Instructor Bob Brooks, left, of Washingtonville, N.Y., looks over Colin Richardson’s bow during The Maine Primitive Skills School’s bowmaking class. Brooks described bowmaking as therapeutic.

Evan Galhotra of Chicago works on his bow.

Kara Tyson of Augusta works on her bow during a bowmaking class at The Maine Primitive Skills School.

Instructor Nate Bears of Millinocket reduces a bow with a hatchet.

Luke Glennon of Litchfield works on his bow.

Instructor Nate Bears of Millinocket, left, demonstrates techniques for Evan Galhotra of Chicago.

Some of the tools used in The Maine Primitive Skills School's bowmaking class.

Evan Galhotra of Chicago shaves his bow with a draw knife.