2010 Calendar of Events

Please Note: If you would like to receive a free copy of the workshop/demonstration flyer including the workshop registration form, please contact usshakers@aol.com or (207) 926-4597 or Shaker Museum, 707 Shaker Rd., New Gloucester, ME 04260.

Printable Workshop Registration Form

Workshops & Craft Demonstrations & Special Events held at the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village
Shaker Museum, 707 Shaker Rd, New Gloucester, ME 04260 -- (207) 926-4597
Office email: usshakers@aol.com

March 2010

March
10-14

Shaker Booth at Portland Flower Show
58 Fore St. on the edge of the Old Port section of the Portland waterfront. Award winning displays in an historic building. Shaker booth at the show will have culinary herbs, herbal teas, herbal specialties and books-"come see the show and come see us".
May 2010
May 28

Memorial Day Weekend
Shaker Museum opens for the 2010 season

Tours, exhibits, gift shops, crafts demos and workshops, special events.

Monday thru Saturday, 10 AM - 4:30 PM; (closed Sundays)
May 29 Floorcloth Workshop
Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm; Instructor: Betsy Grecoe
A repeat favorite! Betsy will show you how to make a 2'x3' floorcloth, a traditional floor covering of the 19th century. Betsy will show you how to construct a sturdy floorcloth using canvas, acrylic paint and polyurethane. She will show you a few traditional and contemporary designs to follow or you may create your own individual design. Please wear work clothes.
Enrollment: 6 minimum / 10 maximum
Fee: $55.00 (pre-registration required)

(Bring your own lunch - lemonade will be provided)
CRAFTS DEMONSTRATION: R&R Spinners
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
(No pre-registration required)

Nature Hike (pre-registration required)
10 AM - 12:30 PM OR 1:30 PM - 4 PM
Nature hikes are a guided tour of the Shaker fields, forests, Loon's Point on Sabbathday Lake and the footbridge over Aurelia's Cascade. Your guide is Carol Beyna, a trained naturalist with vast knowledge of the flora and fauna that are at the Shaker Village. She brings to us a wealth of experience from her outdoor studies in Maryland and has been leading nature hikes through the Shakers' woods for several years. Carol is a skilled instructor, able to pique the interest and curiosity of children and adults. The hikes are 2-1/2 hours long and begin at 10 am and 1:30 pm. Please come dressed for a hike through the woods with mud and bugs, rain or shine. Wear sturdy footwear.
FEE: $5.00 adults; $2.00 children; under 6 FREE
Call (207) 926-4597 to make reservations, or email usshakers@aol.com
June 2010
June 2

Sabbathday Lake Shaker Herb Garden Internships
For those interested in learning more about herb gardening, herb lore and creative herb uses, we are once again offering Sabbathday Lake Shaker Herb Garden Internships. Morning sessions start at 10 am and are in the gardens, afternoons are usually set aside for herb projects and end about 2 pm. Internships start June 3. Interns will come Tuesdays and/or Thursdays. For more information call (207) 926-4597, or Betsey-Ann Golon (207) 787-2764.
June 5

Shape Note Singers

Join shape note singers in the 1794 Shaker Meetinghouse. Shape note singing is one of the oldest traditions in American music, in the Sacred Harp tradition. The public is invited to sit in and listen, or even to join in the singing! Admission is free.
Mammal Mysteries
Saturday, 9 am – 12 noon; Instructors: Stephen & Karen Seymour
Calling all those ages 5 – 95! Come and join us to explore the world of mammals through skulls. Ever find some bones in the woods and wonder what it belonged to? We will examine a variety of skulls and use a simplified key to identify them. Come dressed for a walk in the woods as we will search for signs of animals all around us.
Enrollment: 15
Fee: $30.00 for 2

Knitting Cables Workshop

Saturday, 9 am - 12 noon; Instructors: Mary Philbin and Naomi Northrup
Advanced beginner knitters and beyond are invited to this workshop where you will learn to knit a few and basic cables. Good way to "dress up" your knitting. Knit cable swatches with Shaker yarn. Class includes two skeins of Shaker yarn (your choice of colors) and directions to make an Aran knit pillow-a great cable project. Please bring a large cable needle and size 8 knitting needles.

