The school has been the dream for Rick Gallion for many years. The classes are held in a large, comfortable, well lit, well-equipped shop that was newly constructed in 2011. The goal is provide you with personal attention with skill-building techniques in an atmosphere that encourages creativity, provides relaxation, and help to build woodworking enthusiasts. Teaching isn’t delegated to someone else. Instead, Rick personally teaches each class, so you’ll benefit from Rick’s 25 + years of woodworking experience. Rick wants you to learn all that you can about woodworking and have a great time doing it.
LOCALE – Clary Lake Woodworking School is located between Jefferson and Whitefield in the Mid-Coast Region of Lincoln County Maine. It is a highly informal and unhurried place ruled by the rhythms of nature. Nearby Clary Lake offers opportunities for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, fishing, and bird watching. The setting is a journey into quiet country side, away from tourists crowds, but convenient to coastal adventures.
The Damariscotta Village or Camden/Rockport area are between 15 and 30 miles away 
and are blessed with excellent restaurants, Bay Chamber Concerts, the Maine Media Workshop, and the renowned Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland. Local beaches and lighthouses are beautiful sites for picnics and visiting. Those who like to shop will find an abundance of galleries, antique stores, flea markets, and stores, not to mention L.L. Bean and Freeport outlet shops just 45 min away. For more information visit the Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce and Damariscotta Region Chamber of Commerce, and at mainedreamvacations.com
Augusta is 20 minutes away and has larger stores and woodworking supplies, is the state capitol of the State of Maine. The Maine State Historical Museum is a great place to learn about Maine.
MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES – Students may purchase lumber at the school or nearby for their furniture projects or bring their own. We stock some cherry, maple, white oak, and poplar at normal retail prices. Local suppliers are available to purchase and deliver to the school: NC Hunts ( is 2 miles away, (www. nchuntlumber.net), Viking Lumber (vikinglumber.com), Lapointe Lumber (www.lapointelumber.com) and well as local Home Depot and Lowes in Augusta. For classes that require materials, such as cutting joinery, material will be provided at cost. There are eye protection glasses on hand for purchase for $2 or you may bring your own. They are a must. All the tools needed for classes are at the shop, however you may bring whatever tools you would like.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE – Class time is between 9:00 am and 5 pm, Monday – Saturday. We break for lunch from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Students may work in the shop until 9 pm on class days. The shop will be closed on Sunday and we encourage you to use the day to enjoy the beautiful Maine Mid-Coast surroundings and activities.
LODGING – Our B&B is a charming 162 year old farmhouse set between historic rock walls and tranquil woods, echoing with the calls of the loons on beautiful Clary Lake.The Clary Lake B&B is an informal and unhurried place ruled by the restorative rhythms of nature. The setting is quiet countryside simplicity, away from tourist crowds, yet is convenient to coastal adventures. Nearby Clary Lake offers opportunities for swimming, canoeing, fishing and bird watching. The guest rooms are individually furnished with antiques. Local artists and craftsmen have gallery space near the guest rooms. Antiques, galleries and unique shops are located close by, and the innkeeper/custom woodworker Rick Gallion, will gladly share his craft and school. Room rates include a continental breakfast each morning with fresh fruit, bakery items, coffee, tea, juices and condiments. A full breakfast is available by reservation for $7.00 per person including a four course breakfast (meats, eggs, pancakes, waffles, etc, with fresh fruits and juices). Room rates are: double room with private bath – $85.00; double rooms with shared bath – $75.00. Weekly rates are available. RV and tent camping is available.
GETTING HERE- See maps & directions page
Car from Boston: (approximately 3.5 Hours) Follow signs for HWY I-95 North through New Hampshire to Maine. Just before Portland follow the directions to I-295 through Portland. Continue until exit #51 East to Gardiner. Hwy 126 is Gardiner Road and will take you to the front of Clary Lake B & B and Clary Lake Woodworking School. The 15 miles to the Clary Lake Woodworking School will take you through Gardiner, over the Kennebec River, through Pittston past St. Denis Church, past Whitefield School, past 218 junction, and Post Office. Two more miles and you will see the light yellow house with green shutters on the left.
From Hwy 1: Exit at Newcastle-215 North. Hwy 215 will take you to Gardiner Road (Hwy 126). Be careful to watch for the right turn for hwy 215 at the junction of hwy 194. Continue 10 miles on Hwy 215 to Hwy 126. Turn left and travel 1/2 mile to the B & B and Woodworking School.
Air Travel: Usually, participants fly into Portland (a 1 1/2-hour drive away). It is also possible to fly into Knox County/Rockland Airport (30 minutes away), Boston (3 1/2 hours) or Bangor (1 3/4 hours). Automobile rentals are available at all airports.
PETS – Kindly leave your pets at home.
SMOKING – Enjoy a smoke-free environment in the school and Clary Lake Bed and Breakfast. Smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor areas. The closest of which is down by the lake, if the wind is right.
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