Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the economic viability of agriculture and forestry through the protection of water quality and the promotion of land conservation in the New York City Watershed region. The WAC is funded by The New York City Department of Environmental Protection, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service and other federal, foundation and private sources. The WAC is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
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