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New Country Collection

The creation of the "Shall We" mantel clock was inspired by the memory and gestures of Fred Astaire. It is constructed of mahogany, copper and brass.

Fred Puksta
(603)357-6345
Keene, NH
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Both Sides Now
by Susan Sauer

Designer/Craftsman Fred Puksta creates furniture for the worlds of both fine art and commercial design. He trained with renowned artist/sculptor Wendell Castle and upon graduation served as an artisan in Castle’s studio. A member of the New Hampshire Furniture Masters organization and the League of NH Craftsman, Puksta has fulfilled commissions for residential, commercial and public work. An eight-foot-tall sculptural clock at the Christa McAuliffe Planetarium in Concord was a public commission, and a very personal project for him. He was moved by Christa’s life and legacy, and was honored by the opportunity to create a piece in her honor.

Puksta spent many years as an amateur athlete attempting to make the U. S. National/Olympic rowing team, much of that time at Dartmouth College. His ode to rowing took shape in the "Olympic Effort" chair, which incorporates a bent mahogany frame and antique brass oarlocks to echo the framework of a rowing shell.

The participation in commercial product design, allows Puksta to work in all aspects of the design process, from concept to building prototypes to promotional marketing. Puksta says he constantly challenges himself to bring something new from the art world into his commercial designs and, not surprisingly, several of his lines have received honorable mentions and awards at the furniture capital of America in High Point, North Carolina, as well as having had successful designs in some of the country’s leading retailers such as  Crate & Barrel. Recent cabinetry design was featured in Country Living Magazine’s “2004 House of the Year issue. Puksta values his engagement within the different worlds of commercial and artisan craft. It’s this cross-pollination that continually enhances his perspective on design, resulting in many form and functions. 

Article printed in the New Hampshire Home Magazine Spring 2003 issue.

Above top left: Dynasty Collection marble-top table, winner of the Pinnacle Design Award, a national design competition.
Above bottom left: Mahogany "Olympic Effort" chair is based on Puksta’s athletic experience in rowing shells.
Above bottom right: "New Country" dining room set, manufactured by Saloom Furniture.
Above top right: This tall sculptural clock is on permanent display at the Christa McAuliffe Planetarium in Concord. Called "One Moment in Time," the clock was inspired by one of Puksta’s elementary school teachers, just as Christa McAuliffe inspired her students.