The 2008 Symposium in Richmond, Virginia, is now behind us – and what a great symposium it was! Were it possible for each member to be there, I’m sure everyone would have been excited about his or her experience. I find that just being with and talking to the fine people that make up the woodturning community is in and by itself inspirational and something to feel really good about, plus there are so many top notch demonstrators to see and study.
There were 164 rotations to choose from, where various aspects and techniques of contemporary and basic woodturning were demonstrated. Attendance at this year’s conference was almost 1,600.
Here are some of the symposium highlights:
- The Instant Gallery showcased almost 1,000 outstanding pieces.
- The Sphere exhibition had 47 truly amazing pieces on display that in total went for over $84,000 at auction. The spheres can be seen on the AAW website and in the show catalog which can be purchased from the AAW Store.
- The Banquet and EOG Auction are always a highlight of the weekend and $64,000 was raised for use in educational grants.
- Turned for Use II, our theme exhibition, provided a rich display of functional items at the Richmond Gallery5. These pieces can also be seen on the AAW website and in a catalog available at the AAW store.
- The Trade Show had 60 vendors displaying and selling their latest woodturning tools, equipment, wood, and merchandise.
- The Artist in Residence exhibit featured two artists over the weekend demonstrating how they create and make their items. Their display of finished work was truly wonderful. Sponsored by the Professional Outreach Program (POP), Artist in Residence was a symposium first.
- The Youth Turning Program, in its fourth year, had 66 young people who were given woodturning training, and 25 of those students were lucky enough to take home a mini-lathe and workstation ensemble.
- The raffle for Phil Brennion was a huge success and the proceeds reached $28,000. Those proceeds will go for health care support for our good AAW friend Phil, who was tragically disabled and is working hard to become rehabilitated. A Powermatic Lathe, a Jet mini-lathe, and a four-jaw chuck were raffled off to lucky winners.
- The Return to the Community project received over 600 donated toys, which were given to a local children’s hospital.
It is not too early to start thinking about next year’s symposium, which will be in Albuquerque, New Mexico, June 26-28. Here is a great opportunity to come to the symposium and visit exciting nearby cities like Santa Fe, Taos, and many other popular southwest areas.The themed exhibit for this symposium will be Spirit of the Southwest, which will be on display at the symposium site.
Here is a chance to start thinking about ideas for something you can come up with to enter in the competition for this exhibition. The more entries we have, the better the exhibition can be. Go ahead and get involved and give it a try!
Bill Haskell – AAW Board of Directors
bhask@roadrunner.com