Maine Wood 2018

Thank you to all of you who came out to join us for the opening reception and awards presentation of Maine Wood 2018. Maine wood is a biennial, juried show presented by the Messler Gallery to highlight the breadth, creativity, and excellence of wood craftsmanship in Maine. Jurors for this year’s biennial were Fabio Fernandez, Executive Director, Society of Arts+Crafts; Joshua Friend, Editor, American Woodturner; and Mira Nakashima, Creative Director, George Nakashima Woodworker. Read on to see which makers were awarded at this year's exhibition! Maine Wood will be on display in the Messler Gallery until April 11, 2018. See a full list of exhibitors on the gallery page.

Rob Macks discussing his Ootek kayak, and a guest inspecting Melinda Aste’s Wobble Stools.

Getting a closer look at Jacques Vesery’s Nightshades on the Farm, and Karina Steele’s wooden spoons.

Instructor Beth Ireland and Nine Month Comprehensive student Sam Friedlander enjoying drinks provided by our sponser, Portland based Geary's Brewing Company.

Salerno Sideboard by Nick Barboza.

Wood Utensils by Karina Steele.

Jonathan Moro’s Bust of Yogi Berra, and Clara Cohan’s You Are Here.

Joel Hokkanen’s Large Table Lamp, and Julie Morringello’s Standing Light Totem.

Rose Awaiting by Jim Macdonald.

Libby Schrum received two separate awards for her Beføle Stools. One was the “Best in Furniture” award that came with a $300 gift certificate sponsored by Woodcraft of Portsmouth. The other was the “People’s Choice” award (as determined by popular vote among attendees at the opening) that came with a cash prize of $300 sponsored by Holt & Bugbee.

Rob Macks earned “Juror’s Best in Show” for his Ootek kayak and received a $300 gift certificate from Lie-Nielsen Toolworks.

Aled Lewis took home the “Outstanding Craftsmanship” award for his Dyfi Bench, with a $300 gift certificate sponsored by Rockler Woodworking and Hardware of South Portland, Maine.

Saer T. Huston was honored for “Best Original Design” for his Balance Dining Table with a $300 gift certificate from DMT Diamond Whetstones.

Michaela Crie Stone received “Best Use of Wood” for her veneered and leather purses with a $300 gift certificate sponsored by Rare Woods.

Jacques Vesery took the honor for “Best Turned Object” with a sculpture titled Nightshades on the Farm, receiving a $300 gift certificate from Packard Woodworks.

Melinda Aste was selected “Best New Maker” for her Wobble Stools, with a $300 gift certificate from Rugby Architectural Building Products (formerly Maine Coast Lumber).