Alaska Woodturners Association

Alaska Woodturners Association Symposium May 2 -3, 2026
Join us in Anchorage for two days of interactive demonstrations from several very talented woodturners who will show us and explain how they make such incredible works of art! The symposium will feature two guest turners Elizabeth Weber and Eric Lofstrom, both from Seattle, WA, and two local Alaskan turners Jeff Bool and David Siefert. Bring your recently turned pieces to display in the Instant Gallery or the people’s choice awards. Our door prizes are also sure to please! And as always – free coffee and donuts! See the AWA website (https://akwoodturners.org/symposium/) to purchase your tickets! Lunch will be provided with each ticket. Hurry! Ticket prices increase after March 31.

Our next monthly meeting will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, April 4th at Glass Sash and Door Supply, 500 E Ship Creek Ave., Anchorage, AK. After a brief business meeting, John Lane will demonstrate how he makes an end grain vase/hollow form and then embellishes it with a basket weave design using pyrography. John will also demonstrate how to make the pyrography burning tips (called “Brands”) that were used in his design. He will also discuss what materials you need to make your own. This technique can also be used on bowls and other turnings.

Always, you are encouraged to bring in items from your shop to share with other members. These can include finished pieces or projects that are works in progress or “problem pieces” that perhaps you need a little advice on. We all love to see what others are creating, so please join us on Saturday a little earlier than 10:00 am to share your work, socialize with your fellow turners, and enjoy a cup of coffee and a donut.

Well ain’t that the truth.

AWA Members-

Our next monthly meeting will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 7th at Glass Sash and Door Supply. After a brief business meeting, Dixie Hansen will demonstrate how she creates her signature wooden flowers and birds. These flowers, some with hummingbirds sipping nectar while lightly hovering before the flower's face, require a variety of techniques to create.

Feel free to arrive a bit early to socialize and enjoy a cup of coffee and a donut prior to the 10:00 am meeting start time. And if you'd like to stick around and do some turning, please read this email a little further. We hope to see you there.

AWA offering Basic Woodturning classes

AWA is offering a basic woodturning class for club members on
March 21-22(9 to 5 Saturday & 9 to 1 Sunday). Each class has 10 openings only. Classes are filled on a first come basis so don’t delay if you want in the class. If you are not yet a member, you must join AWA before you can take the class. Dues are $60 for adults and $30 for under 18 for 12 months. Cost of the class is $125 per person. The class fee includes all tools and wood needed for the class. If you are under 18 a parent or guardian must attend the class with you (they do not need to take the class).

To sign up for the class and become a member go to the AWA website https://akwoodturners.org/upcoming-classes/. If you are not a member, first join AWA. Once you are a member, login. Now go to classes and complete your sign up.

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Get your limited run 2026 AWA tool handle while they last!!

AWA Members-

Our monthly meeting will begin at 10:00 am on Saturday February 7th at 10:00 am at Glass Sash & Door Supply (500 E. Ship Creek Ave). At this meeting, AWA club member Charlie Cary will demonstrate how to make a stand for a wig, hat, or woodturning faceshield. This project integrates spindle turning and face turning skills, along with some mortise/tenon joinery. With a little creativity, this project's skills can be extended to also make lamps, plant stands, and even small tables!

As a reminder, we all like to see what projects people have been working on. So please bring a piece, whether finished or not, to share with club members. Also, we will continue to collect bowls for the Bean's Cafe fundraiser at the February and March meetings.

Please join us a bit before 10:00 am for some socialization with your fellow turners and enjoy a donut and a cup of coffee.