About the Artist

Carolyn Ferenschak first learned of woodworking from her grandfather, who was a carpenter. On a high school field trip to an artist colony in New Hope, PA, she wandered into the studio of George Nakashima and discovered the true art of woodworking. She also studied painting with Fred Bees. These experiences inspired her to pursue her art interests at the Philadelphia College of Art (now known as the University of the Arts), where she majored in photography and learned a wide variety of fine arts as part of her course work.

Carolyn has exercised her creativity throughout her years of raising a family. From painting murals at the local elementary school and in children's nurseries, to hand painting gift plaques and planters, to building bookcases and Longfellow cradles for her grandchildren, she has love for the beauty of handmade, everyday things.

She continues to hone her skills and learn new art forms. Her most recent explorations took her into the world of making stained glass panels. In her research on stained glass, she was inspired by the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, using his Prairie style as a basis for a few of her birdhouses. She hopes someday to learn the art of glassblowing. Until then, making birdhouses is her passion...it's a great way to combine bird watching, painting, and using power tools.