North Bennet students shine at Providence show

North Bennet Street School students Charles Ambriano, 21, and Juan Pablo Blanco, 28, took top honors in two different furniture making categories at the 16th annual Fine Furnishings & Fine Craft Show, held recently in Providence, R.I.

Ambriano’s handcrafted drum table (shown) was awarded Best in Show for a traditional furniture piece created by a student. A collection of Blanco’s handmade pieces won similar accolades in the traditional furniture/body of work category.

The works of both men were among dozens of traditional and contemporary furniture pieces entered into this year’s competition by both student and professional makers.

Both students will graduate in 2012 with diplomas from the school’s cabinet and furniture making program, one of eight craft-training disciplines offered by the 126 year-old institution. They plan to return to their respective hometowns of Howell, N.J., and Bogota, Columbia, after graduation to start their own furniture and woodworking businesses.

For information about the school, visit www.nbss.edu.