General Information

Camden Harbor

ACCEPTANCE

Participants must be at least 17 years old.
For the Workshops and Twelve-week Intensives, admission is first-come, first-served. Those wishing to repeat a course may enroll if there are still openings ninety days in advance.
Application requirements for Studio Fellowships and the Nine-month Comprehensive are listed on pages 4 and 5, respectively.
Upon registration you will be sent a supply list and housing information.

COLLEGE CREDIT

University of Southern Maine

College credit for courses taken at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship is available through USM. The number of credits is determined by the duration of the course and you must successfully meet the specific educational goals required. To apply for college credit contact:

Office of Prior Learning Assessment
253 Luther Bonney Hall
USM Portland, Maine 04104
207-780-4867

University of Maine at Orono

UMaine has signed an agreement to make the Center’s Twelve-week Intensive an elective for students in its undergraduate Wood Science and Technology Program. The focus of the University’s program is to prepare students for careers in wood technology, ranging from working as wood craftsmen to becoming professionals in the field of Material Science and Engineering. UMaine is an international leader in research and the study of wood and wood products. Their world-class facilities provide students with opportunities to work with advanced technologies and the AEWC hires over 100 students each year to work on a variety of wood-related research projects.

For more information on the University’s program, visit: www.forest.umaine.edu/education/WSC

LOCALE

The Center for Furniture Craftsman-ship is located in the coastal village of Rockport, Maine, between Camden and Rockland. This is a beautiful vacation destination and a wonderful place to live. Explore Penobscot Bay from the deck of an historic windjammer or the intimacy of an ocean kayak. Canoe, fish, and swim in our many lakes and rivers, including famous Megunticook and our favorite swimming hole, Rocky Pond. Hike in Camden Hills State Park, or drive to spectacular Mt. Desert Island. Visit the lovely fishing villages of Tenants Harbor and Port Clyde. Take a ferry to the quiet islands of North Haven, Vinalhaven, and Islesboro.

The Camden/Rockport area is also blessed with excellent restaurants, the Bay Chamber Concerts, the Center For Maine Contemporary Art, and the renowned Farnsworth Museum in Rockland. Those who like to shop will find an abundance of galleries, antique stores and flea markets, not to mention L.L. Bean and Freeport just over an hour away. For more information visit the Camden Chamber of Commerce at www.camdenme.org.

LODGING

Workshops

The best deal during the workshop season, from June through October, is a private room in a shared house, usually with a shared bath, for $280/week/person. These rooms are in private houses whose owners rent only to our workshop participants. All are clean, attractive, friendly situations between five and ten miles from the school. You can reserve a room when you register for your workshop or you may contact us later. Rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Also, we can refer you to private apartments, cottages, motels, bed and breakfasts, and campsites. They are plentiful throughout the mid-coast area. However, we suggest you book your housing without delay, as this is a popular vacation area. We are always available to help you find what you need.

To reserve a private room/shared house, send us a $100 deposit. The balance will be due thirty days in advance of your course. If you cancel more than 30 days in advance your full deposit will be refunded. If you cancel less than 30 days in advance, you will forfeit your deposit and the full balance will be due.

Longer Courses and Fellowships

Long-term rentals are available to participants in the Twelve-Week Intensives, Nine-month Comprehen-sive, and Studio Fellowship Program at reduced rates, depending on the season. These vary from a private room in a shared house (approximately $450/month in the off-season, $650/month in the summer) to private apartments (approximately $700-$900/month in the off-season, $1,000/month and more in the summer).

To find out more about long-term housing opportunities, contact the school office.

FINANCIAL AID

Student loans are available to participants in our Twelve-week Intensive and Nine-month Comprehensive through The Education Resources Institute (TERI). For more information, visit the TERI website: www.teri.org. Click on “Loan Center,” then “Loan Programs.” Choose “Undergraduate” to get access to helpful information, including lender rates and fees.

DIRECTIONS TO THE CENTER

Driving from Boston

Take I-95 North through New Hampshire into Maine
Just before Portland take Exit 44 onto 295 North
Take Exit 28 to Brunswick/Route 1 North
Follow Route 1 North to Warren (about 45 miles)
Left on Route 90 at blinking light
Go 6.5 miles
The entrance to the school is on the right. If you pass it, take a right onto Mill St., where we have a second entrance.

AIR TRAVEL

Usually, participants fly into Portland (a 1-1/2-hour drive away). It is also possible to fly into Knox County/ Rockland Airport (15 minutes away), Boston (3-1/2 hours) or Bangor (1-3/4 hours). Automobile rentals are available at all airports.

MATERIALS

Participants may purchase lumber and sandpaper from the Center at normal retail prices, or provide their own. We stock ash, cherry, maple, white oak, and poplar. Students in more specialized courses may be charged a flat fee to cover the cost of materials.

EVENTS

Two weekly events are scheduled during the Workshop season, from June through mid-October. On Monday evenings we meet for dessert and a faculty slide show at 7:00 p.m. On Thursday evenings we hold a potluck class dinner and croquet tournament, starting at 6:00 p.m. Family and friends are welcome at both events.

PETS

Kindly leave your pets at home.

SKILL LEVELS

Every course description indicates the appropriate experience level for participation. If you have questions, please call.

SMOKING

No smoking is permitted in the school buildings.

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Courses begin at 9:00 a.m. Monday mornings and end Fridays at 5:00 p.m.
Instruction is offered weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We break for lunch from twelve to one.
The workshop buildings are open to students around the clock during their courses, with certain restrictions on machine use.