From Angelo Iafrate
Recently, I read that in 1998 the AAW boasted 7,500 members, making it the world’s largest organization of its kind. In 2005, we numbered at a staggering 11,926. We continue to grow, and we estimate that we will be over the 12,000-member mark this year. This represents impressive growth! We still maintain our hold on the biggest membership of its kind.
I am certain that the AAW has achieved these membership levels because of the great talent and camaraderie we share as woodturners. I can vividly remember going to my first symposium in 1993 in Purchase, New York. The wonder of that three-day event remains with me. What I loved about my first symposium holds true today: You can walk up to the world’s best turners, shake hands, chat with them, and ask questions!
Many of the artists that shape our woodturning world attend our symposium, and the Louisville event will be loaded with the giants in our field.
Even though the feel of the symposium is consistent, we have engineered some changes. For example, the board of directors will no longer push around lathes during setup. We have taken the step toward having a more professional presentation by hiring professionals for this work. Then, we can devote our attention to other more pressing tasks.
At Louisville, we have invited many of the best minds in woodturning to speak or to moderate panel discussions on the fields of design and influences on our work. These can be eye-opening experiences for both the beginner and the expert. Please try to attend at least one panel event.
