The week I visited he was building a prototype of a new, smaller rocker that was based on a chair that he had built years ago.

This was a week like none other! From the beginning to the end I learned so much. Not only about rocking chairs but woodworking itself.

Hal is a great instructor that freely shares his knowledge, tips and tricks and more. It truly was a wonderful week.

If you are interested I have documented the week here on my blog:

Rocking Chair University Week - Day 1

Rocking Chair University Week - Day 2

Rocking Chair University Week - Day 3

Rocking Chair University Week - Day 4

Rocking Chair University Week - Day 5

Hopefully I’ll be able to start building one of these fine chairs in the near future. I guess this is incentive to get the dozen or so projects that are now on my Todo list out of the way! :)

My first stop was at Lie Nielsen Toolworks located in Warren on Route 1. This was a short stop but an enjoyable one. It was a thrill to see the home of these fine tools.

From there I went just outside of the town of Rockport to The Center For Furniture Craftsmanship where I spent several enjoyable hours talking with the instructors and students and touring the school.

Next stop was right in the town of Camden where I dropped into The Ducktrap Bay Trading Company. The Ducktrap, although a retail gallery, is of particular interest to woodcarvers and the art displayed is truly inspirational.

Just up the road from Camden in Lincolnville is Windsor Chairmakers where they not only have hundreds of pieces on display including chairs, tables, cabinets and Shaker furniture but you can tour their shop as well!

And who can leave this area without visiting Captain Tinkham’s Emporium in Searsport? Not me! Captain Tinkham’s is a tool lovers dream and is one of three such tool cribs owned by the Jonesport Wood Company which operates here in Maine. The most notable is Liberty Tools in Liberty.

If you would like to read more about my visits and view the photos you can do so here (link will open in a new window):

A Visit To Lie-Nielsen Toolworks

The Center For Furniture Craftsmanship

The Ducktrap Bay Trading Company

A Visit To Windsor Chairmakers

Toolfest At Captain Tinkham’s Emporium

This was a great couple of days. I saw a lot and learned a lot. It was great enjoying a bit of R&R while still being a part of woodworking!

I first went to Hills Native Art store which, though a retail outlet, is more like a museum or art gallery. It has hundreds of pieces of contemporary Native woodcarvings.

Next I had the chance to spend an afternoon in Stanley Park where the high point of my day was a visit to Totem Park. There are eight Totem poles there and a small interpretive center.

Then I visited the Museum Of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia where I got a chance to see and learn more about traditional woodcarving through actual artifacts.

I came home, not only with a better appreciation of First Peoples artwork, but with more of an understanding of their history and culture.

If anyone is interested I have posted quite a few photos on my website located here:

The Hills Are Alive With Native Art

The Totem Poles Of Totem Park

The Museum Of Anthropology At UBC

Thanks for looking…