Woodturning Symposium June 18-20 in Hartford, Conn.

Without a doubt, one of the best ways to pick up new turning skills, find inspiration and supercharge your creative battery is to attend the American Association of Woodturners (AAW) Annual Symposium, June 18 – 20 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, Conn. Dozens of topics will be covered in 150 demonstrations by turners from around the world.

Over the past 20 years, lathe turning has become an exciting aspect of the woodworking craft for those who wish to advance their skills on most all levels , from technique to design of handsome utilitarian craft and collectible art.  The June Symposium will showcase what’s new in this exciting medium. There’s a wide array of topics: Gilding Turned Vessels and Creating Unique Patinas, presented by David Marks; to Colorful Luminous Finish, by Michael Allison; to Multi-Axis Turning for Figurative Work, with Keith Holt; plus presentations on production turning, basic pen turning, ornament making and spindle turning for furniture.

Among the well-known turners presenting at this years symposium are Trent Bosh, John Jordon, Mark St. Leger, and Art Liestman from the United States, and international artists Graeme Priddle (New Zealand), Christian Delhon (France) and Hans Weissflog (Germany).

In addition to the turning demos, there will be hundreds of turnings shown in various galleries, hands-on learning sessions and a not-to-be missed trade show. More information and registration is available the AAW web site, and early registrations rates are still available.

– Steve Shanesy