The Southern Piedmont Woodturners Association leases a large space here at ClearWater Arts Center & Studios (Studio 122), and has about 65-70 members. See their Artist Page on this website, for images; and/or their own website for more info. The club meets every 3rd Tuesday evening and non-members are welcome to attend the first time for free. Any participation in turning activities is only allowed after joining the club and taking appropriate training.
Demo /Monthly Meeting Program: APRIL 2023 Demonstration with Mike McNeilly
MIKE McNEILLY
“INSPIRATION FROM WOOD”
Apr 18 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Mike McNeilly will be our demonstrator for April. You may remember his meticulous segmented ornament demo he gave last year. He is a Mooresville based craftsman and has been turning since 2005. Mike’s a current member of the North Carolina Woodturners and the American Association of Woodturners. He draws inspiration for his work from the natural grain and figure of the wood. Each piece is crafted with the goal of bringing the beauty out of the raw piece of wood and putting it on display.
They don’t always have to be round, so this month Mike will be turning a square bowl. And as a special technique Mike will show us how to give the piece that ‘wet look’. A unique process that makes it look like water drops sitting on the surface.
The attached photo is of a round bowl which Mike turned.
We encourage you to join us in the studio, but as usual if you can’t make it we will be broadcasting on Zoom. Zoom link can be found on the SPW Website (link by clicking on the SPW logo, above left)
SOUTHERN PIEDMONT WOODTURNERS
SPW has two large overhead screens for showing a demonstrator’s hands up close
Safe turning methods are taught and various turning days held for members monthly!
The Southern Piedmont Woodturners meet for fellowship and technical demonstrations on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm until 9:00 pm. We meet at our studio (#122) at ClearWater Arts Center & Studios, 223 Crowell Drive NW, Concord, NC 28025. Members begin to arrive for informal gathering around 5:30 pm; the meeting formally starts at 6:30 pm and the program is usually finished by 9:00 pm.
We usually have an "Instant Gallery" of members’ items they bring to demonstrate how previous demonstrators have influenced their work. We also have a raffle of items to raise funds for the club.
In addition to ClearWater Arts Center & Studios, the SPW is associated with the Cabarrus County Arts Council (CCAC), the American Association of Woodturners (AAW), and the North Carolina Woodturners Association (NCWA).
To inquire about club activities, see the club website. Or, you may call the ClearWater Arts Center and speak with ClearWater Coordinator, Sarah Gay at 704-920-6600 who can help direct your call.
A typical monthly meeting with demonstrator showing a technique of interest.
