Rude Osolnik

American, 1915 - 2001

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Rude Osolnik (1915-2001) was an American woodturner and furniture maker known for his innovative designs and skillful use of traditional woodworking techniques. He was born in Ohio and spent most of his life in West Virginia, where he established his own woodworking studio and taught classes in woodturning and furniture making.

Osolnik's work was characterized by its clean, simple lines and elegant forms. He was particularly skilled at creating delicate and thin-walled vessels and bowls, which he often decorated with subtle surface textures and patterns. He also produced furniture pieces, including chairs and tables, that were marked by their careful attention to detail and use of high-quality materials.

In addition to his work as a craftsman, Osolnik was a respected teacher and mentor, and his students included several notable woodturners and furniture makers who went on to have successful careers in their own right.

Today, Osolnik's work is represented in several major museum collections, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Museum of Arts and Design in New York. He is considered one of the pioneers of the American craft movement, and his contributions to the field continue to be celebrated and admired.