Port Macquarie Glasshouse Arts and Conference Centre
The Arts, Conference and Entertainment Centre to be built in Port Macquarie will be home to a unique piece of woodcraft thanks to a generous offer from local artistic furniture maker, David Suters…
Mr Suters will use recycled wood from the Norfolk Island Pine that had to be removed from the site, along with Blackbutt beams from the inside of the original Civic Centre to create a decorative piece of woodwork, which will become a feature in the ACE Centre.
The Norfolk Island Pine has been cut into slabs in the past week and is required to cure for 18 months to 2 years before being suitable to craft into artwork. Mr Suters will spend considerable time in the coming months meeting with Council staff, including the soon to be appointed Director for the ACE Centre, in order to confirm designs and dimensions for the artwork.
Currently operating as a timber craftsman in his own business that specialises in one of commissioned works, Mr Suters approached Council about donating his time and skills to the project.
“I’m really excited to have the opportunity to create a one off piece that can be appreciated by such a large number of locals and visitors who will use the ACE Centre. After more than 30 years living in the area and developing a career in artistic furniture I see this as a real opportunity to give something back to the community,” said Mr Suters.
According to Craig Milburn, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Director of Community Development, the enthusiasm Mr Suters has shown in approaching Council is just one example of the community support for the Centre.
“David Suters is a talented craftsman who is really excited to be involved with the ACE Centre. He reflects the type of enthusiasm for the Centre that has been shown right across the Hastings, from the community members of the Project Reference Group to local schools planning how they can use the facility and businesses looking to be involved in the construction,” said Mr Milburn.
Updates on the design plans for the Suters Work will be finalised and made public in coming months.
Completed Project
The Boardroom Table and Sideboard pictured below were created from the timbers carefully salvaged from the Glasshouse site. Each of these pieces were designed, handcrafted and donated by David as a ‘Friend of the Gallery’ for the opening of the Port Macquarie Arts, Conference and Entertainment Centre in 2008. These two unique pieces, regularly utilised by patrons of ‘The Glasshouse’ in the Small Function Room, will remain a part of the regions history for future generations.
Norfolk Pine Boardroom Table and Sideboard handcrafted by David Suters Timbercraftsman
Images of ‘The Glasshouse’ and the furniture handcrafted by David Suters Timbercraftsman remain copyright to Port Macquarie ‘Arts, Conference and Entertainment Centre – The Glasshouse’. Reproduced by David Suters Timbercraftsman with permission.
Published in Port Macquarie News, Tuesday 23rd May 2006.
Sourced from Port Macquarie Hastings Council, previously known as Hastings Council http://www.hastings.nsw.gov.au/www/html/2469-23-may-norfolk-island-pine-to-be-recycled-into-unique-artwork.asp
