SAWS 2023 Exhibition
10 things you should know about SAWS 2023 Exhibition
There is a fresh burst of energy in the Alberta woodworking community this year. The Southern Alberta Woodworkers Society (SAWS) is once again holding the Fine Works in Wood Exhibition and Sale. Judging by entry numbers and questions, the woodworking world in Western Canada seems ready.
Entries arrive, are put in the queue for review by Standards Committee and are photographed.
As a quick answer to the questions SAWS has been receiving about the event, here are 10 things we would like you to know about the 2023 show.
It’ll be a great time. Mark your calendars. Dates for the Exhibition are Sept. 1 to 10, 2023. Location is Southcentre Mall, Calgary, Alta. Admission is free. The show is on full-time during regular mall hours.
The best of the best. This is no ordinary exhibition. To qualify entries must pass the eagle eyes of a highly qualified Standards Committee who check every aspect of each entry. If the work is not done properly, it is not allowed in the competition. The result is only the very best examples are allowed. Then, to top it off, the best of those entries that do make it are judged by a team of experts. Their selections of winners in several categories are highly valued by exhibitors.
You can take one home. Exhibitors have the option to sell their entries and a number do. You can buy onsite with a simple, straightforward process.
Watch for promotion. SAWS has developed a plan to bring you along on developments for the event. Simplest place to follow along is the SAWS website www.saws.ca. If you can’t find an answer to your question, ask any SAWS member.
We’re there to help. SAWS stewards will be circulating onsite throughout the duration of the event to answer questions about the Exhibition, the individual exhibits, or SAWS the organization. Stewards will be identifiable by their blue SAWS vests. Ask them.
We’re celebrating 40 years. This year marks 40 years since SAWS was started. Today, SAWS prides itself in its slogan, “Where woodworkers learn.” Perhaps more than ever, the values of quality craftsmanship, continual learning and companionship envisioned by the originators of the organization, hold true.
The Exhibition is a great sponsorship opportunity. No woodworking group in Western Canada has been around longer than SAWS and the reputation of the Exhibition for bringing together the very best craftspeople and shining a spotlight on woodworking is well earned. SAWS has set up high quality opportunities for sponsors to participate and a sponsorship team ready to answer your questions. Remember, this event is only held every two years. Don’t miss it. Check the SAWS website for further details.
We welcome media and industry interest. There are great stories around every turn as the SAWS Exhibition heads toward and into the actual show. Stories of great creativity, passion and effort, sometimes hardship, even a bit of humor thrown in. If you are in media or have an industry connection where you would like to tell these stories, let us know. We have a media team that is pleased to help.
Students are welcome. Everyone is welcome but SAWS has always had a soft spot for students interested in the woodworking craft. Please join us.
Ask about joining SAWS. The Exhibition is just one example of the reasons being a SAWS member is an enjoyable and useful experience for so many. Ask us. We like to tell people about our organization. Join at www.saws.ca.
