The 18th annual Big Island Woodturners Exhibit will be the main event March 4-31 at the Wailoa Center gallery in Hilo.
The 18th annual Big Island Woodturners Exhibit will be the main event March 4-31 at the Wailoa Center gallery in Hilo.
There will be a meet-the-artists reception from 5-7 p.m. March 4. The reception and exhibit are free and open to the public.
In 1997, the Big Island Woodturners Club became the first chapter of the American Association of Woodturners in the state of Hawaii. Formed by founding members Jack Straka, Elmer Adams, Doug Leite, Barry Ching and Kelly Dunn, the club now exceeds 70 members.
A volunteer-driven organization, club members meet every other month at various woodturners’ studios in East Hawaii to share their experiences and learn from one another.
In addition to the opening reception, there will be an online auction and demonstrations twice a day on Saturdays with an opportunity to view more than 150 of members’ best turnings.
Demonstrations will be conducted from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. March 5, 12, 19 and 26. There will be a free drawing after each demonstration for gift certificates.
“There is always something wonderful going on during the exhibit,” said club coordinator Doug Keown. “Increasing public awareness for the art of turning is made easy during this event.”
The Wailoa Center, 200 Piopio St., is open 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
For more information about the exhibit, visit www.bigislandwoodturners.org.