Any events?

[LMLangevin]

I'm still fairly new to this - but addicted. Are there ever pen turning events? I know there was the large AAW wood turning event in Portland in the summer - are there any just focused on pen turning? I'm in British Columbia but would travel for something worthwhile.

 

[JohnU]

The MPG is in April, in Hoffman Estates IL. It's the largest and longest running pen gathering to date with 2 days worth of demos, prizes and Vendor room.
Here's the details…

Midwest Penturners Gathering

 

[bugradx2]

JohnU beat me to it! Several people from Canada attended the MPG last year. I'm just barely at my 2nd year of turning (two weeks from now) and love attending the MPG. I've learned a ton

 

[SabertoothBunny]

The AAW event basically looks down on pen turning, they almost exclusively focus on larger turnings, production work or pure artistry work. I'm not bashing them, just stating the reality of that group. It is rare for them to have any kind of pen turning demonstrations and most pen kit vendors don't go to the show because they commonly struggle to cover the costs.

I went to their show when it was in Raleigh, NC a while back when I was just getting into turning. The AAW shows are massive with some really impressive demos, seminars, etc that happen for the duration of the show. Tons of shopping with a lot of really good deals to be found. I really enjoyed the show the year I went.

AAW does have emails that go out listed upcoming events by different organizations if you're a member. You could also just research shows that happen in the northwestern US or in Canada.

 

[mg_dreyer]

The AAW event basically looks down on pen turning, they almost exclusively focus on larger turnings, production work or pure artistry work. I'm not bashing them, just stating the reality of that group. It is rare for them to have any kind of pen turning demonstrations and most pen kit vendors don't go to the show because they commonly struggle to cover the costs.

I went to their show when it was in Raleigh, NC a while back when I was just getting into turning. The AAW shows are massive with some really impressive demos, seminars, etc that happen for the duration of the show. Tons of shopping with a lot of really good deals to be found. I really enjoyed the show the year I went.

AAW does have emails that go out listed upcoming events by different organizations if you're a member. You could also just research shows that happen in the northwestern US or in Canada.

I can tell you that at the next AAW event in Minneapolis there will be two demos on pen making - "From Beginner To Professional In 90 Minutes" and "Differentiating Yourself In Pen Making Without Casting". I know because I will be doing both. I will also be doing a demo called "Christmas In June" where I will be demoing Christmas gifts and other small items.

I am proud that this will be my fifth time doing an AAW event.

I agree that the AAW has been more focused on large turning but I know they are looking to do more pen making.

This was the cover of their magazine a few years back. My pen on the cover. Also did an article with JohnU a few years ago.

And I agree with John - The Midwest Penturners Turners Gathering in April is a must attend.

Midwest Penturners Gathering

 

[jttheclockman]

Many years ago I won a pen turning contest they had. Somewhere in the archieves was my entry.

 

[NJturner]

I can tell you that at the next AAW event in Minneapolis there will be two demos on pen making - "From Beginner To Professional In 90 Minutes" and "Differentiating Yourself In Pen Making Without Casting". I know because I will be doing both. I will also be doing a demo called "Christmas In June" where I will be demoing Christmas gifts and other small items.

I am proud that this will be my fifth time doing an AAW event.

I agree that the AAW has been more focused on large turning but I know they are looking to do more pen making.

This was the cover of their magazine a few years back. My pen on the cover. Also did an article with JohnU a few years ago.

And I agree with John - The Midwest Penturners Turners Gathering in April is a must attend.

Midwest Penturners Gathering

I would like to personally thank both Mark Dreyer and John Underhill, as well as a few key unnamed others for really working hard at making penturning more popular for the masses. I am a long time AAW member and a member of 2 local AAW Chapter clubs, serving as an officer in them as well. It is true that for a long time most AAW members thought of penturning as something you did until you REALLY learned how to turn on a lathe. I spend a lot of time offering my opinion at club meetings promoting penturning, including giving classes and instruction when possible. Both Mark and John have been able to expand on local efforts by bringing it to the forefront at national AAW meetings and through the well run MPG. It is WAY easier for me to talk about penturning at club events now and be taken seriously. Oddly, I think penturners have also benefitted and moved thought processes at the AAW, in that our embracing of materials other than wood has brought interest and recognition over to AAW members - there are other things beyond wood that can be used to create really well done pieces. Hopefully, both the AAW and local penturning groups will continue to expand their focus on our craft.