ABOUT THE OREGON ASSOCIATION OF WOODTURNERS
The Oregon Association of Woodturners (OAW) is an all-volunteer, 501.c3 not-for-profit association of participating woodturning clubs from Oregon and Washington. The primary purpose of the Oregon Association of Woodturners is to provide an outstanding educational opportunity to woodturners of all skill levels. Our goal is to present a forum/symposium (known as the Oregon Woodturning Symposium) for the education and skill development of anyone interested in woodturning. Our secondary aim is to support charitable programs related to woodturning such as Beads of Courage to assist seriously ill children, Empty Bowls to assist local food banks and Turn for Troops to provide hand-made pens for US military personnel deployed overseas. The Oregon Association of Woodturners bylaws can be found here.
THE 2025 OAW BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Paul Hirt, Past President
I stumbled into woodturning when I purchased a used Shopsmith with possibly steel gouges. Hey, it had a lathe thingy and like many clueless individuals I proceeded to "teach myself" how to turn. Fortunately, shortly thereafter I was rescued by the Willamette Valley Woodturners, directed to classes, demonstrations and symposia and have spent the last 15 years trying to unlearn all of those inefficient and dangerous habits. The demonstrations, vendors, exchange of ideas and display of art and craft have been inspiring to me. I hope that each of you enjoys this experience as much as I have. Welcome to the OWS.
Mark Choitz, President
I had always wanted to try woodturning. My boss had a lathe and he said I could try it anytime. My initial training was "here's the lathe, here are the tools, don't kill yourself". That was about 13 years ago, and I have enjoyed it ever since. My interest changes as my club demos come and go - I like to try all types of woodturning but my predominant turnings are bowls. This will be the Fifth edition of the Oregon Woodturning Symposium and we're looking forward to having another fun filled and educational event - Hope to see you there!
Tom Hasting, Vice-President
Working with wood has always been a part of my life. Growing up, my father, who was a cabinet maker taught me many different phases of woodworking. Upon retiring, I have found that woodworking has become a major part of my life in the form of woodturning. I also enjoy teaching others, young and old, who would like to learn a fun and fulfilling hobby. I have started a small business on the central coast of Oregon in Newport that includes instruction.
Brian Skaar, Secretary
I first turned a bowl in 1975 and then took about 40 years off. However, I never forgot how much I enjoyed it back then in 7th grade and so when I got the opportunity to start it up again, I jumped at the chance, and it's been a good time ever since. Learning and teaching have been a great journey and I look forward to continuing at OWS 2025.
Allan Renwick, Treasurer
I did some woodturning in high school then inherited my dad’s Shop Smith. Did some minor turning with it and then upgraded. Have been turning serious for a little over a year.