March 19 – June 13, 2004
On Friday, March 19, 2004 the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship opened 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 Gerry 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).
