2019 Turning to the Future

Turning to the Future is sponsored by the AAW. The competition is intended to encourage and support students and instructors in reaching for and attaining the highest levels of skill in the use of the lathe. The contest is open to students in North America.

There are two divisions, High School and Post-Secondary, with three categories each: Functional, Small Turnings, and Open. Five finalists in each division category were chosen to have their work displayed at the 2019 AWFS®Fair in Las Vegas, Nevada. Work was evaluated on craftsmanship, aesthetic appeal, creativity and/or utility, and process documentation.

Judging was completed by professional and recognized wood turners Stuart Batty and Christian Brisepierre. Thanks to the contest sponsors, the two Best of Show winners received Jet 1221SP wood lathes (Woodworker’s Emporium), and category winners received cash prizes of $500 (First Place) and $100 (Second Place) and a tool set from Easy Wood Tools or Woodpeckers.

The 2019 Turning to the Future winners are:

High School – Grand Prize
Oregon Beauty by Charlie Hamilton, Mills E Godwin High School

High School – First Place
African Diamonds by Joel Gonnerman, St. Ansgar High School

High School – Second Place
Noah Robishek for Wooden Windows, Traverse City Central

Post-Secondary – Grand Prize
Joyce Kunz with Ray of Light, Brigham Young University

And Post-Secondary – First Place
Alec Ellis for Walnut Cathedral, Red Rocks Community College

Post-Secondary – Second Place:
Justin Fiaschetti for Tornado Bowl, Boston University