AWFS Hosts 2021 Fresh Wood Student Competition
- On 21 Sep 2020
- By Tovi Spero
Anaheim, September 22, 2020 — The Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers® (AWFS) will host its 12th biennial Fresh Wood student furniture competition. The competition, which will be showcased at the 2021 AWFS®Fair, July 20-23, in Las Vegas, is open to high school and post-secondary students in woodworking or related programs. Entry applications will be accepted until May 3, 2021, and it is free to enter.
2021 Special Theme Announced
In light of the pandemic and the resulting significant increase in remote learning for students, the 2021 Special Theme category topic is “Remote Woodworking”. Any wood project made while remote learning, or to improve aspects of learning or working remotely may be entered.
The Design for Production category has been updated with a new twist: students must design a functional item manufactured out of one 4 x 8’ sheet of plywood. All structural wood components must nest inside of and be cut from the same sheet.
Four other entry categories make up the Fresh Wood competition: Case Goods, Seating, Tables, and an Open category, in which projects can be made of any material. Entries will be rated by a panel of judges that represent different aspects of the industry. Judges’ scores will determine the finalist pieces that will be on display at the AWFS®Fair. AWFS covers project shipping and the majority of travel costs to bring students and their teachers to the AWFS®Fair.
Turning to the Future Competition Will Return
The Fresh Wood competition will be displayed with the Turning to the Future competition by the American Association of Woodturners, which will showcase turned student work. Call for entries and more information on Turning to the Future will be available on the AAW website woodturner.org soon.
KCD Software Sponsors Best of Show Prize
KCD Software, makers of 3D cabinet and closet design software, returns for the fourth time as the Fresh Wood “Best in Show” award sponsor. The AWFS Fresh Wood Committee would like to thank KCD Software for their generous support of student woodworkers through the Fresh Wood competition.
The Fresh Wood entry deadline is May 3, 2021. Finalists will be on display throughout the AWFS®Fair July 20-23, 2021. Winners will be identified and announced at an Awards Ceremony during the show, open to all attendees and exhibitors. First place, second place and honorable mention awards may be given out in each category and at each school level. A “Best of Show” award will also be selected from all first place category winners, and the recipient will receive a custom trophy from an accomplished woodworker. A People’s Choice award, for which all AWFS®Fair attendees and exhibitors have the opportunity to vote, will also be given.
For more information and entry instructions, visit the Fresh Wood page here or contact: AWFS Education Manager Adam Kessler, (323) 215-0312 or adam@awfs.org.