ROCKPORT — “Current Student Work” opened last week at the Messler Gallery, in Rockport, and will remain on display through May 26. The public is invited to visit.  

The exhibition showcases furniture and decorative objects created by participants in the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship’s flagship professional training, the Nine-Month Comprehensive. Ranging in age from 18 - 56, the students come from an array of backgrounds and professions. The latter include environmental engineering, information technology, contract construction, biochemistry, cabinet making, sculpture, and military service. For many, this exhibition is their first opportunity to present work in a professional setting.

“I salute this year’s students for persevering through the pandemic to create such a fine body of work,” said Tim Rousseau, lead instructor for the course, in a news release, “The range of creative expression and the quality of craftsmanship are outstanding.”

Exhibitors in “Current Student Work” are Dotan Appelbaum, from Minnesota; Jeffrey Aurand, from New York; Wayne Branch, from Colorado; Adam Dixon, from Ohio; Benji Gavron, from the United Kingdom; Glen Gordon, from Maine; Aaron Johnson, from Minnesota; J. Cody, from New York; Sam Mercer, from California; Christopher Schmidt, from Wisconsin; Graham Sparks, from Rhode Island; and Elliott Spear, from Maine.

Voicing a student’s perspective, Aurand notes, “It's so exciting to see everyone's work in the gallery! Although we've shared this journey, each individual’s experience is on display in this show, and I'm proud to be a part of this group of talented makers.”

The Nine-month Comprehensive is designed for aspiring professional furniture makers and dedicated amateurs who seek in-depth training at the highest standard of excellence. Students complete sequential projects that take them from woodworking fundamentals through fine points of design and craftsmanship.

Rousseau is joined by twelve co-teachers who possess expertise in specialties such as casework, finishing, carving, drawing, bending, veneering, and chair making. Instructors who live in Maine include finisher Seth Bosdell, furniture maker Patrick Coughlin, CNC adept Mark Juliana, furniture maker and sculptor Yuri Kobayashi, marquetarian Jim Macdonald, furniture maker Brian Reid, furniture designer Adam Rogers, furniture maker Libby Schrum, architect Matthew Silverio, and carver Valdemar Skov. They are joined by furniture maker Owain Harris, from New Hampshire, and turner Beth Ireland, from Florida. 

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, e-mail victoria@woodschool.org or visit our website at www.woodschool.org. Messler Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. 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.