Mario D. Santilli

Mario emigrated to Buffalo from Italy as a young child and has called Western 
New York home ever since. He currently lives in Snyder, NY. The son of a 
concrete mason and seamstress, Mario developed an appreciation for 
handiwork, precision and attention to detail. His interest in woodworking began 
as a teen, building simple furniture. Woodturning, in particular, was jumpstarted 
when given an old lathe by the grandfather of his wife. 

Mario graduated from Canisius College and SUNY at Buffalo Medical School 
and had a long career as an orthopaedic surgeon. Recently retired from 
orthopaedics, Mario has been able to spend more time woodworking. He has 
attended many woodworking courses and workshops, as well as learning from 
books, trial and error, and the internet. He has attended the International 
Woodturners Meeting in Pittsburgh and the Northeastern Woodworkers 
Association Meetings in Saratoga Springs. He is a Professional Member of the 
American Association of Woodturners. 

Using both traditional and modern techniques, wood is transformed into useful, 
as well as decorative, items. The qualities and structure of the wood often 
dictate the final product by using the grain, natural coloration, and even inherent 
“defects” found in each piece. Dye, stain, epoxy or lacquer is sometimes 
applied to enhance the features present in the wood. Raw material is sourced 
from local stores, trade shows, the internet and “found” wood from fallen trees.
Mario designs most of his woodwork and creates everything from small bowls, 
vases and boxes, to custom china cabinets, armoires, entertainment centers, 
etc, in a range of styles, from traditional to avant-garde. 

His work was chosen for Art in Craft Media in 2017 and 2021, and is honored to 
be chosen for The Sylvia L. Rosen Craft Art Biennial 2025. Mario has also 
participated in 100 American Craftsmen at the Kenan Center since 2017, 
Roycroft-at-Large Summer Festival 2024 and 2025, several times in Art is a Gift 
at the Burchfield Penney Art Center, Artist Pop Up at Indigo Art in 2014, The 
Hoffmann Center on Long Island in 2008, and several small shows and sales. 
In 2025, Mario received The First Place Award in Leather, Wood and Fiber at 100 
American Craftsmen.