Teresa and Ray Podeszwa
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Teresa and Ray Podeszwa bring
a fresh and unique approach to American Folk Art, wherein creative
expression is often driven by the character of the materials
being used. From weatherworn barn wood to antique mouldings,
shutters, headboards, porch posts, turnings, doors, etc, the
material goes through a period of analysis ... a communication
between the medium and the artist.... almost as though the material
itself is telling the artist “what it would like to be”.
Thus, the personality of the material which often is the genesis
of the inspiration, is preserved in the final piece.
- Each piece is a hand-crafted
original, authenticated with date and signature and many have
their own personal stories, often printed and attached to the
piece and always eagerly articulated by the artist when in attendance.
Seasoned collectors, practicing artists, casual appreciators
of historical craftsmanship and fine art all will find much to
enjoy in the works
- of Teresa and Ray.
Now, one might wonder who these artists are, where they’re
from. Nestled deep in the heartland of the beautiful Pocono Mountain
range, engulfed by crystal clear lakes and streams and all of
wildlife’s natural habitat, rests a hamlet most aptly named
for its ability to encourage creation. Lords Valley, Pennsylvania,
is both home and inspiration for Ray and Teresa and their unique
approach to American Folk Art.
The Podeszwas blend backgrounds
in in pre-law, antiquing with commercial and fine art, and advanced
art teaching, lecturing, to form their partnership.
Ray and Teresa are true disciples
of the premise that natural resources are meant to be used and
appreciated more than just once and they are often much better
"the second time around". This attitude, mixed with
a passionate drive to experience and share life’s treasures
in new and exciting ways are really what they are all about.
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Their work has been very
well received. The Podeszwas are licensed by The Society for
the Preservation of New England Antiquities ( S. P. N. E. A.
) of Boston, MA. They have 35 wonderful sites throughout New
England. As the assistant curator of The Winterthur Museum said
“if you work here you know S.P.N.E.A.” Its reputation
has deservedly spread far and wide. There are only 30 people
who are licensed by it. In addition Teresa and Ray are licensed
by The Mercer Museum of Doylestown, PA. |
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These creations reflect the
true traditions of historical craftsmanship and are genuine candidates
for a place among America’s heirlooms of the future.
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Teresa and Ray have been
selected by Early American Life magazine as two of the Top 200
Artisans in the country for the last three years. They have also
featured the Podeszwas in a full page article in April 2002,
as well as selling our product for its magazine. |
Teresa and Ray were featured
on a PA TV show “On the Road” with Mike Stevens, radio
shows in Chester, NJ, Marlboro, MA and numerous newspaper articles
from Chicago to Boston.
Our work has been sold at the
following museums:
Philadelphia Museum of Art,
Philadelphia, PA
American Museum of Folk Art, NY, NY
The Mercer Museum, Doylestown, PA
The Everhart Museum, Scranton, PA
The Landis Valley Museum, Lancaster, PA
The American Christmas Museum, Chadds Ford, PA
The Peoples Place Quilt Museum, Lancaster Co., PA
Workshop Museum, Lordstown, OH
For more information please
contact:
Teresa or Ray Podeszwa
2346 Hemlock Farms,
Lords Valley, PA 18428
(570) 775-6307
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