Enrollment: 8

Fee: $50.00 (pre-registration required)
June 12

WORKING WITH WOOD
Dovetails - class #1
Instructor: Chris Becksvoort
session #1 Saturday, 9 am - 12 noon

session #2 Saturday, 1 pm - 4 pm
In this workshop participants will learn the proper layout procedures, techniques and tricks to constructing dovetails - how to saw to a line, marking, sawing and chopping. Emphasis is on precision and technique, not a finished project. Please bring pencil, rule, knife, square, marking gauge, t-bevel (or dovetail marker), 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", and 3/4" chisels, mallet and dovetail saw.
CHOOSE EITHER SESSION #1 OR SESSION #2
Enrollment: 4/session
Fee: $35.00 (pre-registration required)
HERB WORKSHOPS
Lavender
Saturday, 10 am - 1 pm; Instructor: Betsey-Ann Golon
The Shakers have grown lavender for over 200 years. Learn the best varieties of lavender to plant, how to maintain raised beds, simple propagation, pruning, mulching, harvesting and drying. Participants will visit the Shaker herb gardens and then create recipes for lavender sugar, Herbes du Provence and lavender shortbread. You'll also create a lavender sachet or a pomander to take home along with information sheets, resources and recipes.
Enrollment: 12
Fee: $40.00 (pre-registration required)
CRAFTS DEMONSTRATION: R&R Spinners
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
(No pre-registration required)
June 19

WORKING WITH WOOD
Dovetails - class #2
Instructor: Chris Becksvoort
session #1 Saturday, 9 am - 12 noon

session #2 Saturday, 1 pm - 4 pm
In this workshop participants will learn the proper layout procedures, techniques and tricks to constructing dovetails - how to saw to a line, marking, sawing and chopping. Emphasis is on precision and technique, not a finished project. Please bring pencil, rule, knife, square, marking gauge, t-bevel (or dovetail marker), 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", and 3/4" chisels, mallet and dovetail saw.
CHOOSE EITHER SESSION #1 OR SESSION #2
Enrollment: 4/session
Fee: $35.00 (pre-registration required)

Chair Caning Workshop - class #1
Saturday, 9 am - 4 pm; Instructor: Fran Faulkner
Learn the 7-step method of chair caning. Bring a chair of your own that is clean and sound. The class is restricted to hand woven chairs. The chairs can be identified by the holes drilled through the seat and/or back for the weaving of the cane. Caning will be provided to get you started on your first chair. Fran will be available the following Saturday, June 26, from 9 am - noon for those needing more guidance.
Enrollment: 12
Fee: $35.00 (pre-registration required)

(Bring your own lunch - lemonade will be provided)
CRAFTS DEMONSTRATION: Blacksmithing - Tim Greene
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
(No pre-registration required)
Nature Hike (pre-registration required)
10 AM - 12:30 PM OR 1:30 PM - 4 PM
See May 29th entry for details. Wear sturdy footwear.
FEE: $5.00 adults; $2.00 children; under 6 FREE
Call (207) 926-4597 to make reservations, or email usshakers@aol.com
June 23-26

Maine Festival of American Music: Its Roots and Traditions - 5th season

Gershwin! Shaker! Bloch! Mozart! Dvorak! An array of music that portrays the roots and traditions of American music. The fifth annual Maine Festival of American Music will take place at the 1794 Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village Meetinghouse. The members of the Portland String Quartet are the Festival directors and performers. Guest artists this year are renowned pianist and Gershwin expert Paul Posnak and soprano Christina Astrachan. Three evening concerts, a lecture and a workshop day. Reservations required. For more information, call (207) 926-4597.
June 26 Woodcarving for Beginners
Saturday, 9 am - 4 pm; Instructor: Norm Devonshire
Start a new hobby. Come and learn the basics of carving and go home with a finished carving. Norm will teach you the proper use of the knife including the types of cuts and how to sharpen the knife. Fee includes a carving blank (wood). Knife provided.
Enrollment: 6
Fee: $40.00 (pre-registration required)

