Woodworkers of Midcoast Maine
Exhibition dates: Friday, March 19, 2004 -- Sunday, June 13, 2004
Also Exhibiting:
- Bill Evans
- Lie-Nielsen Toolworks
- Liza Wheeler
- Matthew Bertram
- Tom Siske
- Jerry Curry
Woodworkers of Midcoast Maine
Exhibition dates: Friday, March 19, 2004 -- Sunday, June 13, 2004
ROCKPORT, Maine -- On Friday, March 19, 2004 the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship opens its latest gallery exhibition: "Woodworkers of Midcoast Maine."
Guest Curator Dyke Messler has assembled a wealth of woodworking artistry and craftsmanship from the Midcoast region. Twenty-four woodworkers are exhibiting pieces in the Center's new gallery. "CFC is at the center of a growing community of woodworkers," says Messler. "The school's new gallery is a wonderful venue for discovering the range of work being done in the Midcoast."
The diversity of techniques and styles is exemplified by a Caribbean-influenced desk by Austin Matheson (Rockport), a rustic chair by Anne E. Cox, (Martinsville), relief-carved, seafaring sculptures by Gordon Bok (Camden), elegantly turned vessels by Stephan Gleasner (Appleton) and a distinctive reproduction secretary by Scott Chase (Swanville).
Messler, a collector of handcrafted studio furniture and founder/owner of Phi Home Designs in Camden, spent months visiting artisans at work in their shops and studios. He discovered an intoxicating blend of aesthetics, backgrounds and philosophies. "Many of these woodworkers are making exceptional work in relative isolation," says Messler. "This exhibition is an opportunity to bring them together in the public eye for the first time."
Many of the woodworkers represented are premiering new pieces. These individuals include Matthew Bertram (Camden), James Macdonald (Burnham), Tom Siske (Camden), David Talley (Tenants Harbor), Michael Roy and Brett Scott of Phi Home Designs (Camden) and Liza Wheeler (Belfast).
Exhibitors also include established Midcoast businesses known for their craftsmanship. Jim Brown, owner of Windsor Chairmakers, will be participating, as will Rockport Marine, Inc. (Rockport) and Lie-Nielsen Toolworks (Warren).
The presence of work from many Center for Furniture Craftsmanship faculty and alumni highlights the connection between the school and the region's woodworking community. Woodworkers who have either taught or studied at the school include Jerry Curry (Union), John McAlevey (Tenants Harbor), Tim Rousseau (Appleton), Joseph Brewer (Camden), Richard Dunham (Appleton), Weber Roberts of Bench Dogs, Inc. (Rockland) and Lowrie Sargent of Rocky Coast Joinery (Camden), as well as several of those mentioned previously.
Other noted exhibitors are Bill Evans of William Evans Fine Furniture (Waldoboro), Ken Keoughan (Friendship) and James Lea Clockmaker (Rockport).
"Woodworkers of Midcoast Maine" will run from March 19 through June 13. Future exhibitions planned for 2004 include: "CFC Alumni Exhibition," a juried show of work by alumni of the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship, June 25 -- August 27, 2004; and "Maine Woodworkers Association," a juried exhibition of work by members of the Maine Woodworkers Association, from September 3 -- November 22.
The public is invited to the opening reception for "Woodworkers of Midcoast Maine" on Friday, March 19 from 5 - 7 P.M. Pieces from the exhibition can also be viewed on the Center's website, www.woodschool.org. For more information about the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship please call 207-594-5611 or e-mail cfc@woodschool.org.