On Jan. 26, the biennial Maine Wood competition opened in the Messler Gallery at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Rockport.
The Center for Furniture Craftsmanship is a highly reputed training ground for men and women from all backgrounds learning the fine craft and skills of working with wood.
Every two years, the Center’s Messier Gallery makes a statewide call for entries. All Maine artists and artisans are encouraged to submit their best work for this show.
The jurors for the 2024 biennial are Dixie Biggs, a woodturner from Gainsville, Florida; John Cameron, a furniture maker from Gloucester, Massachusetts; and Adam Joh Manley, associate professor of furniture design and woodworking at San Diego State University in California.
Two local residents from Harpswell have their work selected for this show, which runs through April 17 at the gallery, 25 Mill St., in Rockport.
One of them is Paulus Wanrooij, who has a studio, “Paulus Fine Furniture,” along Harpswell Neck Road. His submission was his Oceana end table, a different version than what he has been making since 2022.
“I used to make this table with a curly maple top,” Wanrooij said. “Over the summer a local resident commented and suggested I ‘open up’ the top so one could see the intricate play of the curved banded legs. It was really a wonderful idea that has been received very well, and I am very pleased that this was recognized by the jury at the Messler Gallery.”
Not only is the table in the show, but it was awarded “Outstanding Craftsmanship,” a great recognition for this wonderful piece.
Woodturner Julie Vogel also was recognized for her artistry and craftsmanship with her entry in the competition. The exhibit features woodworkers from all genres including furniture makers, marquetarians, sculptors, turners and carvers.
It strives to “amplify and exemplify the value of craftsmanship as it enriches the life of the maker as well as the communities in which they work and reside,” as defined by the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship.
Vogel learned the basics of woodturning from her late father and continues to passionately pursue the craft on her own, realizing her need to express her creativity through wood after a long career as an educator and administrator.
Her entry into the juried show was a modern walnut vessel featuring crushed mussel shell inlay, for which she was awarded the “Best New Maker” award, and reception-goers selected her as co-winner (in a tie) of the “People’s Choice” award.
Out of 64 entries, 24 makers were selected to exhibit in this prestigious show. Eight prizes totaling $2,400, received through generous donations from the Center’s corporate award sponsors, were presented at the reception. Vogel’s work can be seen online at nutmeggerworkshop.com.
