American craftsmanship

By Jaime North
The Danville News

February 01, 2008 04:54 pm

— WASHINGTONVILLE -- He cuts, chisels and carves.
It may happen in a few minutes or could last over several months.
David Morris, of Washingtonville, has loved wood-working ever since he could walk up to a shop bench. Sculpting wood into art began as a hobby, he says, but quickly turned into a lifestyle.
The passion eventually led Mr. Morris to hand-crafting colonial furniture, a love he has indulged in full-time for more than 20 years.
"I've been building things ever since I was a little kid," said Mr. Morris, who operates a workshop at home making 18th and 19th Century style furniture from scratch. "You have to enjoy it in order to be immersed in it. It's something I've always enjoyed doing, and now I do it for a living."
Mr. Morris will be among more than 45 craftsmen showcasing their work this weekend in Lewisburg during the first-ever 18th Century Artisan Show at the Country Cupboard Best Western Inn. He will be joined by a collection of artisans displaying colonial works to include longrifles, Redware pottery, German fraktur and silver work.
"I know many of the people who will be there, and they are the best around, especially some of the gunmakers and blacksmiths," Mr. Morris said. "They're people, who not only do great work, but are very knowledgeable on history and about their craft."
The two-day show, which begins Friday, was organized by John Getz, of Beavertown, and Art DeCamp, of Huntingdon, as a way to bring some of most talented artisans from across the multi-state region to the Valley. Some of the craftsmen are from far away as Virginia, North Carolina and Massachusetts, Mr. Getz said.
"Most of us are members of a larger parenting organization, Contemporary Longrifle Association, which holds an annual show in August down in Kentucky," said Mr. Getz, a gunmaker, who owns and operates Getz Barrel Company. "With us being in Pennsylvania, home of the longrifle, we thought it would be important for us to have one of these contemporary shows here."
Mr. Getz said the show will give visitors a glimpse back to 18th Century life.
"It will certainly look like settlers' row," Mr. Getz said. "We're pretty enthused about all of this. There will be a lot in store for everybody, as much for women as men."
Many of the artisans will appeal directly to the history buffs that litter the area, Mr. Getz said.
"This area is pretty deep in history and a lot of people are aware of it," Mr. Getz said. "We knew this would be a great time of year for this type of show. It's what we term as a cabin fever event. This gives people a great opportunity to get outside and do something together."
Mr. Morris plans to bring an array of Windsor and Chippendale chairs, as well as a mix of primitive pieces, such Philadelphia high-style carved furniture.
"There is a certain satisfaction that comes with each piece," said Mr. Morris, who mainly works with walnut, mahogany, tiger maple and cherry wood. "I've always felt colonial design is the best. All the elements of art came together during the time and created the best craftsmanship. The people of the era had a different perspective, a real respect for craftsmanship in general."
Mr. Morris said he is looking forward to seeing the other artisans display their art, a group he said is the best at what they do.
"Everything that will be shown is true American craftsmanship," Mr. Morris said. "It will be a reflection of our heritage and culture, right there for everyone to see up close."
P E-mail comments to jnorth@thedanvillenews.com.

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