Turning Around America

One of the most interesting and ambitious projects mentioned at the Florida Woodturning Symposium was that of Beth Ireland, called Turning around america.

Beth is a production turner - a professional who produces hand-made turned pieces for architectural restorations, new (high-end) installations, and custom furniture makers.

Beth is spending eight months travelling across the country in a custom van, loaded with woodworking equipment and some basic necessities, and is stopping in towns all over the US to promote the act of "making objects with your own hands," by teaching woodworking and woodturning to as many people as she can.  She has been stopping at middle and high schools, vocational schools, art centers, and the like.  

Beth - and many of the woodworkers and woodturners like her - are concerned that since very few schools offer "shop class" any more, the number of people able to carry on the craft of fine woodworking and woodturning is dwindling rapidly.

Beth is a great presenter and has some outstanding woodworking skills. She is also a great teacher, motivator, and has a great sense of humor. I will be following her journeys at www.turningaroundamerica.com.