SAWS Exhibitions
Rich history of SAWS Exhibitions anchors 40 years of the organization
The walls in Herm Stolte’s workshop tell a lot of stories. Among the rows of neatly organized, well used tools and stacks of seasoned wood there are photos of family milestones and personal accomplishments tacked in place. A sign of a place of personal satisfaction.
One thing that also strikes a visitor soon is a collection of posters from Southern Alberta Woodworkers Society (SAWS) Fine Works in Wood Exhibitions. Tucked up in corners, wherever space allows, they are a reminder of Stolte’s personal interest and capabilities but also the rich history of these SAWS Exhibitions that has anchored the organization for the past 40 years.
A recently honored lifetime member, Stolte is a true example of that original vision of SAWS, what the organization now has as its slogan: “Where woodworkers learn.” A skilled craftsman himself, he will continue his long-time volunteer effort as a member of the 2023 Exhibition Standards Committee, one of a select number of members who will assess the Exhibition readiness of all entries. But he also is a believer in continual self-education.
Lifetime learning
It’s no secret to anyone who has spent any time around Stolte that he loves to talk wood. He also is always willing to share his considerable skill and knowledge
“Ask Herm.”
It is a fairly common comment around SAWS when someone has a question on wood species, for example. Stolte has an extensive collection of wood samples from around the world, collected over the years from his woodworking experiences and from exchanges with a broad network of woodworkers with similar interests across Canada and internationally. He has studied each sample, researched wood extensively and knows details intimately.
Many of the times people get information from Stolte through in person contact, by phone, email or at SAWS events. But every so often, as he has done a number of times over the years, he hosts a small group of SAWS members at his workshop and he talks wood.
It is an enjoyable couple of hours to watch Stolte talk wood species, wood movement, wood structure, best learning resources and tips on how to deal effectively with all of the above. Based on partially completely works on shop shelves and the many posters and photos from SAWS Exhibitions, his comfortable shop clearly is also a productive one.
As he talks, to make a point, he reaches for wood samples from the many dozens of options tucked into every nook and cranny available. They are often labelled and he talks about them like old friends, these samples, and he brings simple lessons from the stories inside each.
Time for questions and some of his famous hospitality end the session. Like a cup of tea or a little Herm-made cherry wine from a backyard tree. A multi-tasker he is.
A couple of groups of SAWS members have had an opportunity to enjoy these sessions in 2023. Based on comments shared, all would say time well spent in terms of learning and social enjoyment.
The SAWS “Where woodworkers learn” slogan has taken on new ideas like coffee workshops. But the image of very best craftsmanship from SAWS Exhibitions and fundamentals of sharing from member to member continue to be a powerful option for anyone wanting to learn their craft, and often to build friendships in the process.
Stolte is a fine example of both.
