Two North End Students Win Best-in-show at Recent Prestigious Furniture Competition

Budding custom furniture makers Charles Ambriano, 21, and Juan Pablo Blanco, 28, took top honors in two different furniture making categories at the 16th annual Fine Furnishings & Fine Craft Show held recently in Providence, Rhode Island.

Ambriano’s hand crafted drum table (shown) was awarded Best in Show for a traditional furniture piece created by a student.  A collection of Blanco’s handmade pieces won similar accolades in the traditional furniture/body of work category.

The works of both men were among dozens of traditional and contemporary furniture pieces entered into this year’s competition by both student and professional makers.

For Ambriano and Blanco, the recognition represents the crowning achievement of their two years of training at the renowned North Bennet Street School (www.nbss.edu) in Boston.  They will both graduate in 2012 with diplomas from the school’s cabinet and furniture making program, one of eight craft-training disciplines offered by the 126 year-old institution.

Both men plan to return to their respective hometowns of Howell, New Jersey and Bogota, Columbia after graduation to start-up their own furniture and woodworking businesses.

The award-winning tables are currently available for purchase through the school’s Gallery store at the corner of North Bennet and Salem streets.  Inquiries can be made in person, by phone (617-227-0155, ext. 110) or online at gallery@nbss.edu.

One of the country’s oldest schools for craftsmanship training, the North Bennet Street School is known internationally for its rigorous teaching methods, and for its role in promoting the preservation of traditional craft skills.  For more information about the school, visit www.nbss.edu.