(Bring your own lunch - lemonade will be provided)
July 2010
July 3

Shaker Style Herb Cabinet

Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm; Instructors: Dan & Betsy Grecoe
Join Dan & Betsy to make a Shaker style herb cabinet. The pine cabinet, measuring 18-1/4" high x 12-1/2" wide x 5" deep, is closed on three sides with an open front and has 2 shelves. The shelves will hold and display many items - including Shaker herb tins. Dan will lead you through the steps to make and prepare the cabinet for finishing. Betsy will show you how to apply and rub out a milk paint finish - a small stencil design may also be added. Please wear work clothes. Minimum enrollment of 6 must be reached by June 16th or the workshop will be cancelled.

Enrollment: 6 minimum / 10 maximum

Fee: $55.00 (pre-registration required)

(Bring your own lunch - lemonade will be provided)
July 10 Shaker Style Bench
Saturday, 9 am - 4 pm; Instructor: Chris Becksvoort
Every home can use a bench and your home is no exception. This 14" high pine bench of Shaker design can also be used as a small side table. Although relatively simple looking, it requires a series of interlocking, wedged mortise and tenon joints. The bench will be completed during the workshop, awaiting the finish of your choice. Please bring a square, knife, marking gauge, saw, chisels and mallet.
Enrollment: 10
Fee: $40.00 (pre-registration required)

(Bring your own lunch - lemonade will be provided)

Heirloom Seeds
Saturday, 10 am - 1 pm; Instructor: Betsey-Ann Golon
Shaker communities were growing and selling seed by the late 1700s here in America. You will visit the Shaker gardens and learn about early varieties, how to save seed and where to join seed swaps. You will leave class with heirloom seed catalogs, vegetable, flower and herb seeds, heirloom plants and a keener appreciation for our garden heritage.
Enrollment: 12
Fee: $40.00 (pre-registration required)
CRAFTS DEMONSTRATION: R&R Spinners
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
(No pre-registration required)
Nature Hike (pre-registration required)
10 AM - 12:30 PM OR 1:30 PM - 4 PM
See May 29th entry for details. Wear sturdy footwear.
FEE: $5.00 adults; $2.00 children; under 6 FREE
Call (207) 926-4597 to make reservations, or email usshakers@aol.com
July 24 Shaker Style Cathead Basket Workshop
Saturday, 9:30 am - 4 pm; Instructor: Pat Libby
The most well-known Shaker style basket amongst all of the Shaker heritage is the cathead basket - named for its four pointed base that looks like cat's ears. This basket will be made from either natural or multi-colored reed and can serve many uses. Super for beginners and beyond.
Enrollment: 10
Fee: $35.00 (pre-registration required)

(Bring your own lunch - lemonade will be provided)
CRAFTS DEMONSTRATION: Maine Angora Producers
Members of the Producers will demonstrate their spinning skills and also other aspects of their craft beginning at 10 am. A sale of unique creations will also be held.
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
(No pre-registration required)
July 25

MAINE FARM DAY
12 noon - 4:30 pm
Shaker Village opens at 12 noon as a part of this state wide celebration of Maine agriculture. Enjoy wagon rides and barn tours, Scottish Highland cattle, and sheep, the Shaker Store, barbecue meals, and tours of our Herb Department and gardens, Museum Reception Center with gifts and exhibits, and our new architecture exhibit. Admission is free.

(www.getrealmaine.com)
August 2010
August 7

Herbal Mustards, Oils, and Vinegars
Saturday, 10 am - 1 pm; Instructor: Betsey-Ann Golon
Canning and preserving the herbal harvest is the reward for the hours spent in the garden. Celebrate with us by making, tasting, and taking home recipes to enjoy later. We'll pick herbs from the Shaker garden and then create an herbal bounty of flavor. White wine vinegar with lemon thyme, tarragon mustard and cinnamon basil oil are just a few recipes we'll try. Participants will leave with recipes, resources, herbs and samples.

