Yountville Arts is proud to present Would This Be Wood… the John Sensenbaugh Collection of Scroll Saw Fine Art. The exhibition opens on Thursday, May 8, from 5:30 PM–7 PM in the Steve Rogers Gallery, 6516 Washington Street, Yountville.
As the featured artist for this year’s Annual Art, Sip and Stroll event, John Sensenbaugh will launch the festivities with his intricate and captivating woodwork. His collection showcases the artistry and precision of scroll saw techniques, transforming wood into finely detailed masterpieces.
Growing up, John Sensenbaugh moved from Pittsburgh, PA to Westchester County, NY to Hartford, CT and then to Barrington, IL before spending four years at Bradley University in Peoria, IL, where he earned a degree in Business Administration. But the lure of California was strong, and he packed up his small car and set off on a new adventure… eventually landing in Napa.
“Napa Valley provided me with opportunity, and I was able to open and run my own small businesses here,” says Sensenbaugh. “It wasn’t until I retired that I became fascinated with the power shop tool called a ‘scroll saw.’ I was most interested in using this practical piece of machinery as my instrument to create. The more I experimented, the more proficient I became, making ever more complicated and challenging works.”
For those unfamiliar with this intricate craft, a scroll saw is a precision tool equipped with a thin 6” blade that moves up and down, allowing artisans to cut detailed shapes. These pieces can then be meticulously joined together, much like a jigsaw puzzle, to form stunning works of art. John uses about two dozen different species of wood in his work. He has found sources of beautifully grained and patterned wood from Africa and South America, as well as domestic woods, sometimes sourced from his local lumberyards.
In a recent interview, Yountville Arts Commission Chair Ronda Schaer stated, “You honestly must see and feel these amazing works of art from John. You wonder, how can a person use a shop tool to create these intricate, lifelike, and appealing pieces? I was amazed by the intricacy and skill from the first time I saw John’s collection, which, by the way, has remained private up until this show.”
With over 30 pieces available in Would This Be Wood?, guests will have the exclusive opportunity to experience John Sensenbaugh’s entire collection for the very first time. Adding excitement to the reception, John will have his scroll saw equipment on-site, offering live demonstrations of the meticulous process behind his intricate masterpieces.
Meet John at the Artist Reception on Thursday, May 8, 5:30 PM to 7 PM in the Steve Rogers Gallery, 6516 Washington Street, Yountville. For further information, please contact Katelyn Huss at (707) 944-8712 or khuss@yville.com, or go to yountvillearts.com.
John Sensenbaugh at work on his scroll saw.