American Craft Council Show Features Local Craftsman's Work

Tucked in the corner of an industrial building on Sycamore Street, one can find a rare type of craftsmanship.

Inside is ' studio where uniquely designed dining tables and chairs – all handcrafted in various types of wood – are made.

The woodwork is that of longtime Newark resident Karl Felperin.

Known for sculpting home wood furniture, the 75-year-old Newark resident is one of more than 200 artists whose work will be featured at the American Craft Council Show in August.

But Felperin wasn’t always a furniture maker. He’s a man who turned his hobby of furniture building into a business after retiring.

Once known as a furniture designer, Felperin said he retired in 2006 – the same year his wife passed away. Although he was ready to retire, Felperin said he had no desire to just stay at home.

Instead, he wanted to involve himself in what interested him – craftsman furniture.

The furniture he makes and sells is a combination of his own designs and modified replications of Greene and Greene Furniture and Stickley Furniture – both he described as furniture designers from the early 20th century.

Felperin said his interest in 20th century furniture stems from the fact that wood furniture in the mid-1970s then shifted. A lot of woodwork was used for storage of guns but not for dining sets as it had in the past.

“If you wanted modern wood furniture, you were out luck,” Felperin said. “I’m not interested in making boxes.”

It takes a few weeks to a month to create either six chairs or a dining table, Felperin said. Costs range from $700 to $5,500, depending on the product and type of wood and Felperin only builds chairs and tables for sale.

“ What I try to make is craftsman furniture that you’re not afraid to eat on,” Felperin said.

The products are made of either Oak, Walnut, Genuine Mahogany and Cherry woods.

Felperin’s work will be showcased from August 3 to August 5 at the American Craft Council Show, which will feature “a diverse array of limited-edition pieces crafted from clay, fiber, glass, metal and more at the largest juried craft show in the West,” according to a press release.

The show will be held at Fort Mason in San Francisco. Here is more information about the show as listed in a press release:

SHOW DATES, TIMES, LOCATION AND ADMISSION:

WHERE: Fort Mason Center, Festival Pavilion; San Francisco, CA

Located between Fisherman’s Wharf and the Golden Gate Bridge on the San Francisco Bay; entrance is at the intersection of Marina Boulevard and Buchanan Street, in the Marina District. 

Paid valet parking is available or visitors may park offsite at the Marina Green and take the complimentary shuttle bus to Fort Mason.

WHEN: 

• Friday, August 3      (10 a.m. – 8 p.m.) – $5 admission after 5 p.m.
• Saturday, August 4 (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
• Sunday, August 5    (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

TICKET:

• $14 one-day pass
• $20 for a two-day pass
• $2 advance purchase discount online: $12 one-day passes and $18 two-day passes available atwww.craftcouncil.org/sf
• Free admission for American Craft Council members and children under 12  

About the American Craft Council

The American Craft Council is a national, nonprofit public educational organization founded in 1943 by Aileen Osborn Webb. The mission of the Council is to champion craft by promoting an understanding and appreciation of contemporary American craft.  Programs include the bimonthly magazine AMERICAN CRAFT, annual juried shows presenting artists and their work, a leadership conference, the Aileen Osborn Webb Awards honoring excellence, workshops, seminars and a research library.  For additional information about the American Craft Council, call 1-800-836-3470 or visit: www.craftcouncil.org. 

For more information about Felperin Design Associates Furniture Designers, visit www.felperin.com.