BRIDGTON – Elihu Acker seeks perfection in his work and self-reliance in his life.

Acker, owner of Luna Lobo Enterprises in Denmark, has had no formal training in construction.

“I started pounding nails as a kid, and just kept on going,” he said Saturday at the Bridgton Historical Society’s 14th annual Woodworkers and Artisans Show.

“I look at a tool and just know how to make something with it,” he said.

His portfolio was replete with examples of his expertise in fine furniture-making, detailed carpentry and building construction.

He also works in metal and stone.

Acker’s goal is to develop a “21st-century farm of self-reliance” where he and his neighbors can live well through bartering their skills and products.

His was one of two Denmark businesses showing their wares at the annual show.

Dan Eaton and wife, Linda Whiting, owners of the Smallboat Shop in Denmark, also demonstrate a passion for excellence in their work.

Whiting has had extensive training and experience in boat building and repair. They specialize in restoration and repair of classic wood and canvas canoes. Their work is characterized by attention to detail and dedication to authenticity.

“Where possible, I would rather repair what is there or use old materials than to replace it with new materials,” Whiting said.

Eaton and Whiting had a farm and raised sheep until the boat business became too time-consuming. When they sold the farm, they kept three sheep.

Whiting still uses wool from the sheep to make decorative yarn balls, each individually dyed in marbled and solid colors.

The 1797 Peabody-Fitch house at Narramissic was the setting for the annual event, where local craftsmen and artisans demonstrate their skills and display their creations.

In addition to the Denmark contingent, there were blacksmiths, wood carvers, rustic furniture makers and others.