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Filbeck entertains a former president
It’s not everyday that you get a chance to entertain a former U.S. President in your shop, but that was the case for Master Craftsman Russ Filbeck. President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalind dropped by to visit with the Master Chairmaker last February, while they were in San Diego. Russ met the President, while writing his book, Making Ladder Back Chairs. Knowing Mr. Carter was a woodworker himself, Russ wanted to include him in his showcase of chairmakers, and after his request was granted, a telephone interview took place in 2004. “When Mr. Carter answered the phone, he asked how I was doing. I answered that I was a little nervous speaking with someone that I held in such high esteem. He responded with ‘You would not be nervous if we were in the wood shop would you?’ From that moment, I felt like we were old friends discussing a mutual passion. Later, Mr. Carter agreed to write the Foreword to my book.” Russ has remained friends with the President ever since and each year makes pieces for donation to the Carter Center Winter Weekend, the annual fundraising in support of the center’s worldwide peace and health activities. This year’s event took place, Feb. 20–24, at the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, CA. For this auction, Russ made Shaker Boxes, an Arch Dial Mantle Clock, a Pendulum Wall Clock, and two Appalachian Ladder Back Rocking Chairs, with the Carter Center’s logo engraved on the slats. In addition, he offered chairmaking classes and copies of his ladderback book. In total, Russ’s contributions raised $85,500 for the cause. It is also worth noting that a Sam Maloof Pedestal Table, made by Sam Maloof Woodworking Inc., garnered $14,000 at auction. However, the top selling item of the event was a Black Cherry Stool, made by President Carter himself, which sold for $300,00. President Jimmy Carter Stool Black Cherry (27" h, 20" w, 10" d) May-June, 2013
Master craftsman Russ Filbeck of San Diego received a visit by President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalind last February. After conducting some woodworking demos, Russ put both to work, making Shaker Boxes for next year’s Carter Center fundraiser.
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