American Association of Woodturners facts for kids
American Association of Woodturners logo
|
|
| Location |
|
|---|---|
The American Association of Woodturners (AAW) is a big group in the United States that helps people learn about and enjoy woodturning. Woodturning is a special craft where you use a machine called a lathe to shape wood into cool objects. The AAW started in 1986 and has its main office in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
It has more than 15,000 members in the U.S. and many other countries. As of 2013, the AAW worked with almost 350 local clubs around the world. They hold a big national meeting every year. The AAW also helps local clubs with teaching and reaching out to new people.
Contents
What the AAW Does
The AAW has a clear goal. They want more people to understand and enjoy woodturning. They see it as both a traditional craft and a modern art form. They help everyone, from beginners to pros.
They do this by offering:
- Education
- Information
- Ways for people to connect
- Help with technical skills
- Special magazines and books about woodturning
The Art of Woodturning
Woodturning has become very popular since the AAW began. This craft has been around for about 4,000 years! It uses wood, which is a natural material. Woodturners make useful items, art pieces, and sculptures.
They use a machine called a lathe. The wood spins very fast on the lathe. Then, the woodturner uses sharp tools like gouges to shape the wood by hand. This is different from most other woodworking.
Benefits of Joining the AAW
Being a member of the AAW comes with many cool benefits.
- You get a magazine every two months.
- There's insurance coverage for your craft.
- You can apply for scholarships.
- You can go to national meetings called symposiums.
- There are learning chances for new turners and young people.
- Members can use the AAW website to show and sell their woodturnings.
The AAW was started at the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. They still work closely with this school. They also work with the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, North Carolina, and the Anderson Ranch in Snowmass Village, Colorado.
How the AAW is Organized
The AAW is a non-profit group. This means they use their money to help their mission, not to make a profit. A group of nine volunteers runs the AAW. These volunteers are called the Board of Directors.
Each board member serves for three years. Every year, three new members are chosen by all the AAW members. The Board hires an executive director and an editor. They also choose a Board of Advisors and other committees. These committees help with things like planning the national meeting. They also manage money grants for clubs and individuals.
American Woodturner Magazine
The AAW publishes a magazine called American Woodturner. It comes out six times a year. You can read it in print or online. If you are an AAW member, you get the magazine as part of your membership. You can also buy copies at newsstands.
Members can read all past issues online. The magazine has articles for everyone. This includes new woodturners, those with some experience, and even professional artists.
AAW Chapters and Clubs
The AAW works with over 350 local clubs, also called chapters. Most of these clubs are in the United States. But there are also groups in other countries. These include Canada, England, New Zealand, Taiwan, Australia, and Japan.
There are also three "virtual" chapters. These chapters are not based in one place. Instead, they focus on special woodturning styles.
- Ornamental Turners International uses a special machine called an ornamental lathe.
- Segmented Woodturners join many small pieces of wood together. They do this before turning to make cool patterns.
- Pen Turners make pens and other writing tools. They use both wood and other materials.
Annual Symposium
Every year, the AAW holds a big meeting called a Symposium. They have been doing this since 1987. The location changes each year, moving to different cities across the United States. The first symposium was in Lexington, Kentucky in 1987.
The symposium is a fun event. It usually includes:
- Live presentations by expert woodturners.
- An auction where you can buy amazing woodturnings.
- A gallery showing off current woodturning art.
- Hands-on demonstrations to learn new skills.
- The biggest trade show for woodturning tools and supplies.
- A special training center for young people.
| Year | City |
|---|---|
| 1987 | Lexington, KY |
| 1988 | Philadelphia, PA |
| 1989 | Seattle, WA |
| 1990 | Gatlinburg, TN |
| 1991 | Denton, TX |
| 1992 | Provo, UT |
| 1993 | Purchase, NY |
| 1994 | Fort Collins, CO |
| 1995 | Davis, CA |
| 1996 | Greensboro, NC |
| 1997 | San Antonio, CA |
| 1998 | Akron, OH |
| 1999 | Tacoma, WA |
| 2000 | Charlotte, NC |
| 2001 | St Paul, MN |
| 2002 | Providence, RI |
| 2003 | Pasadena, CA |
| 2004 | Orlando, FL |
| 2005 | Overland Park KS |
| 2006 | Louisville, KY |
| 2007 | Portland, OR |
| 2008 | Richmond, VA |
| 2009 | Albuquerque, NM |
| 2010 | Hartford, CT |
| 2011 | St Paul, MN |
| 2012 | San Jose, CA |
| 2013 | Tampa, FL |
| 2014 | Phoenix, AZ |
| 2015 | Pittsburgh, PA |
| 2016 | Atlanta, GA |
| 2017 | Kansas City, MO |
| 2018 | Portland, OR |
| 2019 | Raleigh, NC |
| 2020 | Canceled (COVID-19) |
| 2021 | Canceled (COVID-19) |
| 2022 | Chattanooga, TN |
| 2023 | Louisville, KY |
| 2024 | Portland, OR |
AAW Gallery of Wood Art
The AAW also runs the AAW Gallery of Wood Art. It is located in the historic Landmark Center in Saint Paul. This gallery shows different exhibits of art made from wood. There is also a gift shop.
It costs nothing to visit the gallery. It is open every day except Monday and Saturday. The AAW works with the Wood Art Alliance. This group helps to share and appreciate wood art. They work with collectors, artists, teachers, and museums.
