Islanders will get a chance to see what local woodworkers have been up to at this weekend's annual Misty Isles Wood Trade Show, at the Queen Charlotte community hall.
New this year is an "art in wood" show, which will offer an even wider array of artists and craftspeople the chance to show off what they've been working on. Previous wood trade shows were somewhat limited in that exhibitors had to put together a booth with products for sale, explained Kathy Pick, coordinator of the "art in wood" show. The show gives artists who are working in wood for the first time, or who only have one or two pieces, a chance to share the limelight with more experienced woodworkers, Ms Pick explained.
The show is open to all - if you have a piece of art that is made of at least 50-percent wood, and would like to display it, drop it off at the Queen Charlotte community hall TODAY (Thursday, Nov. 13) between 3 pm and 6 pm.
Ms Pick said people have been expressing a lot of interest in the show and she's hoping for an eclectic mix of fascinating objects.
"I have my toes crossed hoping we get lots," she said. "We are expecting all kinds of entries... everything from furniture and wooden boxes to baskets."
Other items include a door with a stained glass panel, a plane made entirely of wood that actually flies, chainsaw carvings and a lamp, she said.
Locals Lon Sharp and Rose Russ will be forming a two-person jury which will closely examine the art entries and choose the best in show. The winner will receive a $500 gift certificate for Lee Valley Tools.
The art in wood show has a gala opening Friday (Nov. 14) from 7 pm to 9:30 pm (complete with goodies), and continues on Saturday from noon until 5 pm at the Queen Charlotte community hall. At this point it will be joined by the official wood trade show, where island woodworkers and artists display their wares and their talents at booths.
Islanders will be able to buy products, make orders, win door prizes, or simply check it all out, said Community Futures CED coordinator Barb Elduayen, who is coordinating this part of the show. The local teen centre will be selling refreshments.
This is the fifth annual wood trade show for the islands, and Ms Elduayen said she is noticing a real change in the quality of work people are doing.
"It's nice to see people who were basically doing this as a hobby start to think, maybe I can do this for a living," she said. "Additional people are starting to see okay, yes, this is possible."
Many islanders are probably not aware of the number of people who are selling top quality local wood products off-island, she added. Just a couple of examples are Doug Peake and Sylvia Doll, both artisans from Sandspit who produce high-end bowls, boxes and other products, Ms Elduayen said.
In fact, Mr. Peake will be bringing his lathe to the wood show and displaying how it works, she said.
Don't miss it!