Rockler ‘Bent Wood Challenge

ESHERI CK COMPETITION The Wharton Esherick Museum in Paoli, PA hosts its 27th annual thematic woodworking competition and exhibition in the Fall. The 2020 theme is Wood and… Although the name Wharton Esherick is nearly synonymous with wood, across his career, he used a wide array of materials—like metal and paint—with both innovation and sensitivity. This year’s competition invites you to share innovative works of art, craft, and design that showcase wood and at least one other medium. How might you complete the phrase “ wood and…”? Wood and glass? Wood and plastic? Wood and silver? Wood and fiber? The possibilities are endless. With an entry deadline of July 1, finalists will be chosen for judging at a Fall exhibition at the museum. $1,300 in prize money will be awarded, and pieces will be available for sale. For info, visit the website: www.whartonesherickmuseum.org or call (610) 544-5822.

cal ifornia slam 2020 The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art in San Luis Obispo, CA hosts California Sculpture SLAM 2020, May 1-June 28. This nonthemed biennial exhibition embraces artistic sculptural expression in all media. Entry deadline is Mar. 8. For info, visit the website: www.sloma.org/exhibits/call-for-artists or call Erica Ellis at (805) 543-8562.

WOMEN ’S WOR K The Yellowstone Art Museum presents North by Northwest, May 28-Aug. 2. Open to contemporary artists throughout the U.S., the theme of this 2nd annual national juried fine art and studio craft show is Women’s Work. Entry deadline is Mar. 13. For info, visit the website: www.artmuseum.org/.

aaw member exhibition The American Association of Woodturners (AAW) has announced the theme of its 2020 member exhibition, Step Up to the Plate—Second Inning. The theme can apply to baseball or the willingness to take responsibility for something, to rise to the occasion, and to accept a challenge. This exhibit will be displayed at the 2020 AAW Symposium next June, as well as at the AAW Gallery of Art in Fall. Two cash awards will be given: a Masters’ Choice Award and a People’s Choice Award. Entry deadline is Mar. 15. For info, visit the website: www.woodturner.org/page/CallforEntry or call: (651) 484-9094.

VCU ART S RE SIDEN CY The VCUarts Fountainhead Fellowship in Craft/Material Studies at Virgina Commonwealth University is a 9-month residency for recent MFA graduates. Open to craft artists, fellows are provided an apartment studio, teaching experience, the opportunity to concentrate on their work, exhibition, pubic lecture, stipend, and travel funds. Entry deadline is Mar. 30. For info, visit the website: www.arts.vcu.edu/craft/fountainhead-fellowship/.

HOU STON CRAFT RE SIDEN CY PRO GRAM The Houston Center for Contemporary Craft hosts an Artistin-Residence program. Selected artists—working in wood, glass, metal, fiber, clay, or mixed media—receive a 200 sq. ft. studio, a monthly stipend, and access to a wide variety of resources and opportunities, including teaching and marketing options. 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month residencies are available, starting in September. Application deadline is Mar. 1. For info, visit the web site: www. crafthouston.org or call: (713) 529-4848 x112.

RO CKLER BENT WOO D CHALLEN GE Last Fall, Rockler Woodworking and Hardware hosted a Bent Wood Challenge, in which builders created a project using bent wood and posted pictures of the finished piece on Instagram. Some 250 projects took up the challenge. The winner was Bart Komar of New Lenox, IL for his Low Rider Bicycle. Taking 450 hours to construct, the entire frame, forks, and seat are made of bent wood, including Walnut, Maple, Silver Maple, and Zebrawood. “The initial concept and design period took me about a week to figure out, playing around with different frame option using a thin trip of wood as a visual guide. Once I had an idea of what it was to look like, I started the process of milling the raw lumber, bending and gluing the frame together.” Second Place went to Kris Crawford of Sherwood Park, AB Canada for his Desk Chair, while taking Third Place was Brian Klein of Davis, CA for his Cherry Kumiko Lamp. Future contests will be announced at www.rockler.com/.

Bart Komar (New Lenox, IL) Low Rider Bicycle

Brian Klein (Davis, CA) Cherry Kumiko Lamp

Kris Crawford (Canada) Desk Chair