A word from Susan Burkhouse Giannantonio, Artist

Growing up, my sisters and I were surrounded with musical instruments and when we weren't playing outdoors we were playing with those instruments. My mother reminds me how fervently I practiced piano after dinner when there were dishes to be done.

In this crazy, hectic world the value of art in our lives is critically important. It is important to preserve our heritage, our music, and to keep our hands busy with artistic pursuits before these precious gifts and abilities are lost to us.

To this end I offer my website of paintings, musical instruments and links to other people who are living artful lives. If you would contact me and give me permission, I will email you whenever my site is updated with new artwork and instruments.

James Burkhouse, Luthier

After a career as a cabinetmaker Jim applied his expertise and passion for wood and began to build musical instruments. By 2003 he had already built several harps, hammered dulcimers and a harpsichord. He then ventured into the more challenging world of violin making. He recently added mandolins and bowed psalteries to his list of hand crafted instruments.

Utilizing his favorite wood from his home area of Western Pennsylvania his instruments not only resonate with a brilliant and even tone but also preserve the beauty of those fruit hardwoods.

Rather than laquer-finish his instruments, Jim preserves the wood's natural color so that the beautiful and sometimes curly figure of the cherry, maple, walnut make his instruments as beautiful as they are resonant. They don't belong in a case. Those who own them prefer to display them proudly!