What does the future of the woodworking industry look like? The ‘Fresh Wood’ competition, sponsored by the Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers (AWFS), promotes woodworking and design education programs and encourages students to pursue careers in these fields. The competition gives students a chance to show off their work and win prizes including cash and woodworking tools and supplies.
The competition was founded when the industry faced shortages of skilled workers. But since then, there’s been a woodworking renaissance, with the economic downturn leading many people to reconsider their careers and return to hands-on trades that put old-world craftsmanship to work.
The 2014 Fresh Wood Contest is closed to entries, but full-time and part-time students in accredited high school or post-secondary school woodworking programs are encouraged to apply for 2015. The winners in 2013 include a chair entry by Mollie Ferguson, pictured above, which won Best of Show and first place in the post-secondary chair category.
Work shown ranges from traditional furniture items to more artistic, sculptural interpretations of classics, like this fun clock.
