Wailoa Center invites the public to meet the artists behind the 21st annual Big Island Woodturners Exhibit during a reception from 5-7 p.m. today (March 8).
In 1997, the Big Island Woodturners Club became the first chapter of the American Association of Woodturners in the state of Hawaii.
Created by founders Jack Straka, Elmer Adams, Doug Leite, Barry Ching and Kelly Dunn, the club is a volunteer-driven organization. More than 70 members now turn out for meetings every other month at various woodturner studios in East Hawaii.
The club is vital and active. Members share their experiences and learn from each another. A club challenge encourages members to try something new, and the meetings are always a fun affair.
Members of the West Hawaii Woodturners Club also will be among the participants in this month’s exhibit.
More than 100 pieces are featured in this year’s exhibit. Most of the turnings were created especially for the exhibit.
The exhibit is open 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday at Wailoa Center through March 29. Admission is free.
Light refreshments will be served during tonight’s opening reception, which will include a raffle drawing for a small calabash and gift certificates. Those participating in the raffle must be present to win.
This year’s exhibit also will feature several demonstrations by woodturners on Saturdays:
• 10 a.m.-noon Saturday (March 9), Tom O’Conner will demonstrate the turning and construction of a three-legged stool; noon-2 p.m., Aaron Hammer will conduct turning demonstrations.
• 10 a.m.-noon March 16, Mark Stebbins presents Woodturning 101 — Introduction to Woodturning; noon-2 p.m., Robert Woodward will demonstrate how to turn laminated bowls.
• 10 a.m.-noon March 23, gallery critique with former gallery owner Gretchen Grove.
Mark and Karen Stebbins, last year’s People Choice Award winners, also will having their work on display in Wailoa Center’s Fountain Gallery during March. The educational display will include turning techniques, bowl construction methods and surface design.
Wailoa Center is located at 200 Piopio St., makai of the state building, in Hilo.
For more information about the Big Island Woodturners Club, visit www.bigislandwoodturners.org.
For more information about Wailoa Center, call 933-0416 or visit www.wailoacenter.com.