About Steve Strouse
Born and raised in central PA, I became fascinated by woodworking at a very young age and began building furniture for around the house as early as junior high school. I initially began by largely making custom-made pieces of furniture. In 1993, I decided to turn my long time passion into my full-time job.
Late that same year I was asked to make a set of Shaker style boxes. I had never tried making one before, but I set off on the task. Shaker boxes soon became the majority of my work because I really enjoyed the entire process from salvaging the trees, to cutting it into lumber, to the steps in making the boxes.
Entering Festivals and Galleries
I entered my first arts festival in 1994, with the People’s Choice Festival in Boalsburg, PA. After a couple of years, I had my work in a number of galleries and began participating in art shows throughout Pennsylvania, as well as a few in Virginia and Maryland. In 1996 I became a juried member of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen. Over the last decade I’ve limited the number of shows and galleries that I participate in. This has allowed me to put a stronger focus on specific projects and galleries.
My Family
We have three children: T.J. (40), Erica (38), and Takara (25). Throughout the years, they have all three played a large role in my business. They have each spent countless hours sanding in the shop and stacking lumber outside. They’ve even traveled with me to many arts festivals, a few Shaker Villages and many trips to look at potential trees.
T.J.
Our oldest, T.J. is a Penn State graduate and has lived abroad for many years. Most recently he has been living near our home town as he started his own oil advising company. It has been great having him so close to home for a couple years but we are excited to see what his next move brings him. He has given my wife and I so many opportunities to travel internationally to visit him as he has lived in multiple countries the past 10 years following graduate school. I’ve been able to visit him in Egypt, Syria, Dubai three trips to Norway.
Erica
Our middle child, Erica is also a Penn State graduate and has recently moved back to Pennsylvania after living out-of-state for the last 10 years. She is now married and is the mother to our three grandkids. When she’s not busy with the three kids, she work part time as a Social Worker at the local hospital.
Takara
Our youngest daughter, Takara has followed in her brother and sisters footsteps and also graduated from Penn State. She is also studying to become a Social Worker and is currently in Graduate School. We were hoping to keep her local, however she seems to enjoy traveling and exploring new places as much as her older siblings. She’s currently living in North Carolina with her fiancé, Austin.
Our Grandkids
In 2016, we got our first grand child and have enjoyed having each of them involved in my woodwork in a variety of ways. They’ve already begun helping with ornaments, packing pieces at shows, and putting smiles on everyones faces. I look forward to all the ways they’ll be by my side at upcoming shows, in particular the Grange Fair.
Hobbies
It’s hard to get away from woodworking, as I still find myself working on projects for the kids (and now grandkids) during my spare time. However, I began restoring vintage motorcycles a few years back and since have found great joy in riding.
In the past decade, I’ve developed an interest in international travel, thanks to our son, T.J. Due to him living abroad for so many years, he’s given me an opportunity that I never thought I’d have. I’ve been able to spend time in Egypt, Syria, Dubai and Norway.
