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WINNIPESAUKEE FORGE AT THE ARTS COLLABORATIVE IS PART OF NH OPEN DOORS WEEKEND 5/6 - 5/7
Meredith, NH - Spring is here--immerse yourself in art during NH Open Doors weekend May 5 and 6 at The Arts Collaborative, (www.theartscollaborative.net) the Lakes Region's only arts complex, art teaching studio, gallery, and fine furniture showroom, 5 Winona Road. NH Open Doors weekend (www.NHOpenDoors.com) is a statewide touring and shopping event that spotlights the hidden gems and extraordinary talents that make New Hampshire such a unique and wonderful place. Visit the Arts Collaborative to meet an onsite and a visiting artist and to learn, browse, place orders and make purchases.
Three buildings make up "The Arts Collaborative," which artist-blacksmith David Little and teaching artist Heidi Little opened in June 2012.
One building, open for this special weekend, contains an upstairs gallery and design showroom displaying Little's wrought iron work and fine furnishings and that of other regional artists including Meredith's Steven Hayden (www.haydenarts.com). Downstairs is Heidi Little's on-site artist studio and ArtsEnlight's (www.artsenlight.com) arts education venue with teaching studios.
David’s Winnipesaukee Forge (www.irontable.com) occupies another building. “Reinterpreting nature in forged metal” describes his work. For spring, his "Spring Fiddleheads” motif can be seen in lamps and other available fine furniture and decor along with vines, leaves, and landscapes.
The final building is occupied by Genuine Local (www.genuinelocal.org), culinary artists with a mission to facilitate other culinary artists’ success. Genuine Local is a state of the art Commercial kitchen owned and operated by Gavin and Mary MacDonald. They produce and co-pack locally sourced food products and offer consulting services from production to branding as well as marketing for self producers. The public has the opportunity to enjoy some delicious samples and tour the kitchen facilities.
For NH Open Doors weekend, the Arts Collaborative will host another local artist. Steven Hayden is a wood, metal and ceramic artist from Meredith. His sculpture is also part of the Meredith Sculpture Walk (www.greatermeredithprogram.com/sculpture-walk.html). He co-created "Black Sailboat" with Little as well as a solo work: "Lover's Light." Hayden will bring work from his Meredith studio (www.haydenarts.com).
From 10a - 5p on Saturday and noon to 5p on Sunday, the public will have the opportunity to explore and shop The Arts Collaborative's gallery and design studio, to drop in to learn about year round classes, workshops, girls nights, and other events hosted by the teaching studio, to meet and learn from the artists, and more.
The Arts Collaborative’s owners, Dave and Heidi Little are thrilled to participate in NH Open Doors weekend for the third time. "We'll be glad to welcome you and we encourage everyone to make a day of it. Come and see us, do the Meredith Sculpture Walk, enjoy a meal, visit other galleries and art studios in the lakes region and all over the state”
For NH Open Doors weekend, "The Arts Collaborative" at 5 Winona Road is a Lakes Region destination not to be missed.
CUSTOM RAILINGS IN THE LAKES REGION PARADE OF HOMES
The 8th Annual Lakes Region Parade of Homes takes place Columbus Day Weekend and features custom forged ralings by Winnipesaukee Forge's artist-blacksmith, David Little. This three day open house event is sponsored by the Lakes Region Builders & Remodelers Association. The public is invited to tour participating homes 10am to 4pm. "It’s an opportunity to meet some of the area’s best builders, along with their product and service providers to learn how a home was designed, what materials and techniques were chosen and why, and what went into the construction. It allows the general public to walk through showcase houses and gather ideas for their dream home or provide great examples of what is possible in the world of remodeling." At site #5 on Black Cat Island, Moultonborough is "Endless Water Views," a 16000 square foot home by Cargill Construction. Little will be present to take questions and orders for custom forged railings. A $10 ticket benefits the Greater Lakes Region Children's Auction. It allows entry to all of the showcase houses for all three days.
BRINGING HISTORY TO LIFE AGAIN
Thomaston, ME - A call answered at the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati came from the Thomaston Maine Historical Society. This call set in motion a series of connections reaching from none other than President George Washington all the way to Meredith, NH artist-blacksmith David H. Little. It also connected the modern and classic iron working done by Winnipesaukee Forge with the historic restoration of Major General Henry Knox's final resting place.
