September 1, 2023
LAKE GEORGE — We can’t stop gazing at the furniture masterpiece handcrafted and gifted to us by master craftsman Al Rider. This American black walnut table, with inlays of curly maple, now stands front and center in the LGA office at 2392 State Hwy 9N. We are honored.
Al Rider, a true craftsman who lives and works in Hague, NY, is a long-time friend and supporter of the Lake George Association. The table is his artistic way of celebrating our new office space, which, after renovations, reopened in January 2023.
Al styled the table after the work of Sam Maloof (1916–2009), a self-taught woodworker who pioneered a furniture aesthetic that embraced simple, sculptural shapes and a dedication to function. In addition to placing inlays of the Lake George silhouette on the base and the LGA initials on the top, Al dedicated the table to Jeff Killeen, former LGA chair, with a plaque that says "In honor of Jeff Killeen and his legacy of lake protection."
Everyone is welcome to stop by the LGA to see this original piece and run your hand along the smooth, curvy edges.
Al Rider operates under the business name The Local Woodworker and counts Rachael Ray and Phinney Design Group as clientele. A broad array of Al’s work is featured in this video.
Al Rider stands next to the table he designed and made for the LGA. The curved sculptural lines were inspired by the work of master furniture-maker Sam Maloof.
The table measures three feet tall by nine feet long. The inlay of "LGA" was crafted with curly maple.
Al dedicated the table to Jeff Killeen, former LGA chair, with a plaque at the base.