We are excited to announce that Chris Kelsch is our Featured Artisan of the Month for May 2025 at The Reboli Center for Art and History. A long-time friend and supporter of our Center, Kelsch has created a lasting impact with his intricate, beautiful, handmade recycled wood birdhouses. His latest artistic endeavor has landed him a prominent spot on display in our main gallery as a special part of our exhibition, Getting There, which is on view now through July 2025. During this exhibition which focuses on artistic representations of modes of transportation, visitors can observe and admire Kelsch’s unique sculptures of automotive engines, all handmade from recycled and reclaimed woods.
Kelsch, born and raised in Stony Brook, has spent years honing his craft and developing a distinctive style that blends technical precision with an appreciation for natural beauty. His engine sculptures, each one of a kind, showcase his expertise in working with wood while capturing the mechanical beauty of movement. Kelsch pays meticulous attention to detail and has a grand passion for sustainability which is why he chooses to work with reclaimed materials. These sculptures are not only available for viewing but they are also available for purchase, and we invite you to come and experience the incredible artistry of Chris Kelsch.
In addition to his engine sculptures, Kelsch's handmade birdhouses, which we sell year-round in our Design Shop, continue to be a beloved feature at The Reboli Center. Kelsch crafts these charming, functional homes for wildlife using a wide range of unique woods, including rare and antique barn wood, some of which is over 300 years old and finished with bird-safe, weather-resistant varnish. His expertise and love for woodworking are evident in every piece, ensuring both beauty and stability for the birds that call his creations home.
Kelsch credits his high school shop teacher, Dean Jenkins, for inspiring his passion for woodworking. After serving in the military, Kelsch pursued carpentry and woodworking studies at Delhi Technical College. He then joined the team at Tanglewood Conservatories in Maryland, where he worked on custom high-end conservatories and greenhouses. His role there focused on intricate architectural details such as corbels, pilasters, and window frames.
Kelsch’s fondness for exotic woods led him to a mill in Pennsylvania that supplies Martin Guitar with rare wood, as well as amazing antique barn wood. When he retired in 2017, he began crafting birdhouses, bat houses, butterfly houses, and bee houses, finding joy in creating “safe houses for wildlife.” He enjoys working with the beautiful grains of rare woods and the patina of antique barn wood, appreciating the contrast these materials offer.
“I am thrilled to be able to display my work at the Reboli Center,” Kelsch shared. “Joe Reboli was a big part of my life as my older brothers were friends with him. In fact, my mother referred to Joe as her ‘other’ son. The Reboli Center is close to my heart, and all involved are beautiful people with a beautiful mission.”
Lois Reboli, President and Co-Founder of The Reboli Center, said, “I have known Chris a long time and love his work. His birdhouses are so beautiful and unique that it is a pleasure to sell his pieces in The Design Shop and to have him as our featured artisan. We are grateful for his continued support of the Center.”
Similar sentiments were shared by The Reboli Center’s Director, Tasha Boehm, who said "Chris Kelsch’s talent, generosity, and dedication to his craft have had a profound impact on The Reboli Center. His work is an excellent example of how art and sustainability can come together to create something truly special and functional for wildlife. His generosity over the years has greatly supported The Reboli Center, including past donations of his birdhouses to help us fundraise for our nonprofit mission. Each of his contributions has helped us on the path to ensure that our exhibitions remain free to the public, allowing everyone the opportunity to experience the arts. We are thrilled to present him as a Feature Artisan once again in conjunction with our current exhibition, Getting There.”
We invite you to join us and celebrate Chris Kelsch's extraordinary work in Getting There through July 2025. Don’t forget to stop by our Design Shop to take home one of his charming birdhouses or other handcrafted pieces! The Reboli Center is free to the public during regular business hours and no reservations are required to attend. Our building is ADA compliant and there is a free parking lot on site for Reboli Center patrons.