ROCKPORT — Six Maine woodworkers were honored with awards at the opening of "Maine Wood 2016"  Friday, Jan. 29. The exhibition is the fifth in a biennial series presented by the Messler Gallery of the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship to showcase the breadth, creativity, and excellence of wood craftsmanship in Maine. It features furniture, carving, marquetry, turning, sculpture and one canoe by 23 Maine artisans and artists, chosen by an independent jury from 90 entries.

Michaela C. Stone, from Rockport received two separate awards for her intricate Flora Hall Table. For "Jurors' Best in Show" she was presented with a $300 gift certificate sponsored by Lie-Nielsen Toolworks of Warren. For "People's Choice" (as voted by attendees at the opening) she was given a cash prize of $300 sponsored by Holt & Bugbee, of Tewksbury, MA.

Eben Blaney, from Edgecomb, took home two awards for his Cormorant table: a $300 gift certificate for "Outstanding Craftsmanship" sponsored by Fat Andy's Hardwoods of Yarmouth, and a $300 gift certificate for "Best in Furniture" sponsored by Newington Woodcraft of Newington, NH.

Kevin Rodel, from Brunswick, was honored for "Best Original Design" for his Maori Sideboard with a $300 gift certificate from DMT Diamond Whetstones of Marlborough, Mass.

David Boyle, from Bath, was accorded "Best Use of Wood" for his Seachest with a $300 gift certificate sponsored by Rare Woods of Mexico.

Christopher Joyce, from Stonington, took the honor for "Best Turned Object" with his Black Ash Burl Vessel and a $300 gift certificate sponsored by Packard Woodworks of Tryon, NC.

Dylan Estabrooks, from Portland, was selected "Best New Maker" for his Duncan coffee table, with a $300 gift certificate sponsored by Maine Coast Lumber of York.

The exhibition's corporate sponsor is Bangor Savings Bank and its media sponsor is Maine Home + Design magazine. The show is co-sponsored by four Maine craft organizations: Kennebec Valley Woodworkers Association, Maine Craft Association, Maine Woodturners, and Maine Woodworkers Association. To view the award winning pieces, woodschool.org/wood-school-gallery/current-exhibitions/maine-wood-2016.

Jurors for the 2016 biennial were Peter Fleming, Head of Furniture at the Sheridan College Bachelor of Craft and Design Program in Toronto; Matthew Kenney, Senior Editor at Fine Woodworking; and Emily Zilber, curator at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

For more information on the exhibition, jurors, sponsors, and awards please contact Messler Gallery Manager Victoria Allport at 207-594-5611 or victoria@woodschool.org.