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In the southwest corner of New Hampshire in the small town of Winchester, Rhonda researches, records, preserves and reproduces authentic historical patterns using early American decorative techniques on furniture, trays, boxes, window cornices and other home accessories. Her specialty is 19th Century bronze powder stenciling and freehand techniques as well as decorative wood graining. For the past 35 years, she has combined her love of antiques and art by developing her skills in the decorative arts, specializing in bronze powder stenciling, freehand bronze and gold leaf. Rhonda has studied with master craftsmen as well as conducted independent study and research at museums such as Winterthur, The Farmers' Museum, Historic New England and Old Sturbridge Village. She shares her love and knowledge of this craft with children as well as adults by lecturing and teaching. In her studio and on her website you will see reproductions of 19th century designs. These designs are stenciled on furniture, trays, wooden boxes and other home accessories. She especially enjoys working with interior designers and clients to create custom designs and unique, one-of-a-kind pieces.
Her work has been displayed at Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth, NH and Restoration and Renovation in Boston. She has taught and demonstrated her craft at The Windsor Institute in Hampton, NH. In 2008 and again in 2009, Early American Life Magazine honored her as one of 'America's most accomplished heritage artisans' & listed her in 'The 24th Directory of Traditional American Crafts'. The Early American Life judges "chose only the best - superior craftsmanship informed by each artisan's knowledge of his or her craft and its historical context." Early American Life "photographed a selection of the works the judges rated as 'museum quality' at Gunston Hall, the Georgian mansion built by George Mason. Rhonda's 'museum quality' 'Steamship Veto Box' was chosen to be on the cover of the August 2009 issue of Early American Life magazine. Rhonda is also a member of the
Historical Society of Early American
Decoration. |
