A few years back, Allan and his wife initiated this project in the hopes of bringing together a variety of artists and their particular media into a series of Privacy Screens or Folding Screens for today’s lifestyle.

In modern living and work spaces, a screen can function both as a divider and a functional work of art. The possible combinations are many: finely crafted hardwood frames featuring detailed joinery and hand applied finishes together with media such as stained glass, painted panels by various artists, textiles, beadwork, leather, embossed paper, metal etc.

The first screen, a prototype, featured a quarter sawn red oak frame in the Mission Style with framed Chinese brocade panels suspended in each of the three openings.  The larger project quickly became collaborative due to the high investment of time and talent in the different elements of each screen. As the furniture maker of the project, the premium hardwoods and labour amount to a significant investment. The only practical way to secure suitable work for the panels is to partner with an artist who is willing to make a similar investment.

To date we have collaborated to create two more screens: one featuring three stained glass panels interpreted from Frank Lloyd Wright’s original work, “Tree of Life”; and another showcasing the work of Halifax artist Carol Morrison: three panels in acrylic on masonite titled “Red Vines at Grand Lake”.

FLW Screen: Inspired by the original "Tree of Life" pattern by Frank Lloyd Wright, this tryptic of leaded stained glass is a one of a kind piece of functional art. Over 200 pieces of fine art glass in each panel. Frame is quarter sawn oak in the Arts and Crafts style: mortise and tenon joinery secured by raised, ebonized walnut pins.

Currently on exhibit at Cranberry Stained Glass Studio

Dimensions:  70”H x 61”W

Price: $8200 + HST

Mission Screen – Chinese Brocade: A traditional folding screen blending hand crafted quarter sawn red oak framing with padded brocade panels suspended in ebonized ash frames.

Currently on exhibit at Riverworks Studio, New Germany, NS

Dimensions:72”H x 67”W

Price: $1600.

Red Vines at Grand Lake: a vibrant fall landscape in three panels by local artist Carol Morrison. The frame is crafted from quarter sawn black walnut in the Arts and Crafts or Mission Style. All mortise and tenon joinery with raised maple pins. Lower panels are hand made and splined together. Carol’s work in the style of the Group of Seven makes this partnership particularly appropriate.

Currently on exhibit at Harvest Gallery in Wolfville, NS

Dimensions: approx. 72”H x 78”W

Price:  $7350 + HST