2025 Demonstrating Artisan

Niskala, Nurit

Nurit Niskala Recycled Metal Jewelry

Jewelry

A near-death experience four decades ago shattered my architecture career and ignited a profound creative rebirth. My jewelry techniques are entirely hand-forged, incorporating anticlastic raising, sawing, forging, forming, soldering, and polishing.

I was taught from a young age to create metal jewelry using traditional tools and techniques by my father and my grandfather, who was a jeweler.

I transform recycled, eco-friendly metals into limited-edition treasures. Bohemian-spirited and passion-infused, each piece weaves a personal narrative – wearable art to inspire and endure.

I am also a juried member of the prestigious League of NH Craftsmen.

NuritNiskala.com

Kesler, Jonathan

Earthly Arts

Clay

My intention is the integration of art, nature, and the ‘everyday’ life of the patron. This I attempt to accomplish via the creation of forms that may, if desired, have a broad practical functionality which so-by leads to inclusiveness with the life flow of the patron. In turn the subjective art travels with the action creating a bridge for the suggestive surface imagery to promote its theme which is, specifically, nature. Each aspect has a rebounding circular path that in its totality proffers resonance. The art feeds on itself which ‘feeds’ the patron on multiple levels. Such is my intention.

EarthlyArtsPottery.com

Kennedy, Selinda

Kennedy Redware Pottery

Clay

I am a historic redware potter since 1986. I employ historic folk art on slab technique redware pottery. I use mason stain and slip and underglazes.

facebook.com/kennedyredware

Kauffman, Justin

Kauffman Fine Furniture

Furniture

As a period formal furniture maker, Kauffman’s intention is to build furniture inspired by the designs of authentic period pieces and to impart to those pieces a beauty that can be admired and enjoyed, and a functionality that can be appreciated for generations. Kauffman’s hope is that his furniture, having been built with time-tested, period joinery and embellished with period carving, inlay, veneer, and other decorations, will emulate the quality, lasting appeal, and value of furniture from the 1700s and early 1800s. Lastly, that his furniture craftsmanship, conscientiousness, humanity, and dignity will be easily recognizable to those who own it.

KauffmanFineFurniture.com

Foster, Jackson

J. Foster Historic Signs

Wood

Jackson Foster is a maker and painter of trade & tavern signs in the tradition of 18th and 19th-century artisans. His research of historic people and places is the rationale for the majority of his signs. His background in history, design, lettering, and woodworking provides the basis for creating authentic interpretations of early American signboards. He uses reclaimed wood–some boards date to the 1700s–and period-style hardware including
blacksmith-forged hanging irons, nails, and hinges—all making for unique signs in which no two are alike. He continues to refine his craft through research of early American artisans, typographic styles, painting practices, and joinery techniques. Each sign purchase comes with a framed, historic description providing research and background information.

jfosterhistoricsigns.com

Cantilo, Icka

Square of the Bone

Jewelry

I cut each design completely by hand using a traditional jeweler’s saw, then they are fabricated, formed, textured, and patinated. I also use the technique of Champlevé with vitreous glass enamel with sterling silver, rose gold, 14k yellow gold, and nickel free copper sourced from foundries specializing in recycled precious metals. I heavily reference biology and natural sciences such as entomology with textures, patterns and motifs. Because of my quirky sense of humor my work rides the line of peculiarity while also being dainty and precious. I create my jewelry to be highly expressive for a wide range of aesthetics.

SquareoftheBone.com

Aylward, Michael

Aldie Glassworks

Glass

I have been creating and displaying stained glass artwork for more than 30 years. Trained by craftsman in the Boston area, my work is centered on quality, detail, vibrant colors and creative patterns. Also, have been involved in numerous restoration projects for antique, ecclesiastic and architectural subjects. Have a keen interest in maintaining and showcasing the craft to the public, including teaching classes for others to learn.

AldieGlass.com

Yang, Mary Z. & Lee, Jon

Mary’s Designs

Jewelry

Professionally trained in jewelry design, enamel artists and goldsmiths with more than 30 years of experience, we design and handcraft one-of-a-kind enamel cloisonné jewelry pieces. With our unique expertise:

We have developed new techniques and processes for better cloisonné color results.
We roll our own 24k cloisonné wires to the thinnest .002” for our detailed work. There are no other enamellists who have done this before.
We have also developed our own techniques for double-sided cloisonné artwork on both sides of a fine silver sheet. Technically, it’s a big challenge and no one has ever done it before.

We set our cloisonné pieces in 14k or 18k yellow gold (old wax casting and hand fabrication) with precious stones. We own copyrights on our work. In addition, we have received awards each year from top art shows nationwide. We both hold Bachelor degrees in Architecture and Business and Masters in Education and Computer Science.