Thursday, February 28, 2013

DWR recap

This weekend was the 2013 Desert Woodturning Roundup. We run this woodturning convention every 2 years at the Mesa Convention Center. This year we had 7 featured demonstrators plus one local demonstrator in the Vendors area. Richard Raffan, Michael Hosaluk, David J Marks, Molly Winton, Malcolm Tibbetts, J Paul Fennell, and John Lucas were the featured demonstrators. Matt Monaco was the local turner in the vendors area.

I don't have the final numbers yet but I'm estimating attendance was up 20-25% from 2011. I snapped this photo outside of one of the demonstrator rooms. This was the smallest room in the building and not only was it standing room only inside of the room, there were people seated in the hallway watching the demo through the doorway.



I can't speak for all the attendees but based on my experience being on the organizing committee everything went very smoothly, far better than expected. All of the feedback that I received was overwhelmingly positive. The issues experienced were either handled within minutes or were out of our control and had minimal impact. There's certainly still room for improvement but overall I'm very pleased with how everything turned out. I just wish I'd been able to view more of the demonstrations. With only 1 exception I was so busy I was only able to see 10 minutes here and there. I was able to sit in one Richard Raffan demo for about 60 minutes before an issue came up that required my attention.



I splurged on a couple of pieces for my personal collection. This small Verdigris pot from Richard Raffan and another small decorated form by Molly Winton. I figured this would be my only chance to ever own a Raffan piece so I went for it.


The newly acquired Molly Winton piece. My wife seems to be under the impression that this piece belongs to her.





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Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Desert Woodturning Roundup 2013

Prepping wood for demonstrators.

This pile is for Richard Raffan and another event we have planned.



This is also for Richard Raffan along with the small rounds in the upper right for J. Paul Fennell.


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Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Wood trade

Some wood I just received in a trade with another local turner.

Maple with mild quilted figure. 11" x 11" x 4"



Pacific Yew 3.25" diameter and 12" long.



My wife has already claimed any and all pieces made from this wood.


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