Beginning in July, Mike Anastasio will be accepting commissions to design and create two pieces of his signature live edge art.  All proceeds from these commissions will be donated to this year’s Bill Shugart’s Memorial Veterans Day Golf Tournament charities. Each piece will be tailored to the personal preferences of families from the community. This special collaboration allows supporters of BSMVDGT to work directly with one of Fawn Lake’s many talented artisans in crafting a unique functional work of art destined to become a cherished family heirloom for generations to come.

If interested in this collaborative giving opportunity, contact Melita Crilley melsoccermail@gmail.com

Since beginning this chapter of life’s journey as a maker of functional art, after a career as an Army aviator, Mike’s wood creations have found homes with family and friends who’ve acquired his art through charity auctions. The proceeds generated by his work have benefited children in need (Rainbow Village), environmental stewardship (Friends of the Rappahannock River), and local veteran charity organizations (Tech for Troops, Paws for Purple Hearts, Leashes of Valor, Operation First Response and Hero’s Bridge).

Mike starts his one-of a kind creations with beautifully unpredictable natural live-edge weathered big leaf maple or poplar slabs, adds irregular blue-green or Azuria-blue glass inlays, and finishes the art off with trapezoidal black walnut bases or frames. Each creation is driven by a philosophy of retaining, releasing, and embracing the unique inner character of live-edge wood

What began years ago as a simple request to create a beautiful and functional Black Walnut farmhouse kitchen table and benches for his daughter’s large family has re-validated three important truths – the enduring value of friends you can always count, the importance of assisting those in need, and the joy of lifelong learning.

Examples of Mike’s one-of a kind creations