Little is honored to be one of many artists and other individuals and groups who have contributed to the historic restoration of Major General Knox's gravesite. Knox was a patriot and officer with a distinguished career under General George Washington. His contirbutions stretch from the earliest battles of the American Revolution including the Battle of Bunker Hill to some of its most notable victories.
At the end of the war, he founded the Society of the Cincinnati, a "hereditary fraternal organization of Revolutionary War officers that survives to this day." He was the nation's first Secretary of War and upon retirement from government, returned to Thomaston, his home town.
Today, the Thomaston Historical Society has taken on the caretaker role for the Knox Monument at his grave. The Historical Society recently secured grants to restore the site to its grand historic beauty and in so doing encountered Warren Little at the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati. Little is not only the direct descendant of a Revolutionary War officer who served with Knox; but, he is also artist-blacksmith, David H. Little's father.
Thus, David created the cast iron and forged iron gate and fence at the site in the spirit of the original 1850 iron work bringing history full circle.
DONOR ARTS DESIGN GROUP
DAVID LITTLE, ARTIST BLACKSMITH AT BOUTIQUE DESIGN NEW YORK 11/8 - 11/9
New York, NY - Winnipesaukee Forge's artist blacksmith, David Little, has one of more than 500 curated displays at the annual Boutique Design New York trade fair which serves the design needs of the hospitality and leisure industries. On display are his European style drapery hardware, as well as furniture and lighting solutions for lobby, elevator landing settings, guest rooms, and more. "Boutique Design New York (BDNY), presented by Boutique Design, is the leading trade fair for the hospitality & leisure design industry, held in New York City on an annual basis. Ranked as the fastest growing trade fair in the United States, BDNY brings together thought leaders from all sectors of the hospitality design community to explore what’s new and what’s next. Whether the latest FF&E or the most compelling conference topic, if it matters to the hospitality design world, it's happening at BDNY.
With its emphasis on style-led, boutique exhibit spaces, BDNY creates a forum for conversations between design teams and manufacturers. More than 500 curated displays covering 70,000 net square feet offer a gallery of furnishings, lighting, fabrics, wallcoverings, flooring, carpeting, bath and wallcoverings, flooring, carpeting, bath and spa, accessories, artwork and more. Attendees can get up close and personal with the products that create the wow in hotels, restaurants, spas, clubs and cruise ships around the world and the decision makers who create them.
Modeled after the lifestyle hotels profiled in every issue of Boutique Design magazine, BDNY’s trade show floor is a gathering space for networking, learning and relaxing. Innovative Designed Spaces give attendees and exhibitors a place to kick back, catch up or just people/product watch in areas created by some of the best-known design firms in the industry.
BDNY’s extensive conference programming puts attendees in touch with the visionaries who are reshaping the future of the industry. Designers, hoteliers and other experts drill down into topics that will change the definition of what makes good design into great design. Signature sessions such as Power Players: Women Leaders in Hospitality and Brand Central and CEU-accredited panels put attendees in the same room with influencers who are making design history.
Networking is on the menu at a variety of special events at BDNY from the opening reception to the NEWH Green Voices session, the BD/ISHP Owners Grill and, capping off the show, the gala that recognizes the winners and finalists of the year’s Gold Key Award for Excellence in Hospitality Design."
~From www.BDNY.com
WORK BY ARTISTS FROM THE “THE ARTS COLLABORATIVE" INSTALLED AT THE WINNIPESAUKEE PLAYHOUSE
Meredith, NH - Just one year after opening in Meredith, The Arts Collaborative's founders and studio artists celebrate another grand opening in Meredith’s thriving arts community. They join The Winnipesaukee Playhouse this summer to celebrate its grand opening of a newly completed theatre. They also celebrate having been commissioned by the Playhouse to create work for the theatre's lobby and grounds.
The Winnipesaukee Playhouse commissioned work for its new campus from The Arts Collaborative's studio artists David Little (Winnipesaukee Forge) and Steven Hayden (Hayden Arts).
