The Wailoa Art &Cultural Center’s main event during March will be the ever-popular Big Island Woodturners 16th annual exhibit today through March 28. There will be a meet-the-artists reception from 5-7 p.m. today. The reception is free and open to
The Wailoa Art &Cultural Center’s main event during March will be the ever-popular Big Island Woodturners 16th annual exhibit today through March 28. There will be a meet-the-artists reception from 5-7 p.m. today. The reception is free and open to the public.
In 1997, the Big Island Woodturners Club became the first chapter of the American Association of Woodturners in the state of Hawaii. Formed by founding members Jack Straka, Elmer Adams, Doug Leite, Barry Ching and Kelly Dunn, the club now exceeds 70 members.
A volunteer-driven organization, the active club meets every other month at various woodturners’ studios in East Hawaii, when the club members share their experiences and learn from one another.
“The big event is our annual exhibit (which) features turnings from members from all around the island, including members of the West Hawaii Woodturners Club,” said club coordinator Doug Keown. “With an opening reception, a silent auction, a professional critique and demonstrations twice a day on Saturdays, you will have the opportunity to view over 200 of the best turnings our members have, most of the turnings made just to be entered into this show.
“There is always something wonderful going on during the exhibit. Increasing public awareness for the art of turning is made easy during this event.”
The schedule of demonstrations during the exhibit is as follows:
• 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Mark Stebbins on “Basic Woodturning.”
• Noon-2 p.m. Saturday, Doug Keown on “Pen Making.”
• 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, March 15, Doug Leite, “Intro to the Rose Engine Lathe.”
• Noon-2 p.m. March 15, Leite again, on “Rose Engine Lathe Turning.”
• 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, March 22, Gene Short, on making Christmas ornaments.
• Noon-2 p.m. March 22, Russell Kohashi, “Natural Edge Bowls.”
There will be a free drawing after each demonstration for gift certificates.
Visit www.bigislandwoodturners.org for more information. This exhibit is sponsored in part by Woodcraft Hawaii, HPM and Awapuhi Farms &Mill.
This Woodturners Exhibit is free to the public and, by special arrangement, is open 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and is closed Sundays and on state holidays.
