ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A world-renowned local furniture designer and artist-in-residence at RIT has died.

Wendell Castle died at his home in Scottsville Saturday.

A Kansas native, Castle joined the RIT faculty in the 1960s where he developed his unique style.

Spectrum News visited Castle's Scottsville workshop in 2003 when a line of his furniture went on sale, starting at a store on Rochester's East Avenue.

Using various materials, Castle's work took on organic and fluid shapes, creating pieces that were equal parts furniture and sculptures.

Some of his works are part of permanent collections at dozens of museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and the Art Institute of Chicago.

RIT officials say arrangements are pending.

Wendell Castle was 85-years-old.