Enrollment: 12
Fee: $40.00 (pre-registration required)

Spin Yarn from Paper
Saturday, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm; Instructor: Dolores Broberg
The process of spinning yarn into paper was invented by the Chinese over 1,000 years ago. The Japanese refined it into an art, and many products you grew up with, crafted in Europe and America, were made from paper fiber. Learn how to spin paper yarn in just a few hours, using paper you find around the house. It can be used in crafts such as basket making or bookmaking, or come back in a couple of weeks and learn how to weave with it. [Materials are provided, but if you have a sheet of Japanese paper, a spinning device such as a wheel or drop spindle, a drill, or a bobbin winder, as well as scissors for cutting paper, that would help to move things along.]
Enrollment: 10
Fee: $25.00 (pre-registration required)
August
14-15

Friends of the Shakers' Weekend

Annual meeting and special events for members of the Friends. Please Note: the Shaker Museum and the Shaker Store remain open to the general public as always but special events are open to the Friends only.
August 21

Woodcarving for Intermediates
Saturday, 9 am - 4 pm; Instructor: Norm Devonshire
This class is for carvers with some experience. Norm will lead you through the process of carving Father Christmas in the round. Bring your knives and gauges with you. Blank will be provided. Norm will be available the following Saturday, August 28, from 9am - noon for those who need more guidance.
Enrollment: 6 minimum / 10 maximum
Fee: $35.00 (pre-registration required)

(Bring your own lunch - lemonade will be provided)

Chair Caning Workshop - class #2
Saturday, 9 am - 4 pm; Instructor: Fran Faulkner

Learn the 7-step method of chair caning. Bring a chair of your own that is clean and sound. The class is restricted to hand woven chairs. The chairs can be identified by the holes drilled through the seat and/or back for the weaving of the cane. Caning will be provided to get you started on your first chair. Fran will be available the following Saturday, August 28, from 9 am - noon for those needing more guidance.

Enrollment: 12
Fee: $35.00 (pre-registration required)

(Bring your own lunch - lemonade will be provided)
CRAFTS DEMONSTRATION: R&R Spinners
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
(No pre-registration required)
Nature Hike (pre-registration required)
10 AM - 12:30 PM OR 1:30 PM - 4 PM
See May 29th entry for details. Wear sturdy footwear.
FEE: $5.00 adults; $2.00 children; under 6 FREE
Call (207) 926-4597 to make reservations, or email usshakers@aol.com
August 28

MAINE NATIVE AMERICAN SUMMER MARKET & DEMONSTRATION
Saturday, 10 am - 3 pm
A repeat of last year's highly successful demo and sale. Fifteen Native American artists representing three tribes will be on hand to show their creations and demonstrate how such beautiful traditions continue in Maine. Admission is free.

Weave a Bookmark using Tapestry Techniques
Saturday, 10 am - 3 pm; Instructor: Dolores Broberg
Learn the ancient art of tapestry weaving with just a small commitment of your time and energy. Use that paper yarn you made earlier along with beautiful yarns the instructor will bring. End up with the ability to make small, elegant gifts that friends and family will prize and which you can easily send in the mail.
Enrollment: 15
Fee: $30.00 (pre-registration required)

(Bring your own lunch - lemonade will be provided)
September 2010
September 4

Gel Printing, Floral Prints
Saturday, 9:30 am - 4 pm; Instructor: Bonnie Faulkner
Gel printing utilizes simple tools: a soft brayer, water-based printer's ink and a gel surface made from pharmaceutical gel. From there, the exploration of mark making and image making begins and the potential and possibilities are infinitely endless and intriguing. Using a variety of freshly picked Shaker herbs, we will create delicate flora images that can be transformed and layered in a variety of basic printmaking techniques. Make your own stationery, greeting cards or simply enjoy an original gel print to hang in a frame! There are no rules - once a print is pulled you are encouraged to "read" it, and then continue to work on it depending on what the print itself calls for. Gel printing will welcome you and open up your creative spirit! Artists of all levels are welcome.
Enrollment: 12
Fee: $40.00 (pre-registration required)

