1989 AAW Symposium

Photo by Nancy Gerard

The Overlake School is located in a beautifully wooded rural area about an hour east of Seattle. As you read in the September (1989) issue of the Journal, we offered a broad range of demonstrations this year including chatterwork, spindles, ornamental turning, inlaid lidded containers, metallurgy, phtography, bleaching, and dying techniques, hollow turning, methods of design, and even functional bowls. Also, eight local and regional turners came to demonstrate their talents and expertise. AAW continues to provide opportunities for hightly skilled turners who do not always have a chance for exposure. These are our future teachers and demonstrators; and we will continue to tap into their talents each year. It was truly an atmosphere of caring and sharing.

I would also like to thank three people who took the place of our original presenters who could not make the Symposium. Jack Straka, Honolulu, Hawaii, took over for Richard Raffan and demonstrated open bowl turning. Greg Krogstead, Seattle, Washington, replaced Thomas Neff and taught how to photograph our work. Albert LeCoff, director of the Woodturning Center in Philadelphia, presented the Keynote Address at the banquet,, replacing Michael Scott. Our sympathies and fondest thoughts go to the family of Michael Scott, who died of a heart attack two weeks before the symposium. Michael was an old friend, and he will be greatly missed.

Photo by Nancy Gerard

One highlight of the weekend was the Instant Gallery where participants filled the Overlake library with a stunning array of exceptional work. It was a "feast of treats" in both concept and design. The level of quality is amazing. Frank Cummings and I held an informal critique that focused on progressing to new heights in design skills.

Photo by Nancy Gerard

Bob Fleming displayed his remarkable talents as our volunteer auctioneer, selling raw wood and finished turnings, to raise over $9,700 for the Daphne Osolnik Memorial Fund. For those who may not know, the interst on this educational fund is used to provide scholarships for our members to attend courses in woodturning. One scholarship was given this year to attend the symposium. The AAW is the only craft organization that provides this service to its members.

At the top of our "thank you" list is Denver Ulery, President of the Seattle Chapter, and all the members of the Seattle Chapter of the AAW. We can never fully appreciate the hundreds of hours that are required to successfully produce a conference of this scale and how each person put in their time with unselfish dedication and hard work. It showed in every way throughout the weekend. It was a prime example of the value of volunteerism at its best.

So, what is up for 1990? The AAW will celebrate its 5th successful year by going back to our roots - the Arrowmont School of Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tennesse on October 24-27. There will also be an exhibition in the Arrowmont Gallery entitled, "Vision and Concept: II." This will be an all juried show, and we are hoping everyone who is interested will submit slides of their work for the jury, including those who usually get invited. We will have a trade show, and expanded facility for the Instant Gallery, and a full range of turning demonstrations. Our thanks in advance to the members of our Nashville Chapter who have offered to help our 1990 Symposium another grand success.

Excerpted from American Woodturner, Vol. 4, No. 2, December 1989.

Captured below are some interesting moments during the symposium.
A rest break, drum playing, and kaliedoscopes were part of the entertainment.

Photography by Nancy Gerard