BELLEFONTE —

One of the more than 60 artists listed in the Bellefonte Art Museum’s registry is Steve Strouse. Here is his statement:

Steve works from an individual studio at his home in Central Pennsylvania.

In 1993, Steve turned full time to a long-time passion for woodworking..  First building custom furniture, and soon after starting on a variety of Shaker-style boxes.  Most of the boxes are made to measured drawings of actual Shaker boxes, while others are variations using the same oval bands to form useful carriers and trays.

The majority of the lumber used for making boxes is salvaged from storm damaged trees or through several local tree care services.  The cards included with the pieces contain a brief description as to the history or some interesting facts about the tree they were made from. 

The bands are re-sawed from hardwood lumber, soaked in hot water, then bent around the oval forms and fastened together with copper tacks.  After drying for several days, the tops and bottoms are made and fitted into the bands, then glued and fastened with wooden pegs.  A thorough sanding is followed by several coats of hand applied finish.

In March 1996, Steve was awarded State Juried status by the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen for his Shaker-style boxes.  Pieces are marketed through galleries and retail craft festivals, mostly within Pennsylvania.

“My desire is to make very functional pieces which are also a display of the beautiful hardwoods found here in Central Pennsylvania.”

The Bellefonte Art Museum celebrates the human spirit through the arts, recognizing the importance of art in our lives. In 2011, the museum experienced a large increase in attendance, private donations and membership and completed refurbishing the historic Linn House.  The museum opened three new galleries: the Children’s Creativity Center, the Anna Wagner Keichline Gallery and the new Louise Bloom Sieg Gallery. The museum is opened Friday through Sunday from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Phone 814.355.4280.