Each year the Professional Outreach Program (POP) showcases two wood artists at the AAW’s annual International Symposium. They are either experienced artists who have made significant contributions to the woodturning field but have not received appropriate recognition, or emerging artists who have the potential to make significant contributions to the field.
Past Artist Showcase awardees have included Matthew Shewchuck, Janine Wang, Rex Kalehoff, Lorin Brucker, Kevin Jesequel, Heather Marusiak, Elizabeth Weber, Nicole MacDonald, Melissa Engler, Eli Polite, Roberto Ferrer, Laurent Niclot, Helga Winter, Sally Burnett, Kristin LeVier, Jim Sannerud, Keith Holt, Louise Hibbert, and others.
During the 2027 AAW International Symposium, the selected artists will participate in a panel discussion of their work, and the opportunity to give two demonstrations or participate in additional panels.
Artists receive a $2000 award; a featured display in the Special Exhibitions area; complimentary Symposium registration; demonstration and panel compensation ($225 per rotation, $125 panel); three days of lodging at the AAW host hotel, and up to $300 in travel expenses.
To apply, please fill out the form below by June 30, 2026. We recommend composing (and saving!) your artist statement and statement of interest as a text document, then copy/pasting into the form. You will be able to edit your form at any time until the deadline by clicking the link at the top of your confirmation email.
If you have questions about the Artist Showcase program, please contact Sally Burnett, sally@sallyburnett.co.uk or Tib Shaw, tib@woodturner.org. If you are having technical issues, please contact Tib, tib@woodturner.org.