ROCKPORT — The Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Rockport announces a statewide call for entries for the fifth juried Maine Wood biennial.

The exhibition, which takes place in the Center's Messler Gallery from January 22 to April 6, 2016, will once again showcase the breadth, creativity, and excellence of wood craftsmanship in the state of Maine.

The deadline for entries is August 28. All Maine artists and artisans who work in wood are encouraged to apply, including furniture makers, turners, carvers, sculptors, luthiers, and others. Submitted work must have been made in Maine during the last five years. The criterion for acceptance is excellence in design and craftsmanship.

Jurors for this year's biennial are Peter Fleming, professor at Sheridan College in Toronto, Matthew Kenney, senior editor at Fine Woodworking magazine, and Emily Zilber, curator at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

Eight awards will be presented at the opening night reception Friday, January 22, 2016.

These are $300 gift certificates contributed by Maine Coast Lumber for 'Best New Maker,' by DMT Diamond Whetstones for 'Best Original Design,' by Rare Woods for 'Best Use of Wood,' by Lie-Nielsen Toolworks for 'Jurors' Best in Show,' by Holt and Bugbee for 'People's Choice,' by Fat Andy's Hardwoods for 'Outstanding Craftsmanship,' by Woodcraft of Newington for 'Best in Furniture,' and by Packard Woodworks for 'Best Turned Object.'

Lead Sponsor for "Maine Wood 2016" is Bangor Savings Bank. Co-sponsoring craft organizations include the Kennebec Valley Woodworkers Association, Maine Crafts Association, Maine Woodturners, and Maine Woodworkers Association. Maine Home + Design magazine is Exclusive Media Sponsor.

Full submission guidelines are available on the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship's Messler Gallery web page at woodschool.org/wood-school-gallery/maine-wood-call-for-entries.

Questions may be directed to Gallery Manager Victoria Allport, at Victoria@woodschool.org or 207-594-5611.

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, call 207-594-5611, email cfc@woodschool.org, or visit www.woodschool.org.

Messler Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

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.