When he was struck by a car years ago and faced with a long, difficult period of physical rehabilitation, David DeSantis immersed himself in a special craft—ironwork. The Hudson-based blacksmith has devoted the past 25 years of his life to careful training in ironwork techniques, both traditional and modern. His studio, based in Hudson, offers masterful pieces of architectural ironwork ranging from gates to lighting fixtures and forged from a variety of materials.
This July, DeSantis will be featured on HGTV’s new series, “Genevieve’s Renovation.” Genevieve Gorder, the network’s popular interior designer, has worked with DeSantis and will include several of his pieces in her 1850s-era renovation project.
DeSantis’s work is also being featured in the Olana Partnership’s annual Frederic E. Church Award Gala this June 19th at the New York Public Library. This year titled “Inside and Out: Celebrating Design and Decorative Arts,” the gala will honor Met curator Alice Cooney Frelinghuysen, architect Peter Pennoyer, and interior designer Katie Ridder and will include a bench of the ironworker’s design in its auction. The bench, an artful display of birds, lilies, and tree branches, is inspired by the historic site and expected to be a favorite at the event.
More of David Desantis’s work can be found at Metal by David DeSantis or its sister site, Forged Artistry, or in his Hudson gallery and studio. 608 Warren Street. (518) 567-7354.
The 2014 Frederic Edwin Church Award Gala will be held at the New York Public Library on Thursday, June 19. Tickets and information can be found at (212) 921-9070 ext. 12.
