John Starinovich

John has been a woodworker for over 40 years. In his early career he designed and sold contemporary furniture, worked as a carpenter and enjoyed carving.  Now retired, John is back to his passion in woodworking.  He combines his background in woodworking and  love of nature to create unique wall hung functional mirrored sculptures using tree holes.  
John is inspired by what he finds outside and brings the beauty of the natural world into homes.  

When he is not watching his grandchildren, you will find him in his woodworking studio /Gallery in Connecticut.

John likes to find weathered tree holes as the decay process provides character. freshly cut tree holes are placed in a trash bag and kept moist for several months. this speeds up the decay process which creates spalting and allows the bark to be removed without damaging the cambium layer of the wood. the wood is seasoned in the shop for several more months before work begins. ​all pieces are sealed in lacquer.  all colors are the natural wood. no stain is used. the mirrored tree holes are intended to be hung indoors. all PIECES are signed and dated. 

Sharon Gatzke

After a career as a pre- school director and teacher, I taught art and creative writing to students in my home.  Then 16 years ago I started designing and crafting retro/modern oilcloth items for personal use and the home and selling at craft shows and online.

I mix and match patterns for a unique vibrant and eclectic look in my products while also putting a premium on durability and function.  My products wipe down with a wet cloth, last for years and are waterproof as well as being fun to use and (hopefully) visually pleasing.

Denise Smith

Nature Artist Denise Smith from Hamden, Ct. is a lifelong photographer, self-taught artist and workshop facilitator who has a deep connection with the woodlands of New England. Her 2D/3D one-of-a-kind artwork and crafts are mainly created from the bounty of foraged birch branches, pinecones, tree bark, leaves, and moss. 

 Recently Smith has been experimenting with printmaking using the Cyanotype process also known as Sun Prints. These unique prints are made by laying botanicals as leaves, ferns and flowers on treated watercolor paper and then exposed in sunlight. The result is a beautiful blue and white impression.

Denise is inspired to share her passion in workshops that give participants a unique opportunity to see the natural world from a different perspective, as art. She offers a variety of unique nature based crafting experiences in public libraries throughout Ct. See more of here work on her website.