A Trip to the Lake
Janice Randall Rohlf
Editor
Last August, my friend Carole invited me and another friend to spend a few days at her house in Sunapee. She deliberately planned this visit to coincide with the League of NH Craftsmen’s annual juried show, which has been held every year since 1933. Carole has been going since 1989, and her Sunapee retreat is filled with treasures scooped up from the exceptionally gifted artists and artisans invited to exhibit at the show — pottery from Andy Hampton, Lauren Pollaro’s earrings and terra cotta wall pieces from Susan Bliss, to name just a few.
She hates to play favorites, but Carole admits to more than a passing fancy for the works of Dan Dustin, a hand spoonmaker celebrating his 49th year at the show this summer. “Dan is an incredible craftsman,” she says. “He works with a piece of wood and ‘sees’ a spoon in it, or a spatula (he calls them ‘slashies’), or a pair of salad implements and, more recently, forks. I have thrown away every plastic utensil I ever bought, in favor of Dan’s wooden ones,” says Carole, who also frequently gives Dustin’s wooden utensils as gifts.
New Hampshire Home has long been an advocate for artists and artisans in the Granite State. Recently renamed “Create,” the column dedicated to them was for a long time called “Master of His/Her Craft.” For years, in every issue we have featured one of these talented individuals and their work. You’ll definitely want to turn to page 38 to meet Rachel Montroy and see the fanciful pieces she fashions from felted wool.
It’s pure coincidence that Montroy’s fiber art pieces often resemble sea creatures, but fitting since this issue celebrates New Hampshire’s Seacoast and lakes. After spending time at the League of NH Craftsmen’s show last summer, we drove around Lake Sunapee, admiring the houses and I trying to spot those that have been featured in this magazine over the years. To our archives filled with beautifully wrought houses on the water we can now add those that appear in “Hidden Treasure,” on page 56 and “A Classic Cottage With Contemporary Style,” on page 72.
My visit to Lake Sunapee last summer included stopping for ice cream at the Quack Shack. I love ice cream (who doesn’t?), and I’m hoping to have the chance to swing by Ceo’s Gelato and Bistro in Durham the next time I’m in the area. Until then, I’m happy to have the recipes for gelato Mary Ann Esposito shares in “Taste,” on page 30. With very little effort, you can wow your summer guests with these delicious desserts.
Carole has invited me to Lake Sunapee again this August. I can’t wait!
