Fine Works In Wood 2023 - News Release
News Release
SAWS Fine Works in Wood Exhibition slated for Calgary Sept. 1 to 10, 2023
Calgary, Alta. Aug. 8, 2023. An exhibition of some of the finest woodworking craftsmanship in Western Canada will take place in Calgary, Alta. Sept. 1 to 10, 2023. The Southern Alberta Woodworkers Society (SAWS) “Fine Works in Wood Exhibition and Sale” will be in Southcentre Mall. The Exhibition is open during regular mall hours and the best news is there is no charge for attending.
“This exhibition is held every two years and attracts people from across Western Canada,” says Tom Gorman, SAWS Exhibition chair. “The show’s main feature is furniture but there are many related artistic entries, all outstanding workmanship. The show appeals to woodworking enthusiasts from accomplished professionals, to artisans, craftspeople, hobbyists, students and others just interested in the displays. All can see entries firsthand and learn more from SAWS about woodworking.
“This is truly the best of the best workmanship,” says Gorman. “All exhibits must pass a standards judging panel in order to qualify. A select number of exhibits will be offered for sale during the exhibition so that appeals to people wanting to keep a piece of woodworking history.”
This Exhibition is also a great place to learn about woodworking, says Ed Marchand, SAWS president. “Our organization’s slogan is ‘Where Woodworkers Learn’ and this year we celebrate 40 years as an organization doing that. The Exhibition venue allows people to get up close to the displays and while visitors are asked to not touch them, they can see how they were built and examine the workmanship.
“The exhibit area will be staffed by SAWS members identified by their blue vests and they are there to answer questions on the Exhibition and to help explain the background of the organization.”
SAWS was started as a way to bring together all levels of the woodworking community in a social and learning environment. Membership is open to anyone interested in the craft. There is an annual fee. Regular organization meetings feature speakers, tours of woodworking establishments and firsthand looks at local member shops and projects.
“The greatest benefit of membership for members is the personal connection with a community of woodworkers to share experiences and learn from those active in the craft,” says Marchand.
The Fine Works in Wood Exhibition and Sale space is provided in partnership with Oxford Properties which owns Southcentre Mall. Financial support is provided in part by assistance from Calgary Arts Development and through Exhibition sponsorship. More information about the upcoming exhibition, sponsorship opportunities, examples of entries from past exhibitions and membership in SAWS is available on the organization’s website www.saws.ca.
Download PDF version
