Lou Quallenberg's "Larita" Mesquite Entry Table wins Best Texas Style

KERRVILLE, Texas - Nov. 17, 2018 - PRLog -- Lou Quallenberg's "Larita" Mesquite entry table is a blending of sculptural form that introduces a new fluid sculptural connection between top and bottom aprons that has once again won him the Best Texas Style Category at the nationally-acclaimed 19th Annual Texas Furniture Makers Show®.  Awards were presented at the Reception held this past weekend in Kerrville, Texas.  This was the 8th time Lou Quallenberg has won the Best Texas Style Category award. He won in 2017 with the very sculptural and lifelike "Tree Table",  in 2014 with the massive curves in "Walker Curve Mesquite Entry Table", in 2013 with his impressive 10.5 foot long "Susan" Entry Table, in 2012 with his artsy "Drift" Sculptural Coffee Table, then in 2010 with with "Curves" Mesquite and Starphire® Glass Coffee Table, in 2009 with his Mesquite "Partners Desk" and also in 2008 with his Mesquite "Sister" Coffee Table. Lou's work has decidedly turned in a more sculptural direction and his "Broken Heart" Sculpture won the Best Art Category at the 2016 Texas Furniture Makers Show®.

Lou Quallenberg, a born and raised "Jersey" boy, works primarily with Texas mesquite wood in an area of Texas that is famous for it's mesquite smoked barbecue. Lou continues save the wood one piece at a time from the fire pit as he explores the more sculptural side of his work. His fascination with the holes, cracks and gnarly character found in mesquite wood still continues to fuel his imagination. Interestingly the table that won Best in Show this year the "Lou" table was created by Danny Kamerath from a piece of mesquite that Lou Quallenberg gave to him knowing he would put it to good use.

Entry Description:

Larita Mesquite Entry Table
Dimensions: 31 1/2 "H x  18" W x  62 3/4 'L

This is the debut and proto type of this sculpted fluid connection between top and bottom apron design, created to add both strength and interest to the piece. This entire entry table was created with wood from the same tree, as a commissioned piece to meet the client's (Lila & Rita) specifications. The natural edge slab top is slightly sculpted with an organic natural flow and features the artist's signature floating top. Blackened epoxy and turquoise inlay, with turquoise from the client's own jewelry, are used throughout the piece to fill selected holes cracks and crevices. The tops of the legs were given a slight sculpted touch. The finish is a very fine, 400-600 grit, hand, wet sanding with a custom blend of oils, topped off with several coats of cream wax.

The 2018 Texas Furniture Maker Show Judges:

Michael Colca

Once you see or own a piece of Michael Colca furniture you intuitively understand why he opens his catalog with the John Ruskin quote: "When we build, let us think that we build forever…let it be such work as our descendants will thank us for". As Colca says, "Every aspect of each piece created here from conception to finish is meticulously considered and crafted."

Colca has been creating fine work in wood in his own studio since 1978. His work is known for exquisite craftsmanship and sensitive use of material. It has been shown in Architectural Digest, featured in Texas Monthly, Arts and Crafts Homes, Cottages and Bungalows and The Austin American Statesman. He is a featured maker in Dennis Blankemeyer's book "Craft Furniture: The Legacy of the Human Hand". His furniture exemplifies both his love for the simple elegance of unsullied design and his passion for wood. Through his work with places of worship, he created sculptural furniture that is unique to each community and setting. Custom design/build is a cornerstone of the studio. Collaborations between client and builder provide a profoundly intimate and engaging experience for those looking for direct involvement in the creation of furniture for their home.

Michael Fortune

Designer/maker, teacher and mentor Michael C. Fortune is one of Canada's most respected and creative contemporary furniture masters.

Since his career began 33 years ago, Fortune has become acclaimed for his innovative, but resolved, designs for one-of-a-kind objects in wood, commissioned residential furnishings and items in limited editions. His work has brought him an international clientele and reputation. He is acknowledged for both his technical and design expertise, giving lectures and workshops across Canada and the United States.

Frank Strazza

Frank Strazza builds heirloom quality furniture one piece at a time in his small studio workshop in Central Texas. He uses traditional joinery throughout and utilizes handtools for much of his work. He has won multiple Awards for his work. He has participated in building furniture for the White House in Washington D.C.

The Annual Texas Furniture Makers® Show located in Kerrville, Texas  at the Kerr Arts & Cultural Center and now in its 19th year, continues to be the foremost exhibition and sale of Furniture Makers in Texas. The Texas Furniture Makers Show® is all about the finest woods, the most exquisite design, and the highest levels of craftsmanship. It is quite an honor just to be juried in and accepted to exhibit at the Texas Furniture Makers Show®. The show is one of the highlights of the year for Texas furniture makers as well as their collectors and buyers.

Approximately 40 Texas artists will have their work on display for the expected 5,000 or so visitors, collectors, and design professionals attending the show that began November 1st and goes through November 30, 2018 at the Kerr Arts and Cultural Center 228 Earl Garrett Street in Kerrville, Texas. Stop by and see "Larita", the Best in Show "Lou" table as well as many other incredible works.

See more of Lou Quallenberg's work at http://www.LouQart.com/

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