Artist Profile

Michael Waldchen designs and handcrafts furniture from his workshop, Xylem Furniture Studio, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The artistic vision and skills displayed in his work are a synthesis of undergraduate work in industrial arts education at Eastern Michigan University and fourteen years of self-directed study as a designer and craftsman.

The furniture featured here was designed and handcrafted by Michael, using a combination of hand and machine methods. Each piece is made of selected, grain-matched, solid hardwood and employs hand-fitted traditional joinery. The design is restrained, simple, and elegant; incorporating exposed joinery, precise craftsmanship, and a blend of tone and texture to achieve coherent composition.

Since Michael first submitted his work for juried review, he has been consistently accepted into the finest shows around the country, where he has been further recognized as the recipient of numerous honors and awards.

While often invited to sell through galleries, Michael prefers to work directly with his clients to design one-of-a-kind pieces. In addition, current works and limited production pieces are available for immediate delivery.

 EXHIBITIONS:

• Philadelphia Furniture and Furnishings Show, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 1999.
• Leelenau Furniture Show, Suttons Bay, Michigan. 1998.
• MADE - Michigan Artists Design for the Home, Ann Arbor Art Association, 1995.

 AWARDS:

• Judge's Selection - Wood Category. Cain Park, Cleveland Heights, Ohio.
  Juried Fine Art Show, 1999.
• Best of Show - All Categories. Shain Park, Birmingham, Michigan.
  Juried Fine Art Show, 1999.
• Re-invitation Award - Wood Category. Ann Arbor Art Fair, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
  Juried Fine Arts show, 1996 - 1999.
• Third Place - Wood Category. Summerfair, Cincinnati, Ohio.
  Juried Arts & Crafts show, 1997.
• Merit Award - Wood Category. South Miami Craft Fair, Miami, Florida.
  Juried Arts & Crafts fair, 1997.
• Second Place - Three Dimensional Functional. New East Side Art Works, Chicago, Illinois.
  Juried Fine Art show, 1996.
• Merit Award - Wood Category. Mount Dora Festival of the Arts, Mount Dora, Florida.
  Juried Fine Art show, 1996.
• Merit Award - Three Dimensional Functional. 37th Winter Park Art Festival, Winter
  Park, Florida. Juried Fine Art show, 1996.
• First Place - Three Dimensional Functional. New East Side Art Works, Chicago, Illinois.
  Juried Fine Art Show, 1995.

 CORPORATE PURCHASES:

• Eli Lilly and Company, Inc.

 PUBLICATIONS:

• Woodshop News. March, 1998.