PORT TOWNSEND — A variety of unusual wood items will be on display this weekend in a show that is intended to connect area artists with the community.
“This show is about letting local people see the work of their neighbors,” said Seth Rolland, one of the organizers of the seventh annual Port Townsend Woodworkers Show, set for Saturday and Sunday.
“For the most part, a lot of us are in a workshop alone, and what we make is shipped across town or across the country, and no one sees what we do,” Rolland said.
Admission will be free to the seventh annual show, set from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the American Legion Hall, 209 Monroe St.
To set the mood, the exhibit will be kicked off with “The Woodworkers Have a Ball (a Black Tie and Carhartts Affair)” from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. today at The Upstage Restaurant & Bistro, 923 Washington St.
The woodworkers ball will feature no-host food, libations and dancing to the Pan-American Latin jazz by Porto Alegre, made up of Port Townsend musicians Robin Bessier, Skip Morris, John MacElwee, Bill Kiely and Tom Svornich.
Creative “formal” woodworking attire is recommended, though organizers haven’t defined exactly what that is.
Admission is $10.
30 exhibitors
At the woodworkers show, about 30 exhibitors — including new and returning artists — will exhibit their work this year, displaying the art and craft of woodworking and providing a look at unique products that will never appear in any store.
Categories will include furniture makers, carvers, boll turners and instrument makers.
“There is some amazing talent in Port Townsend,” said John Markworth, who with Rolland developed the show over the years.
“It’s an outgrowth from the Port Townsend School of Woodworking and the Wooden Boat School, and has given us an electric mix of people who are really talented and creative.”
Organizers expect between 1,500 and 1,800 people to attend the show.
Reservations are recommended to the woodworkers ball by phoning 360-385-2216.
For more information about the show, visit www.splintergroup.org or phone 360-379-0414.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.