Winter 2006 President's Letter

From Angelo Iafrate...

It had been a long time since I attended the local meetings at the South Shore Woodturners and the Central New England Woodturners. This past month we, my dad and I, made a concerted effort to make each of the meetings.

What struck me as obvious was that these chapter meetings felt as comfortable as one of our Italian-American family gatherings. In both groups, my dad and I share the same level of passion that affects us all. I suspect that this sense of family and belonging is what keeps us so deeply involved in our crafts organization. And just like my family, I can say with all honesty that I have never felt out of place when in a group of woodturners.

On pages 16 and 17 of the Winter AW issue, you will find comments from eight featured demonstrators who will highlight the 2007 Portland symposium. In addition, we're finalizing details with four featured Japanese woodturners. I just cannot wait to witness these demonstrations as well as see the turned wonders they will exhibit at the symposium.

Ryozo Kawakita, one of the Japanese turners and urushi artists, is recognized in Japan as a Living National Treasure. Impressive title! I wonder what North American turner would fit that designation? That's an interesting question: Is there a woodturner among our ranks worthy of a similar title?