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When
Donald Maloney retired from 30 years in the lumber business in
1994 he followed his dream to become a woodturner. He bought a
small lathe and with a few videos began turning some bowls and
wine bottle stoppers which he sold at local fairs and wine festivals.
As word got around that he could turn he was contacted by several
local millwork companies. From there, with the purchase of a lot
of machinery and a $45,000 copy lathe the Maloney Latheworks took
off. In less than 5 years he had all the work he could handle
with some help from his wife, Harriet.
He continued to improve
his artistic skills, attend many woodturning symposiums all over
the US and even Ireland. As a result he was soon selling his art
works at art and craft shows.
Don sells his work
at the Aldie Mill Art Show, Burwell Morgan Mill Art Show, Bluemont’s
Art in the Foothills art show as well as having items for sale
at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley in Winchester, Va., Bluemont
Vineyards and the Fire House Gallery & Shop in Berryville,
VA. Don is one of the founding members of the soon to be opened
Gateway Gallery and Gift Shop which will be located west of the
town of Round Hill at on of the best known tourist stops Hill
High Orchards which dates back to a favorite stop for D.C. residents
out for a weekend in the country
Three years ago Don
sold his architectural woodturning business and now concentrates
solely on his art work. He has taught many others to turn and
is active in the Capitol Area Woodturners, Apple Valley Woodturners
and recently helped start a new club which named Catoctin Area
Woodturners in Loudoun County, VA.
Don also enjoys donating
pieces for auction for charitable purposes.
Don’s work was recently
recognized in a hard cover book titled “Reflections of Clarke
County Virginia” featuring over 100 area artists.
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