Nestled in the heart of New York’s Adirondack Mountains, a distinctive style of furniture design has long embodied the region’s rugged natural beauty. Best known for the iconic Adirondack chair, a staple of outdoor relaxation with its wide slatted back and low-slung seat, the area’s rich tradition of handcrafted rustic furniture often goes unnoticed outside its borders. However, at the Adirondack Experience (ADKX) museum, the newly launched exhibition Natural Beauty: The Art of Rustic Furniture takes visitors deep into the heart of this regional craft, highlighting how artisans transform local natural resources into beautiful, functional works of art.
Curator Laura Rice, the mind behind this exhibition, explains that rustic furniture and architecture are so intertwined with the Adirondacks’ identity that it seemed only fitting for this theme to open the museum’s new gallery space. With ADKX housing the largest collection of Adirondack rustic furniture in the world, the exhibition offers a rare opportunity to witness the evolution of this uniquely American art form. Furthermore, the collection has long been a favorite of museum visitors, and this exhibition is sure to further spark interest and admiration.
The exhibition features iconic pieces from the 19th and early 20th centuries, crafted by some of the most renowned artisans in Adirondack history. Notable makers such as Ernest Stowe, George Wilson, and Joseph O.A. Bruyere are represented, offering a glimpse into the peak of rustic design during this period. Visitors can also explore works from contemporary artists like Barney Bellinger, Paul Lakata, Jonathan Swartwout, and Tyler Schrader. These modern creators bring their own innovative spin to the tradition, blending traditional techniques with fresh, contemporary design elements.
What makes the exhibition even more special is its diverse representation of rustic craftsmanship beyond the Adirondacks. In addition to local pieces, there are works from other parts of the United States, Europe, and Asia, allowing viewers to compare and contrast the rustic furniture traditions across cultures. For instance, one of the standout pieces is a rustic bookshelf by William Jones, made from local materials, its elegant simplicity and natural wood grain evoking the spirit of the Adirondacks while also reflecting a broader, universal appreciation for organic beauty.
Among the exhibition’s many interactive elements, one of the most engaging is a tactile wall that invites visitors to touch various tree barks, woods, pinecones, and other materials used in the creation of rustic furniture. This hands-on experience deepens the understanding of the textures that define this style of furniture. Visitors can also try their hand at drawing their own furniture designs, weaving a chair seat, or exploring a global map showing the variety of woods—ranging from yellow birch, native to the Adirondacks, to huanghuali, a Chinese rosewood—that are used to craft these works.
Adirondack rustic furniture is deeply rooted in its natural surroundings. Artisans traditionally use locally sourced materials like tree branches, roots, and burls, which imbue the pieces with a rugged, organic aesthetic. Yet, as the craft has evolved, modern makers have begun to incorporate new materials and techniques, blending the old with the new.
For example, Tyler Schrader’s work diverges significantly from the traditional rustic furniture created by Stowe and Bruyere. Schrader’s designs are sleeker, lighter, and more contemporary, yet they retain the signature connection to nature, showcasing smooth curves and natural textures that are at home in both a rustic cabin and a modern urban loft.
The exhibition also highlights how rustic furniture, while always functional, is more than just a set of chairs and tables—it is an embodiment of a way of life. The pieces on display are not merely decorative; they reflect a deeper appreciation for the natural world and its beauty.
The incorporation of exotic woods and found objects by some contemporary artisans is a testament to the ongoing innovation within the rustic tradition. For example, one piece in the exhibition is a chair made from a combination of branches, metal, and glass, reflecting the artist’s desire to fuse the natural and the industrial, the past and the future, into a single work of art.
In addition to the static displays, the exhibition offers a series of hands-on activities that allow visitors to engage directly with the craftsmanship on display. For example, visitors can try weaving a chair seat or sketch their own furniture designs, which they can share with museum staff and other visitors.
These interactive elements bring the exhibition to life, creating a deeper connection between visitors and the craft. The tactile wall, filled with various textures like tree bark and wood, adds another layer of engagement, allowing attendees to physically connect with the materials used in rustic furniture making.
The exhibit offers a compelling look at the history, craftsmanship, and cultural significance of Adirondack rustic furniture. It highlights not only the beauty of these hand-crafted pieces but also their role in a long-standing tradition that connects people to the natural world.
Whether it’s the heavy, sculptural lines of early 20th-century works or the sleek, modern interpretations of today, these pieces embody a celebration of nature's textures, shapes, and materials. For both furniture enthusiasts and those new to the craft, the Natural Beauty exhibition offers a rare opportunity to explore a fascinating aspect of American design history while also experiencing the ongoing evolution of this timeless tradition.