South Puget Sound Woodturners

Call for Entries

The AAW has put out a call for entries for the 2020 AAW Symposium Themed Member Exhibition. The symposium is being held in Louisville, Kentucky and the exhibition theme is Step up to the Plate. There are two different options for this theme: baseball or horses. Baseball and woodturning go way back and are closely linked, so the theme for 2020 will be baseball related, but don’t feel constrained. Along with being America’s pastime, baseball also contributed many expressions to our language, including “Step up to the plate,” which has been defined as a willingness to take responsibility for something, to rise to the occasion, to accept a challenge. For many of us, finding the best in each piece of wood, each new project, is a chance to rise to a challenge. The phrase also could be a jumping-off point for a narrative work about a personal or societal challenge. Step up to the Plate was also the theme for the 2006 AAW member exhibit. Sometimes a theme is so good we just need to see a replay.

The exhibition is open to any AAW member and full-time students in art, design, or industry-related programs regardless of membership status. All types of turnings are welcome. The entry fee is $25 for up to three items. Applications are due by March 15, 2020 and artists will be notified by Marcy 31, 2020.

More information can be found on the exhibition call web page.

Tim S October 25, 2019 October 25, 2019 AAW / symposiums / woodturning events

October Demonstrator

This month Cynthia Gibson will be our demonstrator at the regular October membership meeting. Cynthia’s work is elegant and distinctive, and often combines coloring in unusual and beautiful ways. Her unique style of pyrography has gained international recognition. The opportunity to attend demonstrations at regular meetings are a part of what your SPSW dues pay for each year. You can see Cynthia’s work on her website cynthiagibsonpyrography.com/

Tim S October 14, 2019 October 14, 2019 demonstrator / Membership Meeting / techniques / woodturner profile / woodturning events

Ray Key Collaboration Auction Nears End

As we posted previously, The Associated Woodturners of Great Britain is auctioning off turned items that were started by Ray Key and completed by turners from around the world who had a connection to Ray. That auction is nearing the end, which is October 13th at 17:00 BST. There are 118 beautiful pieces that would enhance any room that they are displayed in. Many of the items have not met the reserve bid so this is an opportunity to obtain an amazing piece of art created by world renowned artists. Visit the Ray Key Woodturners Collaboration page and take a look at the many stunning pieces available.

Tim S October 9, 2019 October 9, 2019 woodturner profile / woodturners

Utah Woodturning Symposium Discontinued

After a 39 year run of annual symposiums culminating in 2018, the executive board of the Utah Woodturning Symposium has decided to discontinue the symposium. A statement on the Symposium website says:

Dear Woodturning Friends,

The Executive Board for the Utah Woodturning Symposium has determined to discontinue the symposium. Although this was not an easy decision, a variety of factors have combined which make us question the continued financial viability of the symposium while still maintaining the level of quality we strive for and have enjoyed in past years.

We express sincere appreciation to the hundreds of volunteers who have helped make the Utah Woodturning Symposium a success over the past four decades. We also thank the many world-class presenters who openly shared their hard-earned expertise. Most of all, we thank the thousands of participants who supported the symposium by their attendance, many who returned year after year creating a family-reunion type atmosphere. We have made wonderful life-long friendships and have fond memories to last long into the future.

As you may know, the Utah Woodturning Symposium was initiated in 1978 by Dale Nish and became a groundbreaking model for many other woodturning symposiums. It continued for 39 years making it the longest running woodturning symposium in the world.

It has been a great run and we feel honored to have been part of it. Thank you again for your past support.

Sincerely,

Utah Woodturning Symposium, Executive Board

Rex Burningham, Kip Christensen, Mike Mahoney

Tim S October 1, 2019 October 1, 2019 demonstrator / symposiums / techniques / woodturning events

Welcome

Featured Tim S September 15, 2019 September 16, 2019 welcome

September Membership Meeting

This month we will host another of our ever-popular mini-symposiums. Several of our talented members will be sharing their skills and knowledge to help the rest of us improve ours. Visit as many of these demonstrations as you can, and buy wood or some tools at great prices.