Foundation

Arden Riddle had a long-time vision to share his knowledge of wood and design with others. In particular, he wanted this effort to be located near Appalachia to honor his roots in West Virginia.

In 2000, Arden established a 501c3 foundation to carry out this vision. He called it The Arden Riddle Museum and Gallery. He asked Dave Barr and Dan Marksz to serve on the board. The board was later expanded to include Linda Barr, Marianne Reder, Mike Reder, and Mary Jo Marksz. Upon Arden’s death, his assets were transferred to the Arden Riddle Museum and Gallery.

Arden closed his shop in Copley, Ohio, in 2004 and moved his operation to Salesville, Ohio, where he set up a workshop and gallery. He died in Salesville on July 27, 2011, before his dream of sharing his experience could be fully realized.

The Arden Riddle Museum and Gallery collaborates with and supports the Canton Museum of Art (CMA). The CMA has held two exhibitions of Arden’s furniture. The Arden Riddle Museum and Gallery donates furniture made by Arden to the CMA. This donated furniture is used in the lobby, galleries, and offices, making the CMA the largest repository of Arden Riddle furniture to be viewed and used by the public.

The stated purpose of the Arden Riddle Museum and Gallery is:

1. To present and promote the production 
of fine-quality craft items
2. To recognize craft persons and their contribution to the world community
3. To share different craft experiences
4. To encourage prospective craft persons 
and aid in their development
5. To educate potential craft consumers 
and provide an environment where 
people can contemplate the meaning 
of artisanship and gain a feeling for the production of craft items