Events
On top of all the great demonstrations, the AAW Woodturning Symposium features events where you can see inspirational wood art, try out new tools and gear, celebrate your peers' accomplishments, support charities, and get your family involved.
Access to certain events and the demonstrations requires a paid registration.
General Admission to the Tradeshow, Instant Gallery, and Exhibitions is FREE and requires a wristband.
Instant Gallery
(GA) = Free General Admission Access
Gallery Hall Hours:
Thursday: 6:00 - 8:00pm
Friday & Saturday: 8:30am - 6:00pm
Sunday: 8:30am - 1:00pm
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Every registered (paid) attendee is welcome to bring three pieces to display in the huge Instant Gallery. Take your time to enjoy the world’s largest display of turned wood. This nearly 30,000 sq.ft. exhibit will amaze and inspire. With work by turners of every level, this is a great chance to see an enormous variety of woodturnings. Learn more about the instant gallery and how you can get your work displayed here.
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Intimate Critiques
Want honest, qualified feedback on your work? Sign-up for an Intimate Critique to get constructive feedback from some of the most knowledgeable and respected woodturners, woodworkers, and curators. Register in advance for a timeslot in the Instant Gallery.
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Professional Outreach Program (POP) Exhibition and Live Auction (GA)
An annual event since 2007, this year’s international show will feature emerging and established artists from around the world. Proceeds from the Saturday auction support POP initiatives, including the Instant Gallery awards and panel discussions.
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(GA) = Free General Admission Access
Special Exhibitions & Auctions
AAW Member Exhibition (GA)
An annual exhibition reflecting the range of styles, techniques, and creative approaches of AAW members from around the globe. There are two prizes: Master’s Choice ($300) and People’s Choice ($200).
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POP Artist Showcase Exhibition (GA)
Two talented emerging wood artists will be selected and featured in their own special exhibition, demonstrate their skills and speak at the Artist Showcase panel discussion.
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POP Merit Award Show (GA)
This exhibition features work from the latest artist to receive AAW's POP Merit Award. The Professional Outreach Program (POP) Merit Award recognizes the lifetime careers of professionals and the influence their work has had on other artists in the field of woodturning.
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AAW Benefit Live Auction (GA)
A gathering of extraordinary turned works in wood. Browse, dream, bid. The work will be on display during the Thursday opening and Friday hours only. Proceeds support AAW grants and educational initiatives.
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The Woodturning Trade Show
The AAW Symposium Trade Show is jam-packed with all the latest and greatest woodworking and woodturning equipment, tools, jigs, wood, and supplies. See it all up close and in action, and get your questions answered by the manufacturers. Many vendors offer giveaways and Symposium exclusive discounts too!
Trade Show Hours:
Thursday (preview): 6pm – 8pm
Friday & Saturday: 8:30am – 6pm
Sunday: 8:30am – 11am
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Free General Admission Access
Family-Friendly Activities
Learn To Turn Youth Program
Free for kids ages 10 to 18 to learn to use the lathe with experienced woodturning insructors. Space is limited and each registered youth must be accompanied and sponsored by an adult who is a paid registrant for the event. Students will make a variety of projects including an ice cream scoop, ball and cup game, turned apples, a leaf bowl, twist pen, screwdriver, tea lights, and a turned pear. Advanced registration required.
Social Events
Tradeshow & Gallery Hall Opening Reception
Mingle with other woodturning enthusiasts, get a first look at the special exhibitions, and browse the latest products and tools in the tradeshow while you enjoy hors d'oeuvres and drinks.
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Friday Evening & Saturday Evening Social Receptions
Catch up with old friends or make new ones as you reflect on a full day of woodturning. Light refreshments and a cash bar will be available.
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AAW Banquet, Keynote Presentation & Awards Ceremony (paid ticket required)
Join your fellow turners in the ballroom for a seated dinner to celebrate the woodturning community, experience a unique keynote presentation and bid on the Silent Auction items. ​The Award Ceremony will celebrate AAW's Honorary Lifetime Member, POP Merit Award Artist, Chapter accomplishments, AAW Member Exhibition Masters' Choice and People's Choice winners. Consider donating a turned piece of artwork, woodturning-related supplies, or something else to benefit the AAW’s educational mission and support its educational programs. Drop your donation off in the Gallery and Exhibition Hall.
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