“Setting the Table”, a collaborative exhibit between the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship and Maine Home + Design, is on exhibit Sept. 28 to Jan. 8. The show consists of six individual dining tableaux, each designed and decorated by Maine artists and artisans.

"We are thrilled to be part of Setting the Table because, from our perspective, this is the perfect synergy between Maine furniture makers, designers and artists — communities we care deeply about and are strong champions of," said Maine Home + Design Managing Editor Rebecca Falzano.

One of the most striking installations in this show revolves around a beautifully designed maple table by Libby Schrum. The table, finished with many light coats of wipe-on poly varnish, is sleek and smooth with rounded edges and a mid-century modern esthetic. The table and four matching frame-back chairs, upholstered here in a red geometric pattern, were designed as spec pieces in Schrumm’s new “City Collection”, which is geared towards smaller, urban spaces.

The Asian-influenced table setting by Debbie Chatfield consists of square black placemats with square white plates with Chinese Lanterns on each for a pop of color. Serving as the centerpiece are three small square potted succulents and black spring-loaded clothespin chopsticks make for fun flatware. The eye-catching wall art from Gleason Fine Art is Susan Jane Belton’s 12-inch by 12-inch images of takeout coffee cups with coffee shop logos. Lighting the scene from above is a primitive recycled corrugated cardboard chandelier.

Across from this tableau is an amusing and evocative scene: one that appears to be the aftermath of a wild strip poker game. On and around the two tall polished burled-wood bar stools are a man’s shirt and tie, a bra and high heels. The pedestal table is strewn with women’s jewelry, a man’s watch and belt, Maker’s Mark Bourbon, two rocks glasses holding frozen whiskey stones, as well as playing cards, with the Ace High Royal Flush winning hand on the woman’s side.  During the opening, attendees repeatedly picked the shirt off the floor and hung it back on the stool, whereas people in the know would casually drop the shirt back on the floor. The stark painting of man’s white shirt from the Elixabeth Moss gallery added to the humor. Overheard at this tableau, “This looks like every morning at my house!”

Tim Rousseau’s lovely table has a Danish Soap-Flake Finish, a wood-finishing method using natural soap (sodium hydroxide lye) and vegetable oil, what most people know as Ivory Flakes). The soap finish is thin, completely flat, and amazingly smooth and soft to the touch. This table has the singular look of imported Danish teak furniture or pickled pine floors. The stunning look of this tableau is completed by Anne Ireland’s “Tidewater Farm View” provided by The Flatiron Gallery, a brilliant fuschia landscape.

The thoughtfully-designed round table by Gregg Lipton is made of wide planks cut down and set in perpendicular rows that intersect to form a square inset in the center, which presently houses a glass vase filled with bamboo stalks.  His furniture is artfully crafted and compelling, as is “Late Valley Light” by Craig Mooney, a huge (48-inch by 48-inch) oil painting from Maine-Art Gallery, which hangs behind it.

Also noteworthy are the Arts and Crafts-influenced “Maine Street” tall chairs designed with springs in the center back slats for comfort, which accompany a handsome pedestal table with center stone grid insert by furniture maker Kevin Rodel.

The Messler Gallery overflowed with attendees during the Sept. 28 opening night reception. Patrons were largely supportive, engaged and interested, and the atmosphere was light and happy. The craftspeople were kept busy all night long, answering questions and disclosing details about their work. As the evening came to a close, a suggestion for “In the Bedroom” as the theme for next year’s show was answered with approving smiles.

The Messler Gallery is located on the campus of the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship, a nonprofit, year-round school offering courses in making furniture, is at the corner of Route 90 and Mill Street, in Rockport.