In celebration of Wailoa Center’s 50th anniversary, the Big Island Woodturners Club will feature entries from woodworkers throughout the state during its 19th annual invitational exhibit from March 3-30 at Wailoa.
In celebration of Wailoa Center’s 50th anniversary, the Big Island Woodturners Club will feature entries from woodworkers throughout the state during its 19th annual invitational exhibit from March 3-30 at Wailoa.
Participants will range from dedicated hobbyists to master artisans.
Wailoa invites the public to a free “Meet the Artist” reception from 5-7 p.m. Friday at the center, 200 Piopio St. There will be refreshments, a silent auction featuring turnings from club members and the presentation of awards.
The exhibit will be open for viewing from noon-4:30 p.m. Friday and 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays March 4-30. Admission is free.
On Saturdays, March 4, 11, 18 and 25, stop by from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. for woodturning exhibitions.
“There will be drawings for gift certificates from our exhibit sponsors at each of the demos, so come on down for a fun day of woodturning,” said club exhibit coordinator Doug Keown.
“In 1997, the Big Island Woodturners Club became the first chapter of the American Association of Woodturners in the state of Hawaii,” said Keown, paying tribute to founders Jack Straka, Elmer Adams, Doug Leite, Barry Ching and Kelly Dunn.
More than 70 members now turn out for meetings every other month at various woodturner studios in East Hawaii.
“It’s a volunteer-driven organization. Our club is vital and active,” Keown said. “At our meetings, members share their experiences and learn from one another. A club challenge encourages members to try something new and the meetings are always a fun affair.”
Membership in the club is simple: “Just attend the meetings,” Keown said. “There are no dues to pay, the only requirement is participation.”
Members of the West Hawaii Woodturners Club will be among the participants in the show, with more than 100 pieces featured. The show is sponsored in part by Woodcraft Hawaii, HPM Hilo and Ace Hardware.
For more information, visit www.bigislandwoodturners.org or www.wailoacenter.com.