Fine Works In Wood 2025 - News Release
News Release
Fine Works in Wood Exhibition set for Calgary Sept. 5 to 14, 2025
Calgary, Alta. July 30, 2025. It’s a celebration that has been carried on over the past 40 years. Some of the finest woodworking craftsmanship in Western Canada will be on display Sept. 5 to 14, 2025 at The Southern Alberta Woodworkers Society (SAWS) “Fine Works in Wood Exhibition and Sale” in Southcentre Mall, Calgary, Alta. It is open during regular mall hours and is free to all to attend.
Veteran woodworking craftsman and SAWS Exhibition chair Tom Gorman, says the event, held every two years, has become popular with people from across Western Canada. “While the show’s main feature is furniture, there are many related artistic entries, with innovative, outstanding workmanship,” he says. “Entries appeal to a wide range of woodworking enthusiasts, from accomplished professionals, to artisans, hobbyists, students and anyone interested in fine craftsmanship.
“All entries must pass a standards judging panel in order to qualify. A select number of exhibits will be offered for sale during the Exhibition.”
The Exhibition venue allows people to get up close to the entries and while visitors are asked to not touch them, they can see how they were built and examine the workmanship, says Gorman. “Once again this year, the exhibit area will be staffed by SAWS member Exhibition Stewards identified by their blue vests, ready to answer questions on the event or the organization.”
Gorman says the Exhibition typically brings a renewed interest in woodworking generally and SAWS membership. The SAWS slogan is ‘Where Woodworkers Learn’ and he says the more than 40 years of that has helped many people enjoy the craft. As a master woodworker and predominantly hand woodworker himself, trained in the old school ways in Ireland, he is a solid example of that.
SAWS membership is open to anyone interested in the craft. There is an annual fee. Regular organization meetings feature speakers, tours of woodworking establishments and firsthand looks at local member shops and projects.
“It’s generally agreed the greatest benefit of membership is a personal connection with a community of woodworkers to share experiences and learn from those active in the craft,” Gorman says.
The Fine Works in Wood Exhibition and Sale space is provided in partnership with Oxford Properties which owns Southcentre Mall. Financial support is provided in part by assistance from Calgary Arts Development and through Exhibition sponsorship. More information about the upcoming exhibition, sponsorship opportunities, examples of entries from past exhibitions and membership in SAWS is available on the organization’s website www.saws.ca.
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For more information contact:
Tom Gorman, SAWS Exhibition Chair
Phone (403) 827-4287
Email: torigor@shaw.ca
SAWS Website: www.saws.ca
Terry Hockaday, Media contact
Phone (587) 899-7406
Email: terryhockaday1@gmail.com
