New Work by Faculty at the Messler Gallery
ROCKPORT, ME – “New Work by Faculty,” an exhibition of fine furniture and sculpture is currently on view at the Messler Gallery at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Rockport. The exhibition runs through September 4.
“New Work by Faculty” showcases 23 of the Center’s 45 instructors for 2009. The work on display exemplifies the uncompromising standards of craftsmanship and design which they strive to impart to approximately 300 students who attend each year. The diversity of work reflects the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship’s teaching philosophy, which is to encourage each student to find his or her own creative voice.
The Center’s instructors come from all over the United States, as well as Canada, Australia, and England. The work on exhibit speaks of the diverse backgrounds and visions of the faculty. Kevin Rodel’s Prairie-Style Light Box is a striking example of the Arts and Crafts tradition. Alternatively, Pete Schlebecker’s Sunrise Lamp incorporates contemporary technology with colorful LED bulbs and an illumination-by-touch feature. Drawings by artist John Whalley, a “plyscape” by Stephen Gleasner, and a wooden torso by Chris Pye complement the more functional furniture on exhibit.
International instructors in this show include Adrian Ferrazzutti from Canada, Chris Pye and Tom Kealy from England, and David Upfill-Brown from Australia. Exhibiting woodworkers from the across the United States are Jennifer Anderson (California), Ted Blachly and Jere Osgood (New Hampshire), Mark Gardner (North Carolina), Garrett Hack (Vermont), Matthew Hill (Oklahoma), Beth Ireland (Massachusetts), Alan Lacer (Wisconsin), and Peter Galbert (New York). Participants from Maine are Stephen Gleasner, Jerry Curry, John McAlevey, Mason McBrien, Jim Macdonald, Austin Matheson, Brian Reid, Kevin Rodel, Tim Rousseau, Peter Schlebecker, Peter Turner and John Whalley.
Messler Gallery summer hours (starting June 29) are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The Messler Gallery is located on the campus of the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship, at the corner of Route 90 and Mill Street in Rockport, Maine. The exhibition can also be viewed on the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship’s website, www.woodschool.org.
The Center for Furniture Craftsmanship is a nonprofit, year-round school that offers courses in furniture making and related arts such as carving and woodturning. For more information, please call 207-594-5611 or e-mail cfc@woodschool.org.