The Messler Gallery at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Rockport, Maine, is currently hosting “Free Verse: Explorations in Contemporary Marquetry,” an exhibition that showcases marquetry in all forms. Running from January 24 to April 2, 2025, this thoughtfully curated show highlights the work of 22 artists from six countries. It’s a wonderful showcase of some of the limitless ways to approach marquetry.

Curated by Jim Macdonald, the exhibition shows a range of work that gives voice to a wide range of marquetry artists. One of the featured exhibitors, Chelsea Van Voorhis, says, “It is an extremely beautiful show. Jim Macdonald was asked to curate it. He picked people and asked them to send literally anything. Jim did not even know what people were going to send. Somehow the show ended up being really well rounded. Every piece is different and beautiful.”

The pieces on display range from furniture and wall art to sculptural pieces. There’s a great scope of work from many talented woodworkers.

The Messler Gallery is open Monday through Friday, from 9 AM to 5 PM. Admission is free and open to the public.

For more details about the exhibition and the artists featured, visit the gallery’s web page on the exhibition: Free Verse: Explorations in Contemporary Maquetry

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