The new president of the Guild of New Hampshire Woodworkers, Elliot Savitzky, is already seeing one of his goals come to fruition – expanding the diversity of Guild membership – in the submissions for the upcoming First Annual New England Woodworking Competition. This “Celestial Event” will be held at McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center & Planetarium, Concord on Saturday Oct. 21, from 5-10 p.m. To date, 69 entries by a variety of professional and amateur woodworkers have been submitted ahead of the Oct. 6 submission deadline. In addition, members of New Hampshire Furniture Masters will have a pop-up exhibit and three members – Owain Harris, David Lamb, and Garrett Hack – will act as judges, with awards in 14 categories. Attendees will vote for People’s Choice Awards at the event. Many pieces will be for sale.
According to Savitzky, “Our inaugural New England wide event is attracting woodworkers from across the region and we are particularly excited about the number of students and women who are participating. This event bridges our rich history of furniture and cabinet making since the 1600s, with promoting woodworking to our future generations. We collectively want to show the community what a talented group of woodworkers we have in New England.”
One of the women submitting is amateur woodworker Amy Sanderson of Kensington, NH who explains, “In anticipation of the last of my children going to college, I decided to take up woodworking on a part-time basis. I love the creativity and challenge it offers. I’ve been taking classes at the Homestead Woodworking School in Newmarket. Although a lot of events I go to are primarily attended by men, my current woodworking class of ten people has four women.” Sanderson says she recently finished making a pair of Shaker end tables and a Mid-Century Modern TV stand. Currently she’s tackling a Miter Box – a small box with drawers that has precision cut miter joints. Says Sanderson, “It’s complicated and way above my experience level but I am enjoying the challenge!”
Laurie Farrell, Guild officer and past president of New England Woodcarvers, supports Savitzky’s goal of building a more diverse Guild – with youth, minorities and women. “We’re looking to pass the torch to the next generation, so we are exploring a mentorship program to help young people apprentice to woodworkers. And, the Guild has 742 members, 42 of whom are women, so I’m specifically trying to reach out to women asking them – Why did you join? What spurred your interest? How can the Guild promote your growth in woodworking? We are already seeing more women sign up for classes; some of our best woodturners are women. I believe women are going to start being more involved in woodworking as they come into their own and realize ‘I can do this just as well as men can’.”
The emcee for the evening will be Tom McLaughlin of Epic Woodworking and host of Shop Night Live.
The Keynote Speaker will be top furniture maker Dan Faia, the 2023 recipient of the Cartouche Award from the Society of American Period Furniture Makers. Dan Faia has been a professional woodcarver, furnituremaker, chairmaker, and educator since 1994. He operates a woodworking studio and small group workshop program in Rollinsford, New Hampshire. In addition to teaching, demonstrating and actively building commissions, Dan has written extensively for Fine Woodworking Magazine. More information about Daniel Faia, his work and the workshops he conducts can be found online at danielfaia.com.
Event and ticket info
The event will include a welcome while attendees browse the competition, the customized planetarium show, the awards ceremony, and an opportunity to peek at the night sky through the telescope.
Date: Saturday Oct. 21, from 5-10 p.m.
Location: McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center & Planetarium, 2 Institute Drive, Concord
Ticket price: $25 in advance; $35 at the door
Hors d’oeuvres and cash bar
Raffle of SawStop compact table saw and stand (value $1,000)
To purchase tickets and learn more visit gnhw.org.
