Design in Wood returns to San Diego fair

A coffee table by David Weld of San Clemente, Calif.

From the 2019 Design in Wood show, a Maloof-style low back chair by John Barry of Romona, Calif.

The 39th annual Design in Wood competition and exhibition will take place at the San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego from June 8 through July 4. The event was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.

Hosted by the San Diego Fine Woodworkers Association (SDFWA), and co-sponsored by the San Diego County Fair 22nd District Agricultural Association, the event averages over 350 entries from professional woodworkers across the country and internationally. There are 26 entry categories, including contemporary and traditional furniture, veneering/marquetry, carving, turning, People’s Choice, and Best of Show.

Cabinet by James Frantz of San Diego, featured in Design in Wood ANDREW PATTERSON & LYNN RYBARCZYK

The SDFWA issued a call for entries in January with an entry deadline of April 29.

Over 300 volunteers staff the exhibition, while artisans demonstrate old and new woodworking techniques. In addition to the juried competition and exhibit, there will be demonstrations by turners, carvers, and luthiers, and a 19th century chair shop.

The SDFWA is a non-profit organization formed in 1982 to unite those who share enthusiasm in working with wood. It currently has over 1,100 members.

For more, visit sdfair.com.

Works in Wood

The New Hope Arts Center recently concluded its 22nd annual exhibition, Works in Wood, held Nov. 20, 2021, through Jan. 9 at the New Hope Arts Center in New Hope, Pa.

The juried exhibition featured works of over 50 artists including studio furniture, sculpture, turnings and more. Works are required to be original in design and must incorporate at least 50 percent wood.

Bench by Carter Sio in Works in Wood.

“Works in Wood honors the rich cultural heritage of Bucks County woodworking while celebrating the new visions of the contemporary artists who reside in our region and beyond. As a national juried show, Works in Wood features artwork from the finest talent in the country today,” according to the center on its website, newhopearts.org.