Lake James Artisans

Oak Hill Ironworks
3308 Frank Whisnant Road
Morganton, NC 28655
828-437-5348
Add distinction to your home or business with the hand-forged metal artistry of Oak Hill Ironworks. Located near Lake James, the Ironworks is owned and operated by Dean Curfman, an accomplished metal artisan. His profession, blacksmithing, is one of the oldest known to man. Dean is the artist of “The Game,” an outdoor sculpture located at the Henry Fork River Regional Recreation Park, which is home to the Pepsi soccer complex.

Oak Hill Ironworks' vision is one of quality craftsmanship, personalization and integrity. The company creates architectural metalwork, fine ornamental iron, and hand-forged wrought iron, specializing in forging site-specific projects. Dean and his employees both design and erect their ornamental and structural metal products, ensuring the highest quality of service available.

One of the methods used for forging metal is freehand power hammer forging, in which crown dies are used to work the metal like you would clay with your fingers.

Oak Hill Ironworks has built its reputation by fabricating iron products that bring elegance, durability, style and distinction to your home. Products include but are not limited to: cast iron railing, railing components, handrails, doorknockers, custom staircase railings, door hardware, driveway gates, decorative drapery hardware, balusters, benches, finals, fire screens, fireplace tools, table legs, candleholders.

Aquarius Stained Glass
219 First Ave., NW, Suite 104
Hickory, North Carolina
828-322-4418

John Falcone began working full-time in stained glass is 1981 - and created a market where there was not one. Things have changed in the last two decades. Today, numerous homes, business and public buildings feature Falcone's custom glass work. His creations have been commissioned in every state in the nation and five foreign countries. At any given time, he is likely to be working on 10 projects at his studios in downtown Hickory or Wilmington. At Aquarius Stained Glass Works, every design is still custom and everything is still hand-done.

Approximately 80 percent of Falcone's work is residential and John says there is no such thing as a “typical” customer. Depending on the client's needs and desires, custom glass work can serve a variety of purposes. It can be used to admit light, to insure privacy or even a bit of both. Opalescent glass can exclude light. Beveled glass can light a foyer with prismatic refractions. Etched glass can accent a scene without obscuring it. And stained glass, available in more than 1,400 textures, colors, intensities and styles, makes a statement matched by no other medium.

The design and construction of a stained-glass piece is time consuming and labor intensive. Once a client approves the design, it usually takes the artist three to six months to complete a project. The cost of stained glass varies but averages about $150 per square foot. It is an investment in a thing of beauty that doesn't wear out, fade or fall apart, can last a couple of hundred years, and it makes a statement like nothing else.

Appalachian Woodwrights
appwood@bellsouth.net
1-888-865-0043
www.appwooddoors.com
Started in 1998, Appalachian Woodwrights is a small family owned company dedicated to creating fine handcrafted entry and interior doors. All their doors are built using frame and panel construction, a traditional method of fine cabinetmaking passed down through the centuries. It can only be achieved with mortises, tenons and solid panels that float in grooves. Using a variety of woods, custom ironwork, art glass, and finishing techniques Appalachian Woodwrights creates a truly unique door for your home or office.

Dennis Woolard, owner and president, started his woodworking career after service in the US Army. A student of intense proportions, Dennis consumed every bit of knowledge available in books and then studied under master craftsmen at a variety of journeymen schools. Including Upper Loft Design, Inc in Northwestern Georgia and Heartwood Timber-framing School in Western Massachusetts. Following his desire to continue learning, Dennis traveled around the northeast United States for two years as a timber frame journeyman, working on projects including a library in Brooklyn, New York and a 12,000 white oak timber frame in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. When he returned to Morganton, he began working as an independent craftsman. After building several entry doors for existing clients, Dennis decided he had found the avenue for his creative talents. In 1998, he began making doors and architectural millwork full-time, opening his first shop in historic downtown Morganton. Since that time he has worked hands-on to guarantee a quality product every time a door leaves his shop. He is married to Kim, co-owner, and together they have one child, Samantha. Dennis is an avid golfer, so when he can get away that is where you will find him.

Appalachian Woodwrights works closely with each client to design an entry that will compliment the architectural style of their home. Whether you know exactly what you want or have a rendering from an architect, Ennis takes you through a process of sketches and AutoCAD renderings until a door evolves.


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