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Jun 20, 2023

First Annual New England Woodworking Competition Announced

Elliot Savitsky The Guild of NH Woodworkers Announces Its First Annual New

Elliot Savitsky

The Guild of NH Woodworkers Announces Its First Annual New England Woodworking Competition

The nonprofit organization seeks professional and amateur woodworkers from across the region to enter the competition

Concord, New Hampshire – Calling all professional and amateur woodworkers! The First Annual New England Woodworking Competition, hosted by the nonprofit Guild of New Hampshire Woodworkers, will be held at McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center & Planetarium in Concord NH, on Saturday October 21, 2023 from 5-10pm.

The judges will be evaluating the entries in 11 categories relative to ability and experience.

Participants can register on the Guild's website and purchase tickets at https://gnhw.org/register/

According to Event Chair Elliot Savitzky, "The show provides an opportunity for woodworkers to display and discuss their craft and for the community to view the best in high quality woodworking design and construction from across the region. The pieces that will be on display are primarily made out of wood. For example, furniture, turned bowls and vases, lamps, boxes, carvings, all made by a craftsperson, from beginners to the advanced."

The competition is the first of its kind in New England, which has a rich history of furniture and cabinet making since the 1600s. Three members of the New Hampshire Furniture Masters will serve as judges: Owain Harris; David Lamb; and Garrett Hack.

The emcee for the evening is Tom McLaughlin of Epic Woodworking and host of Shop Night Live, a weekly live stream program on YouTube.

Says Savitzky, "People should not feel hesitant to enter. We have many prizes in cash and merchandise to offer and you don't have to make something just for this event. It could have been made years ago. This is all about the experience of meeting up with like-minded individuals who want to share their hard work. We are seeking involvement from both professional and amateur woodworkers and emerging artists at all levels."

The keynote speaker is acclaimed furniture maker Dan Faia, the 2023 recipient of the top award from the Society of American Period Furniture Makers. Faia has led the Cabinet and Furniture Making program at the North Bennet Street School in Boston and writes for Fine Woodworking Magazine. He teaches workshops at his studio in Rollinsford, New Hampshire.

Event and ticket info

In addition to the entered pieces, the New Hampshire Furniture Masters will present a companion exhibit from professionals for that night only.

The Marquee sponsor of the event is Goosebay Lumber in Chichester, NH. Many other sponsors will be recognized at the event.

About the Guild

The Guild of New Hampshire Woodworkers, founded in 1990, is an association of professional and amateur woodworkers. The mission of the guild is to educate and support those interested in woodworking. The Guild provides opportunities for sharing knowledge, skills, and experiences. From beginners to expert artisans, the 700+ members assist anyone with an interest in learning the craft. Through regular meetings, lectures, demonstrations, video library, publications and various activities and events, the Guild strives to bring together the diverse interests of both the New Hampshire woodworking community and the public.