2023 AAW Symposium:
The theme for the 2023 AAW member show is Out of the Woods, embracing the versatile and beautiful medium we work in and referring to the many challenges and changes of the past few years. As always, artists are encouraged to interpret the theme for themselves. Our goal is to host a Symposium exhibition that showcases and celebrates the full scope of excellent work being created by our members, from perfect traditional forms to innovative sculptures, and we hope you will apply.
All work exhibited will be selected through a blind jurying process. There are two cash prizes for this exhibition: the $300 Masters’ Choice, selected by the jurors or their representatives, and the $200 People’s Choice, selected by attendees at the AAW Symposium in Louisville,
Kentucky, June 1-4, 2023.
Application details:
Apply online here between January 1 and March 25, 2023, 11:59 p.m. CST. All artists will be notified by March 31, 2023.
For more information contact Tib Shaw at gallery@woodturner.org. To see past exhibition catalogs, visit galleryofwoodart.org.
Eligibility: Current AAW membership at any level, including Affiliate (trial) membership
Fee: $25 for up to three separate pieces. Fees waived for students in full-time accredited art- or wood industry-related programs or apprenticeships.
Work for the annual AAW member exhibition is juried through photographs; all entries are anonymous. Accepted works that differ from the submitted images may be refused at AAW’s discretion.
All types of turnings are welcome: sculptural, functional, segmented, ornamental, green-turned, traditional, etc.
Please contact Tib Shaw if your project is more than 48” tall or wide.
Collaborations are welcome. A designated contact person is required, and there will be two complimentary exhibition catalogs provided.
A theme statement of up to 100 words is required. Describe your interpretation of the theme.
You are free to use any media, but the work must be created at least partially on the lathe.
Work must have been created in the past two years (between March 2021 and March 15, 2023).
Images Submit digital images in .jpg format, minimum size 500K, maximum size 1.5 MB per file. Minimum dimension: 2800 pixels per inch on the longest side. There are a number of free, easy online resizing sites, including this one.
You may submit up to three images for each entry. The main image should be an overall shot; the remaining two images can include details or alternative views. Since the show is juried through photographs, it is important that images be clear, properly exposed, and in focus. A plain background is strongly preferred for jurying. Do not watermark or include your name on the images.
Exhibition Dates Out of the Woods will premiere at the AAW’s Annual International Woodturning Symposium in Louisville, Kentucky, June 1 to 4, 2023. The exhibition will then travel to the AAW Gallery of Wood Art, Saint Paul, Minnesota, where it will be on display until the end of 2023.
Delivery and display Accepted work can be shipped ahead to the Symposium site to arrive by May 25, or hand-delivered on Wednesday, May 31, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or Thursday, June 1, 9:00 a.m. to noon. Artwork must be in excellent condition, be as shown in the entry images, and ready for installation. Proper packaging for shipping must be included. All work must be freestanding or with an easel or other support provided. Support subject to approval.
Sales Displayed work need not be for sale, but for pieces that are sold, the AAW/artist split will be 45%/55%. Sold work must remain with the show until it closes in Saint Paul at the end of December 2023. Sold work may be replaced at the curator’s discretion.
Awards Masters’ Choice Award of $300, People’s Choice Award of $200.
Catalog A full-color catalog will be available. Participating artists will receive a complimentary copy. Collaborative projects will be allotted two complimentary catalogs.
For more information contact Tib Shaw at gallery@woodturner.org. To see past exhibition catalogs, visit galleryofwoodart.org.