Vande Griend Design is Dean and Cathy Vande Griend of Story City, Iowa.
Dean began doing wood working in high school, then joined the army and built a few things out of scrap wood in Iraq. His experience in the army has made him want to create something unique and individualistic. After his years in the service, he set out to Iowa State University (ISU) to study Fine Art with an emphasis in wood working and design. He met his wife, Cathy, while attending. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Fine Art in 2007. He is now working in his wood shop in the basement of the Vande Griend home. He has done commissions, his own designs, and some twists of designs out of magazines or books. Dean's goal for his woodworking is to have one of his pieces appear on Antiques Roadshow.
Cathy earned her Bachelor's degree in Animal Science in 2006 from ISU. She now works as an Animal Health Technician at USDA. However, she has always enjoyed making things herself. Recently, Cathy asked her grandmother for her Union 36 Loom for making rag rugs which Grandma was overjoyed to have someone continue what she has been making for 30+ years. Cathy and Dean both enjoy doing the weaving. She also helps with the behind the scenes like bookwork, setup for shows, website, and computer work.
