Riverside Artisans Welcomes New Member Mel Taber

OSWEGO – The Riverside Artisans cooperative welcomes wood worker Mel Taber as a new member in their gallery and shop in downtown Oswego.  Mel is an experienced wood turner and long-time member of the Woodworkers of Central New York and the American Association of Woodturners. A native of Central New York, he now lives in Camillus

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Mel began woodworking long before his career teaching in the West Genesee school system.  As a high school student, he started wood turning as a hobby.  For many years has participated in professional workshops, conventions and craft shows.  Mel takes great pride in the originality of his work, saying, “My work isn’t just round and brown.  I try to make each piece special.”  The variety and unique designs and the attractiveness of the wood he chooses makes his work exceptional.

Mel often uses burls to create his bowls, platters, dishes and boxes.  A burl is a lump on a tree formed from unsprouted bud tissue or stress. The burl forms large, knobby-looking growths on the base and trunk of the tree. The gnarled and twisted grain often found in wooden burls gives a special beauty to the objects he creates.

He also uses turquoise highlights to accent the wood patterns in his pieces.  He also makes wooden toy trains and trucks for children.  A wide selection of his work is on display in the Riverside Artisans gallery.

Riverside Artisans cooperative in Oswego offers a wide range of professional fine art and crafts, all created by talented artists who live in and around Oswego.  It also presents frequent art parties in which participants are guided by our experts through creation of their own works of art.

As an art cooperative, the shop is owned and staffed by the artists themselves.  It provides a greatly needed venue for original works of art, as well as an opportunity for shoppers to meet the artists who create them.  From original paintings and handcrafted woodwork, to fused glass and hand-made jewelry, Riverside Artisans is the premier destination to look for that unique gift for yourself or for that special someone.

More than 20 members contribute diverse works of art and original hand-made crafts, providing a unique shopping experience.  Riverside Artisans is proud to be part of the resurgence of energetic and vital downtown Oswego.  We encourage leisurely browsing throughout the store so our visitors can enjoy the art and meet the artists. The quality, selection and affordability of the original art that is produced by our own neighbors is impressive.

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