My wife and I are attending it next week and this will be our fist time. I have been turning about a year, and my wife is just now catching the turning bug. Any suggestions on what to concentrate on while we are there? Also, does anyone know if the craftsupplies sale the previous day is worth going too as well? We, live in Utah, about 90 miles North, and I was think of driving down for their sale.
Thanks
Hello Terry,
The Craft Supplies Super Wednesday is very worthwhile. It is like another day of the symposium. Since there will be about 100 demonstrations and you can't see them all, I suggest that you pick the subjects that appeal to you. I had been turning for almost five years when I attended my first Utah Woodturning Symposium and it was a real eye opener. Don't forget to take in the evening events to get full value for your money. You should have a great time.
Fred Holder
Terry,
The Craft Supplies event on Wednesday is well worth attending. It's an excellent opportunity to rub shoulders with many of the symposium demonstrators and the woodturning community in general. I highly recommend it. Plan on arriving early.
As for the symposium, there is far too much to take it all in, so just go with the flow and enjoy! Start by taking in those sessions that seem most interesting to you. Be sure to plan some time to browse the instant gallery. I'm sure you and your wife will be inspired and energized by the experience.
Chris Andrew
Hi Terry,
I'm a bit north of you in Cache Valley and I've attended the Provo Symposium for the past two years. I went to the Super Wednesday at Craft Supplies both years also. Both are outstanding!
The first year I was late getting to the sale and most of the items were gone. If you aren't there when they open the door for the sale then you don't stand much of a chance of even seeing what was there.
Last year I was one of the first in the door but it is hectic to say the least. The building is small and there were a lot of shoppers and you do a lot of standing in line unable to move. There were some good deals for sure but it seems to me more of a clearance sale with a lot of odds and ends or slightly damaged items instead of the normal items craft supplies sell. It was almost impossible to browse and look at what is there.. just too many people.
I also learned last year that some people go over there the night before and look around then they know where to go for the items that may interest them. You may find something "good" at a bargain price. I bought a box full of mostly wood and sandpapers and checkout was a long wait but all in all its fun in an odd sort of way. Lots of people to chat with while you wait.
But the sale is not the big attraction in my opinion. It is the exhibitors and the demos that are going on the whole day. Usually the demos aren't nearly as crowed as the ones at BYU will be and I found it easy to talk with most of the demonstrators and tool suppliers. Last year was cold but the tool demonstrators were set up outside and I enjoyed being able to talk to the folks that make lathes and tools.
Its also a good time to meet other turners and interesting people. Both years I've met several people that post here, on WOW, and on Wood Central.
As far as the symposium itself it is wonderful. You'll get a package when you check in that will list the scheduled rotations. With it you can decide what you'd like to see and its not hard to find your way around.
The turners and demos are top of the line and I enjoyed it all very much. When I get home my head is buzzing for several days with all the information and ideas presented there.
My wife went with me the first year and she had little interest in turning and just went along. Her plans were to check out these turners the first day and then find something to do in Provo for most of the rest of the time. Well she attended everyday, all day of the demos and she won a prize at the ending ceremony, and she won a turning at one of the demos. She was impressed with Bonnie Klein's demo and on the way home she looked at me and said she wanted to get a mini lathe! She'd never done any woodworking before but when we go home she ordered a Jet mini and all the necessary supplies to become a pen turner! So take you wife for sure , you'll both have a good time and who knows... she may want a Oneway or a Stubby after. :)
Anyway have a good time and enjoy yourself at Provo. Unfortunately I won't be able to attend this year but wish I were.
Bertie
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