(Bring your own lunch - lemonade will be provided)
September 11

Book Arts
Saturday, 9:30 am - 4 pm; Instructor: Bonnie Faulkner
This workshop is intended as an introduction to the art of hand-made books. Each participant will leave at the end of the day with at least 3 completed books. There is an entire field of possibilities to making your own books. Contents can range from poetry, prose, photographs, collage, short stories, children's stories, etc. You are only limited by your imagination. Through a series of demonstrations and practical applications, you will be shown how to make a range of simple sewn and folded book structures including: accordion, pocket, and single section notebook. This workshop is geared toward the beginning bookbinder but all are welcome! Participants should bring any photos, memorabilia, poetry or other 2D tidbits that might be incorporated into your books.
Enrollment: 12
Fee: $40.00 (pre-registration required)

(Bring your own lunch - lemonade will be provided)
CRAFTS DEMONSTRATION: R&R Spinners
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
(No pre-registration required)
CRAFTS DEMONSTRATION: Blacksmithing - Tim Greene
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
(No pre-registration required)
Nature Hike (pre-registration required)
10 AM - 12:30 PM OR 1:30 PM - 4 PM
See May 29th entry for details. Wear sturdy footwear.
FEE: $5.00 adults; $2.00 children; under 6 FREE
Call (207) 926-4597 to make reservations, or email usshakers@aol.com
September 18 CRAFTS DEMONSTRATION: Classic Quilters
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
(No pre-registration required)
September 23-26 Shaker Booth at Common Ground Country Fair
Maine's most unusual fair with multiple offerings including our Shaker booth as part of the Maine Agricultural Products Area of the Fair. The fair is held in Unity,ME, just off Routes 139/220. For details about the fair visit www.mofga.org. Plan to join us.
September 25

Apple Saturday

10 am - 4:30 pm

Cider pressing will be featured at every 2010 Apple Saturday - the pressing is free - bring your own apples or buy Shaker orchard apples at the Shaker Store.
Special Event: Apple Pie Sale - in cooperation with the New Gloucester Historical Society
October 2009
October 2

Apple Saturday

10 am - 4:30 pm
Cider pressing will be featured at every 2010 Apple Saturday - the pressing is free - bring your own apples or buy Shaker orchard apples at the Shaker Store.
Special Event: Candied Apple Sale
Learning Magic
Saturday, 9 am - 12 noon; Instructors: Karen & Stephen Seymour
Amaze your family and friends! This introduction to the art of performing magic will start with a magic show and will end with each participant taking home wonders to share. No experience necessary, just the ability to follow directions and keep a secret. This workshop is entirely indoors and will be held rain or shine.
Enrollment: 15
Fee: $30.00 for 2 (pre-registration required)
CRAFTS DEMONSTRATION: R&R Spinners
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
(No pre-registration required)
October 9

Apple Saturday

10 am - 4:30 pm
Cider pressing will be featured at every 2010 Apple Saturday - the pressing is free - bring your own apples or buy Shaker orchard apples at the Shaker Store.
Special Event: Cider and doughnut sale
CRAFTS DEMONSTRATION: Weaving - Marjie Thompson
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
(No pre-registration required)
Nature Hike (pre-registration required)
10 AM - 12:30 PM OR 1:30 PM - 4 PM
See May 29th entry for details. Wear sturdy footwear.
FEE: $5.00 adults; $2.00 children; under 6 FREE
Call (207) 926-4597 to make reservations, or email usshakers@aol.com
October 11

Columbus Day - Shaker Museum closes for the 2010 season

Shaker Store open Saturdays ONLY, 10 AM - 4:30 PM until the Shaker Christmas Fair on December 4.
December 2009
December 4

Shaker Christmas Fair

Saturday, 10 AM - 3 PM

A traditional holiday fair with gifts for all ages held in nine rooms of the 1816 Trustees' Office and the Merry Christmas Garage. Highlights include Shaker home made baked goods, holiday comestibles, handmade items, Shaker oval boxes, Shaker herbs, Book Room, wooden toys, Shaker yarns, cheese and pickles, wreaths, a White Elephant Room full of bargains and many more holiday offerings.