David and Heidi Little own The Arts Collaborative at 5 Winona Road. It is the Lakes Region’s only comprehensive arts complex featuring artist studios (including Winnipesaukee Forge and Hayden Arts), an arts education venue with teaching studio, and a gallery and design showroom open to the public and the trades. "The Arts Collaborative is thrilled that these installations at the Winnipesaukee Playhouse showcase work by Winnipesaukee Forge and Steven Hayden Arts," says David. "We are also excited for the opportunity to collaborate with another local arts venue. We are committed to fostering and promoting the region’s entire creative community because everyone benefits."
Work commissioned from artist-blacksmith, Little and his Winnipesaukee Forge crew, Bryan Custance and Nick Duquet, greets the public on the steps of the new Playhouse. Climbing those steps, Winnipesaukee Forge's clean lines and expert finish work are seen in the handrail installation. Inside the Playhouse lobby are the Forge's gracefully curved yet sturdy iron brackets as well as whimsical grill work at the box office and refreshment counter. Little worked closely with the Playhouse to customize metal work in keeping with their overall post and beam appointments. Customization is a decades long specialty for Winnipesaukee Forge with designs that vary from simple sophistication to intricately detailed leaves and vines to complex scroll work.
Steven Hayden is a multi-media artist who works with metal, wood, and clay in his studio located at The Arts Collaborative. He worked with the Playhouse to design and create various wood elements for their lobby. Using reclaimed barn beams, his "conversation tables" are scattered throughout the lobby to encourage lingering and connections among theater-goers. He also created decorative and functional shadow boxes for the lobby’s walls bringing the vintage quality of the barn wood to the modern elements of print and video promotions. These Playhouse installations are Hayden's latest commissions prominently displayed in Meredith. His stainless steel and copper sculpture "Spirit's Daughter" can be seen downtown in Meredith's "Courtyard on Main Street."
In the Arts Collaborative's gallery and design showroom the public can view Little's and Hayden's distinct solo work and their collaborations as well as work by exceptional regional artists. The gallery is open most weekday afternoons, and Saturday afternoons in July. "If the sign and flag are out; we are in," says Dave. The Littles welcome the public and encourage calling ahead (603 279 5492) to view artist-created fine furniture, home décor, blown glass, ceramic arts, hollowware, paintings, and mixed media sculpture.
For a complete listing of Art Classes, Workshops, and Creative Gatherings for all ages being offered at The Arts Collaborative Teaching Studio, please visit www.theartscollaborative.net, call 603-707-1631, or contact:
Teaching artist: Heidi Little heidilea@metrocast.net
HONORING THEIR MEMORY: WINNIPESAUKEE FORGE CANDLESTICKS
“THE ARTS COLLABORATIVE” BRINGS TO MEREDITH FINE FURNISHINGS AND ORIGINAL ARTWORK
Meredith, NH—If it is all in a name, a new artisan gallery and studio space opening in Meredith 
has it all. “The Arts Collaborative” is the realization of a dream shared by its owners, artist and educator Heidi Little (of ArtsEnlight) and artist-blacksmith David Little (of Winnipesaukee Forge). These spouse collaborators brought their dream to life through the combined efforts of a larger group of creative collaborators whose work will be on display at this month’s grand opening.
The public is invited to “The Arts Collaborative’s” Grand Opening Celebration June 30th from noon to 4:00 pm at 5 Winona Road, Meredith. Highlighted throughout the gallery will be the fine furnishings, original artwork, and collaborations of artist-blacksmith David Little and Steven Hayden Arts, a wood, metal, and ceramic artist. Their award winning collaborative pieces blend their distinct but complementary design elements and will be found along with their individual work.
David and Heidi have also selected for the gallery blown glass, turned wood, ceramics, acrylic paintings, serigraph prints and more from several exceptional regional artists. Solo and collaborative pieces are well-represented.
With creativity and collaboration at the heart of this venture, David and Heidi have realized three additional aims for "The Arts Collaborative"—to include artist studio space on site, to act as a design center for fine furnishings and original art, and to be a resource for arts education and artists.
