(SAINT PAUL, Minn. – July 29) The American Association of Woodturners (AAW) is pleased to announce the winners of the first Turning to the Future competition and juried exhibit, which promotes opportunities in woodturning and showcases student woodturning talent. Six students were recognized with awards for their remarkable woodturning work on at the AWFS®Fair, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, as follows:
High School Division Winners
Collegiate Division Winners
The winners and finalists were selected by jurors Christian Brisepierre, professional turner; Jimmy Clewes, professional turner and woodturning instructor; Linda Ferber, program director, American Association of Woodturners; Beth Ireland, professional woodturner, artist, and educator; and, Tib Shaw, curator, American Association of Woodturners. Download a brochure featuring work of the finalists.
The first place winner of each division received $500 and a RIKON 7-220VSR midilathe; second place received $100; and honorable mention received $50. Each winner will also receive a complimentary registration for AAW’s Annual International Symposium, as well as a subscription to the American Woodturner journal, the foremost publication on the art and craft of woodturning in the world. The lathes and cash prizes were generously donated by RIKON Power Tools.
The Turning to the Future competition was developed by the American Association of Woodturners (AAW), nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the art and craft of woodturning worldwide, and AWFS®, the largest national trade association in the U.S. representing the interests of the broad array of companies that supply the home and commercial furnishings industry. North American high school and post-secondary students who attend accredited art, design, woodworking, and trade programs were eligible to compete in Turning to the Future, and a total of 43 entries from 29 students in 12 schools across the U.S. and Canada were received.
ABOUT THE AAW
The American Association of Woodturners (AAW) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, headquartered in Saint Paul, Minnesota, dedicated to advancing the art and craft of woodturning worldwide by offering opportunities for education, information, inspiration, and community to those interested in turning wood. Established in 1986, AAW currently has more than 15,000 members and a network of over 350 local chapters globally representing professionals, amateurs, artists, hobbyists, gallery owners, collectors, and others. The AAW possesses the single largest collection of woodturning information anywhere and its journal, American Woodturner, is the foremost publication on the art and craft of woodturning in the world. To learn more, visit woodturner.org.
ABOUT AWFS®
The Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers® (AWFS), founded in 1911, is a non-profit organization that wholly owns and produces the biennial AWFS®Fair. The largest trade association serving the entire home and commercial furnishings industry, AWFS has more than 300 members, including manufacturers and distributors of machinery, hardware, software, tooling, lumber, components, wood products and supplies for the woodworking industry including cabinet, furniture, millwork and custom woodworking products. To learn more, visit http://www.awfs.org/
ABOUT WOODTURNING
Woodturning is a unique form of woodworking that dates back to ancient Egypt. Woodturning is done on a lathe, a machine that holds and spins wood securely while it is shaped with sharp carving tools. Historically, woodturning has been used to create functional objects like chair legs, candlesticks, and bowls. Today, latheturned work is also understood as an art form and vehicle for individual enrichment, creativity, and selfexpression. It can be found in galleries and museums around the world. Pieces may be functional, ornamental, or even sculptural. With a modest learning curve, woodturning engages people from age 8 to 108, and the skills acquired last a lifetime.
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CONTACT
Kim Rymer
Office 651-484-9094