AAW 37th International Symposium Louisville, Kentucky – 1-4 June, 2023:
Alan Goodsell’s highlights of the American Association of Woodturners show, from our Woodturning magazine stand and beyond.
The Woodturning magazine stand with Alan Goodsell
The AAW Symposium is always a great event – the demonstrations, galleries and friendly ambiance are legendary and it is where woodturners of the world unite to learn, display and catch up with old friends. This year was no exception, but sadly there were some old friends who are no longer with us. Our own Mark Baker was an amazing ambassador, not only for Woodturning magazine but for woodturning as a whole, and he left a hole that is impossible to fill. Many people came to our booth to share their stories of time spent with him, as did the many friends of John Jordan. They are both sadly missed, but their enthusiasm, skills and personalities live with us and will always inspire us.
Venue map – so much to see
Instant Gallery
This passion for woodturning was obvious to see in the Instant Gallery where the quality of woodturnings on display was exceptional, and there was something for everyone’s taste. I am more of a traditional woodturner and tend to be drawn to bowls, boxes and spindles, but I have photographed a selection of everything so you can see examples of the many types of turning that the AAW exhibitors excel at.
John Jordan memorial exhibition
John Jordan memorial exhibition
Instant Gallery exhibition hall
Silent Auction table
Bob Rotche exhibits – Dragonfly Dance, Dragonfly Summer and Feels like fall
Bob Summers – Wave bowl with turquoise tips, Glass in Wood and Why Not
So many bowls, so little time – ReTurn to the Community sale
Cody Jones – Instant Gallery exhibits
Larry Weese Jr. – Instant Gallery exhibit
Steve Miller – Asian Vessel, Coral Vessel and Coral Reef Vase
Ron Thomas – maple/ash dyed exhibits
Marvin Ewing – Instant Gallery table
Charles Jordan – Red Bowl in ash
Demonstrations and Learn to Turn
The demonstrations at the symposium were as informative and entertaining as ever and I managed to sneak off the booth and gain a few tips and tricks from these experts. In the ever-popular trade show hall, there were also learn-to-turn areas which proved popular, with many people signing up to gain new woodturning skills.
Make your own souvenir pen
Learn to Turn schedule
Hands-on learning
Helen Bailey demo turning a three-piece natural-edge chalice
Jacques Vesery demo
Learn to Turn hall
Jim Echter demonstration
The AAW Symposium is where woodturners from all walks of life go to share their passion for this extremely creative segment of woodworking and will always be on my go-to list. Hopefully I’ll see you at the AAW Symposium in Portland, Oregon next year.
