Manchester, NH — The Furniture Masters, an organization devoted to preserving and advancing the profession of fine furniture making, is celebrating its 30th anniversary with an exhibition titled “Joined Together: 30 Years of the Furniture Masters,” opening October 9, 2025, at the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Running through February 8, 2026, the show features works from 17 New England designers and makers. The Furniture Masters is an organization of fine furniture makers and builders who are committed to preserving the centuries-long tradition of custom furniture making in New England. 

“We’re thrilled to have the Currier Museum of Art spotlight our organization for our 30th anniversary,” said Richard Oedel, member of The Furniture Masters. “Our members are extraordinary artisans dedicated to producing custom handmade furniture of unsurpassed quality. Our styles are diverse - ranging from Early American, Shaker and Neo-Classical to Traditional, Contemporary, and Art Furniture. But we all share the same goal of preserving and advancing the profession of fine furniture making.”

 

According to Currier Director and CEO Jordana Pomeroy, PhD, “The existence of the New Hampshire Furniture Masters feels as intrinsic to the state as Chippendale is to England. As a newcomer just beginning to appreciate New Hampshire’s deep history of fierce independence and environmental pride, I am not surprised that the state leads the way in fine woodworking. We are indebted to the Furniture Masters, who remind us that in a world of fast production and faster disposal, the values of craftsmanship, artistry, and enduring beauty still thrive.”

Kurt Sundstrom, Currier Senior Curator, echoes Pomeroy, “The museum’s commitment to focusing on the art and history of New Hampshire continues with this exhibition that showcases leaders in the international studio furniture movement known for their skill, inventive forms, and aesthetic vision.”

Sundstrom said collecting work by the finest furniture makers in the region has been a central goal of the Currier since its founding in 1929. “The Currier is thrilled to spotlight the New England tradition of fine furniture making here in New Hampshire, and its growing global reputation,” Sundstrom said. “This exhibition is an antidote to the quickly produced and consumed, a celebration of the highest level of craftsmanship and a love for making beauty that lasts. It tells a story of heritage and innovation coexisting, side by side, as one generation of furniture makers paves the way for the next.”

 

Opening celebration 
The public is invited to purchase tickets to the Opening Party on Thursday, October 9, 2025 from 6-8 p.m. Purchase tickets for$75.

The Currier Museum of Art is located at 150 Ash Street, Manchester, New Hampshire. Party attendees will hear from the Furniture Masters about the programs and the work that has been created over the last 30 years, bid on silent auction pieces handcrafted by the Masters, and be the first to visit the exhibition. Live music, light hors d’oeuvres will be provided along with a cash bar. Silent auction proceeds to benefit The Furniture Masters.

A hardcover companion book called “Joined Together: Thirty Years of the Furniture Masters,” lays out the history and accomplishments of the organization and will be for sale at the event and online for $60. 

The book includes a visual showcase of pieces created by the Masters, showing how designs and creativity have evolved over the years and explores the influence the organization has had on the Studio Furniture movement nationwide. The book is edited by Furniture Master Richard Oedel.

Showcased makers
While 14 of the pieces featured in the exhibit are from New Hampshire masters, there are also pieces from masters in Massachusetts and Vermont.
Featured masters from New Hampshire:
•    Ted Blachly, Warner 
•    Greg Brown, Rollinsford
•    Jon Brooks, New Boston
•    Richard Oedel, Wolfeboro
•    Owain Harris, Gonic
•    Eric Grant, Bedford
•    Lynn Szymanski, Rollinsford
•    Jeffrey Cooper, Portsmouth
•    William Thomas, Rindge
•    Terry Moore, Wilmot
•    David Lamb and Janet Lamb, Canterbury 
•    Late Jere Osgood, Wilton 
•    Brad Wolcott, Concord
•    Leah Woods, Rollinsford

Massachusetts masters:
•    John Cameron, Gloucester
•    Timothy Coleman, Shelburne

One master from Vermont:
•    Garrett Hack, Thetford

Exhibition sponsors
This exhibition is supported by Banks Chevrolet-Cadillac-Buick-GMC, Jameson French/Northland Forest Products, Inc, Betsy & Ralph Holmes, and Susan & John Lynch. 

The Furniture Masters are a group of more than 20 fine furniture makers and builders committed to preserving the centuries-long tradition of custom furniture making in New England. The organization was founded in 1996 with a goal to preserve and advance the profession of fine furniture making. 

The Furniture Masters promote the growth and sales of the fine furniture made by their members through hosting exhibitions and educational activities, and partnering with museums, art organizations and galleries. The Furniture Masters strive to uphold the highest standard of quality craftsmanship through a peer reviewed jury system. 

Nearly 100 years ago, Moody and Hannah Currier envisioned a world-class art museum in the footprint of their former home – a cultural center of the city for generations to come. As the Currier Museum looks ahead to its centennial, that legacy lives on. Today, the Currier is a place where art, people, and ideas converge. With proud New England roots and a rising  global reputation, the museum invites visitors of all backgrounds to make a personal connection with great art, encounter new possibilities, and be part of the timeless story of human creativity. Learn more at currier.org.