January 31, 2001. Governor to Accept Conference Table Made by Maine Wood Craftspeople
Augusta, Maine– On January 31 at 1:00 PM at the Maine State Museum in Augusta, Governor Angus King will be accepting an 18- by 7-foot conference table from Maine craftspeople destined for the State House Cabinet Room. The table was commissioned by Governor King in the fall and represents both the work of Maine WoodNet, a network of over 30 small woodworkers and crafters from Western Maine, and the mark of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, a process that symbolizes forest management practices which adhere to high ecological, economic and social standards
The table is a donation to the people of Maine by the Maine Wood Products Association and the presentation is part of the MWPA's annual meeting. Opening remarks will be made by Eric Howard, MWPA's Executive Director followed by Chris Krauss, Coordinator of Maine WoodNet. Krauss will acknowledge the businesses involved in the project and present the Governor with a plaque engraved with the names of 26 businesses and environmental organizations that donated funds for the table. The donors range from Blanchet Logging in Fort Kent, to The Wilderness Society, to Maine Balsam Fir Company of Paris.. A topographical relief map of the state, handcrafted using bird's-eye, lacewood, quilted maple and cherry, by Vincent Richel of Rangeley will also be given to the Governor to place on the table. The Governor, who has had a personal interest in the table and map, will then add his remarks.
"The table represents a fine example of Maine's natural resources, coupled with some of western Maine's best artisans," states Krauss. "This 100% FSC-certified Conference Table is a gift to the state of Maine, a legacy that will remind generations to come of the importance of protecting and preserving our forest resources."
The table is significant in that it is part of the first statehouse renovation in 80 years and that the product itself is a symbol of Maine's working landscape. The table is made entirely of FSC-certified wood from Maine’s forests (hard maple, yellow birch and birds-eye maple). Its creation represents a true collaboration among landowners and small businesses in Western Maine including Seven Islands Land Company, Maine Woods Company in Portage, Prentiss & Krauss in Industry and Wilton, Highland Artworks in Rangeley, Maiden Clay in Farmington, Mainestone Jewelry in Farmington and Anson Woodworking in Anson.
It also represents a partnership between environmentalists and the forest products industry in that Seven Islands is FSC-certified, meaning its forest management meets the highest standards for environmentally responsible forestry. In addition, Maine WoodNet itself is a project of The Wilderness Society, a national conservation organization working toward healthy forest-based communities, improved forest stewardship and wildland protection in the Northern Forest.
Finally, the table reflects a positive economic development initiative in the Western Mountains region that continues to suffer from higher than average unemployment. Maine WoodNet works to support the small forest products sector by helping its members share resources and collaborate on marketing and manufacturing projects. Supported by grants, Maine WoodNet offers free memberships and provides public relations services and business assistance.
The presentation will also be attended by several state and federal officials including the Commissioners of the Departments of Economic and Community Development, and Conservation, Directors of the Maine Forest Service, Maine International Trade Center, and Finance Authority of Maine, Directors or the Maine Offices of the US Department of Commerce and US Small Business Administration, as well as US Congressman John E. Baldacci.
Gary Krauss helped build Conference Table
for Maine State House Cabinet Room
Governor Angus King asked the Maine Wood Products Association (MWPA) to donate a Maine made conference table for the newly renovated Cabinet Room in the State House. MWPA Director, Eric Howard, sent out the request and Maine WoodNet (MWN) rose to the challenge asking Prentiss & Krauss if they would be interested in submitting a design for the table. The talented design team of Mark Prentiss and Gary Krauss agreed- plans were drawn and submitted to Eric with an added twist. MWN director, Chris Krauss wanted the table to be made entirely out of FSC wood. Both MWPA and MWN have been working to assist its members to obtain FSC certification and Krauss felt that this was the perfect opportunity to garner support for FSC certified products. The design was accepted and a flexible manufacturing network, including 4-MWN businesses was developed and coordinated by Krauss. The Governor visited twice to participate in activities, such as sanding the table and sent the National Guard to deliver the table to the State House. The table will be presented to the Governor at the MWPA’s annual meeting on January 31, 2001.
Conference Table
The oval conference table is 7' wide and over 17' long. The top is made out of 2'' Maple with an edging of spaulted Maple and an inlay border of Bird's-eye Maple. The (3) top sections are each supported by an 'Arts & Crafts' style pedestal, which is dominated by (2) massive 8'' x 8'' legs of Yellow Birch. A 1 1/2'' sub top of Yellow Birch supports the top and is strengthened by (4) stretchers of Bird's-eye Maple.
Topographical Map
Along with the FSC Certified table Maine WoodNet members have worked on a commemorative plaque and a topographical relief map that will be placed on top of the table. Artisan Vincent Richel designing a 3-foot long by 2-foot wide 3-dimensional topographical relief map made out of lacewood, bird's-eye maple, quilted maple and cherry showing not only the mountains, lakes, rivers and Appalachian Trail but large islands off the coast. Eight tourmalines, donated by Mainestone's owner Ron Gelinas of Farmington, were used to mark cities and towns of importance.
Plaque
A plaque made of FSC-certified Maine Bird's-eye Maple and Yellow Birch will be
permanently displayed in the Cabinet room describing table materials, participating MWN members and most of the 26 Maine forest products businesses and environmental organizations that donated money to the project. The plaque was made by Gary Krauss and features hand-painted tiles by Maiden Clay in Farmington. The tiles depict the Maine State Seal, state tree (White Pine), flower (Pine Tassel), bird (Chickadee), animal (Moose) and fish (Salmon). Laser printing was done by Anson Woodworking in Anson.
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