"Come one, come all."

Odds and Ends of Workshop Registration Instruction

  1. Registrations accepted in the order received by our office - pre-registration required for all workshops - enrollment limits in each workshop.
  2. Full fee due at time of registration.
  3. Refund of fee dependent upon timing of participant cancellation and any expenses incurred by the museum at the time of the cancellation.
  4. Cancellation of a workshop by the Shaker Museum results in full refund to participants.
  5. Members of the Friends of the Shakers are entitled to a $5.00 discount on fees.
  6. Register early to avoid disappointment.
  7. Read the workshop descriptions carefully - many of the workshops have special notes for participants.
  8. No registration confirmations will be sent - a reminder card will be sent a week or so ahead of the workshop date.

Questions? Pre-registration information? For more details or information on any calendar listings, call: (207) 926-4597; or email: usshakers@aol.com

Printable Workshop Registration Form

A little bit about our Instructors ...

Chris Becksvoort is a nationally recognized cabinetmaker who practices his trade in our hometown of New Gloucester, Maine. He has a tremendous knowledge of wood and great mastery of hand tools and age-old techniques, including hand-cut dovetail joinery. He is the author of the book Shaker Legacy (available in our Reception Center), and frequent contributor to Fine Woodworking magazine. Chris frequently donates his time and talents to Shaker Village.

Dolores Broberg lives in South Portland, Maine and has been doing crafts in Maine and workshops at the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village for many years. Her workshops blend ancient and international crafts with unique, modern style. Dolores specializes in a wide range of papermaking techniques and artistic methods.

Norm Devonshire of Raymond, Maine is an accomplished woodcarver who has received awards for his skill and creativity. Norm is always working on some project -a folk carving of a person or animal, or perhaps a sculptural rendition of a bird. Norm's enthusiasm and passion for woodcarving are contagious, so his workshops are always popular with beginners and hobbyist woodworkers alike. His work can be seen in our museum gift shop.

Bonnie Faulkner, owner of Heron Point Gallery in Portland, Maine has a wealth of abilities including fused and stained glass, jewelry-making, textiles arts and bookmaking. Her association with Shaker Village goes back many years and we are very pleased to offer her 2010 workshops, which are totally new to our schedule.

Fran Faulkner of Yarmouth, Maine has been doing chair caning workshops for too many years to count! He is not only a master of standard chair caning, but also has an extensive background in some of the most challenging techniques ever created. Fran's gentle and patient disposition makes it possible for even the beginner to successfully cane their first chair.

Betsey-Ann Golon, owner of Common Folk Farm in Naples, Maine is the herbalist at the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, where she manages the herb gardens and internship program. She also lectures nationally on a wide variety of topics, ranging from planting and growing herbs, to creating herbal products, tinctures and recipes. She regularly participates and consults at several renowned sites in the eastern United States, including historic Mt. Vernon.

Dan & Betsy Grecoe come to us from Tewksbury, MA. They are lifelong teachers, including decades in Massachusetts public schools and many years here leading workshops at Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village. They have also made many other contributions to the village with their friendship and creative skills.

Pat Libby of North Conway, NH is a long-time basket maker, Shaker Library volunteer and former guide and neighbor. Pat is replete with "Yankee ingenuity" and has a wealth of experience in basket-making techniques. Some of her baskets are on sale in our Reception Center gift shop.

Stephen & Karen Seymour of Windham, Maine are involved with a lot of people covering a lot of different age groups. Stephen is a Kindergarten teacher and Karen is a trained magician. Their teaching and recreational experience extends across the United States. They are perfect leaders for these family workshops.