Southwest Florida marks 40th Wood Art Exposition in Punta Gorda

The 40th annual Southwest Florida Wood Art Exposition & Competition turned the Charlotte Harbor Event Center in Punta Gorda into a regional showcase for turning and carving, culminating on Jan. 10. Produced by SW FL Woodcarvers in collaboration with the Peace River Woodturners, the event wrapped public demonstrations, hands-on classes and a vendor area into a single community-focused weekend of craft and commerce.

Doors opened for the final day at 8:00 am and the public program ran through 4:00 pm. Competition entries in both woodturning and woodcarving were on display throughout the hall, letting visitors see a range of work from small spindle pieces to large bowls and carved sculpture. Demonstrators rotated through live sessions aimed at practical techniques such as bowl turning, hollowing, tool control and finishing methods, giving attendees a chance to watch workflow, grind profiles and finish choices up close.

The vendor area provided ready access to the materials that keep shops humming: turning blanks, tool vendors, sharpening supplies and finishes suitable for both functional and gallery work. For collectors and new turners alike, the floor was a practical opportunity to compare blanks, test tools at demo tables and pick up finishing supplies you can put to use that evening.

Hands-on classes gave newer turners seat time with experienced demonstrators, and the collaborative production by local clubs emphasized community development as much as competition. The exposition highlighted regional talent from Gulf Coast turners and carvers and made it easy to connect with local clubs where you can join a lathe night, swap gouling tips or find a mentor.

Entry forms, schedules and additional information were available through the SWFL Wood Art Expo event page, including details for those who want to enter future competitions or sign up for hands-on sessions. If you missed the Jan. 10 finale, check the event page for photos, exhibitor lists and contact details for the SW FL Woodcarvers and Peace River Woodturners.

The takeaway? These shows are where skills meet supplies and where conversation at the tool table turns into trade secrets. Plan to arrive early, find the demo schedule and bring a notebook or camera to capture techniques. Our two cents? Buy a local blank, ask a demonstrator one practical question, and turn what you learn into something you can show at the next meeting.