“It was important for us to include artist studio space right here,” says Heidi. “We wanted the creative process happening on location in a way that made working together natural.” As such, David’s Winnipesaukee Forge and Steven Hayden Arts relocated their studios from elsewhere in Meredith and were joined by Heidi’s ArtsEnlight as well as Cynthia Robinson’s Eco Art a la Carte. Work in these studios includes blacksmithing, copper work, ceramic arts, fine woodworking, painting, sculpture, photography, and collage.
Access to these artists working on-site positions “The Arts Collaborative” as the premier regional design resource for discerning consumers. “The gallery’s sampling of fine furnishings and art work is just the start,” says David. “What we want people to know is that if you can imagine it, we can work with you to design and create it.” David and Steven or other artists in “The Arts Collaborative’s” growing network bring the highest artistry and skill to those who seek to commission fine furnishings or art work they are unable to purchase or design anywhere else.
“Our dream for this place has evolved organically,” says Heidi. Under development for a future launch is “The Arts Collaborative’s” arts education venue. In a setting that will include large classrooms and work space, collaboration will come in the form of creative arts classes and workshops that emphasize the process of creation and self expression, arts educator career development, community cultural events, and a visiting artist program. Heidi Little and Cynthia Robinson will be spearheading this effort to bring hands-on art experiences to the community. They will be announcing a variety of offerings in the months ahead.
“We wouldn’t be here without some other kinds of collaboration,” says David. “This project came together through the dedication of our crew at the forge; Bryan Custance and Nick Duquet, our skilled blacksmiths; and David Court, mentor and co-collaborator; through the contributions of Steve Hayden and Monica Philbin; through the fantastic work of many local professionals and trades people, and with the encouragement and support of our amazing family and friends. We are so grateful to everyone who has helped this dream come to life.”
For more information about the "The Arts Collaborative" and its Grand Opening Celebration: info@irontable.com, www.facebook.com/TheArtsCollaborative, www.theartscollaborative.net
Winnipesaukee Forge Contributes to "The Lodges"
at the Inns at Mill Falls
If you visit these gorgeous additions to the Church Landing Inn at Mill Falls, in Meredith, NH; don't miss the fire screen and "boat bow" coffee table in the gathering room! Winnipesukee Forge was delighted to be part of the "Made In America" challenge that Mill Falls took on to construct this new wing. Ninety-Five percent of the construction and appointments are proudly made 
in America. "To be one of the outstanding American crafts people selected to create work for the Inns was an honor and a pleasure for us" says David Little. The firescreen features one of Winnipesaukee Forge's signature "reinterpreting nature in iron" motifs. Oak leaves and acorns curve gracefully across the firescreen. The table is the actual bow of an antique wooden boat suspended under glass and carried by understated and elegant ironwork customized by Winnipesaukee Forge. Its placement before a bowed window overlooking Winnipesaukee Forge completes the illusion being "aboard" this boat.
Winnipesaukee Forge Contributes to The Courtyard on Main Street
The town of Meredith, New Hampshire has its own "Greater Meredith Program" to thank for a beautiful pocket park dedicated June 2012. From new stone work, colorful landscaping, and public sculpture to the park benches contributed by Winnipesaukee Forge, this beautiful space serves to connect charming Main Street with the Market Place and Inns at Mill Falls. "We were thrilled when the Greater Meredith Program asked Winnipesaukee Forge and Steven Hayden Arts to design and create these benches. We hope that people walking through use them to relax and enjoy this space."
Bringing Together Fine Craftsmanship, Artistry, and Technology
Winnipesaukee Forge and Steven Hayden Arts have collaborated once again.The collaborative challenge:
To create a furniture show piece with a high tech practical side or, as Steven Hayden, refers to it "functional art."
The collaborative result:
A TV Lift Cabinet featuring design elements by both David Little's Winnipesaukee Forge and Steven Hayden Arts. WF's Ginkgo motif in an iron framework surrounds SHA's fine woodwork as well as his signature hammered, etched, and "flame-painted" copper panels.
The practicalities:
The TV lift operates by remote control. Just a single click hides away the TV.
We customize the collaborative TV Lift Cabinet to your TV size and design preferences.