The Center for Maine Craft is pleased to announce the opening of “A New Chapter” in West Gardiner, a compelling two-artist exhibition featuring prints and original mixed media artwork by Larry Clifford and handcrafted furniture by Brian Haddock of Rural Modern Furniture. “A New Chapter” is on view Sept. 2 to Oct. 26.
The show explores themes of transformation, memory and material integrity through two distinct but deeply connected practices.
Artists Statements
“My BiblioQuilts are made from damaged and distressed books that were salvaged from basements, attics, and public libraries. I repurpose every part of every book that I receive — the covers, the pages, the spines — breathing new life into my materials with the addition of dyes, inks, and acrylics. Quilts made from repurposed cloth are nothing new. But the combination of mixed media and repurposed books yields a totally new look. Each piece is comprised of hundreds-to-thousands of “tiles” that were harvested primarily from deaccessioned hardcovers that came from libraries across New England — books that no one has read or paid attention to in decades. Most were on their way to the dump.” — Larry Clifford
“My designs are drawn from visual memories of my experiences growing up on an old farm in rural Maine combined with my life long interest in architecture, craft and contemporary design. My craft resume includes work in architectural design, house carpentry, historic preservation, architectural millwork, cabinet work and furniture making. I work in a small shop in Freeport, Maine and strive to produce original furniture that’s more than just a copy of a copy of another maker’s idea. My ideas are my own. The shop is not a manufactory. The furniture is made one piece at a time. I’m doing work that I enjoy and I hope that my furniture will bring enjoyment to you as well.” — Brian Haddock
Together, Clifford and Haddock offer a powerful dialogue on reuse, place and the enduring relevance of craftsmanship. Whether through the transformed pages of long-forgotten books or the timeless strength of hand-built furniture, A New Chapter invites viewers to consider what it means to give old materials and old stories a second life.
The show is at the Center for Maine Craft, 288 Lewiston Road, West Gardiner. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Learn more at shopmainecraft.com/larry-clifford-brian-haddock-2025.
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