TURNOUT-Maine Museum of Photographic Arts-June 2010

by Kate Toye Photography Amanda Kowalski

A gallery fundraiser in Falmouth

This April, the Maine Museum of Photographic Artists (MMPA) brought together fifty of Maine’s highly talented photographic artists for Capture, a reception held at the Elizabeth Moss Gallery on Route 1 in Falmouth.

Over 250 art enthusiasts, youthful hipsters, and affluent art collectors turned out for the event, which helped support and raise money for the launch of the MMPA’s virtual online museum.

“Everyone’s been amazingly supportive of the idea.  It’s perfect timing to create a museum of photography here in Maine” says Elizabeth Moss, gallery owner.

The opening reception featured fifty photographers and over 100 works for sale. All proceeds benefited the virtual museum’s website. “When people donate they are literally founding a museum,” says Moss. For more information or to make a donation, please visit mainemuseumofphotographicarts.org

TURNOUT-Center for Furniture Craftsmanship-June 2010 by Kate Toye Photography Jonathan Laurence

At Messler Gallery, Center for Furniture Craftsmanship

Rockport’s Messler Gallery held their sixth annual Current Student Work exhibition this spring, drawing in crowds of aspiring and emerging furniture makers from around New England. The exhibit featured the work of twelve highly talented students enrolled in the nine-month comprehensive program at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship.
“It never ceases to amaze me how bold students can be,” says Peter Korn, executive director of the Center. “They jump right into a project that a seasoned pro would shy away from…sometimes with alarming success!”

Local volunteers prepared and passed scrumptious hors d’oeuvres to the 100+ attendees, who mixed and mingled over wine provided by Rayr in Rockport. The gallery’s sleek white walls provided the perfect backdrop for the rich woodwork and unique handmade furniture.The designs boasted cutting-edge techniques including bending, carving, veneering, and inlay. The show also came on the heels of the CraftBoston exhibition, in which three of the students’ pieces had been sold.

The Current Student Work exhibitors include Paul Biehl, Tom Breglia, Adam Brown, Evan Brown, Gary Filmore, Ed Hagenbuch, Tim Hewett, Phillip Leonard, Steve Mackiewicz, John Pennisi, Steven Vowles, and Frederick Wasch. The exhibition can also be viewed on the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship’s website, woodschool.org