Each year, the Southwest Association of Turners
(SWAT) holds one of the largest woodturning symposiums in the world. In 2019,
over 1000 attendees enjoyed this outstanding event in Waco, Texas. In 2020, the SWAT symposium was cancelled due
to Covid 19 considerations. In 2021 SWAT was held live with approximately
850 attendees.
SWAT is an all-volunteer non-profit organization which
allows the price to remain affordably low. The Symposium features
demonstrations from nationally and internationally recognized turners, as well
as outstanding regional turners selected from participating clubs and throughout,
the country.
The 2022 Symposium, our 30th, will be held August
26-28th at the Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Avenue, Waco,
Texas. The SWAT Symposium will offer something for every level of wood turner
and their spouse.
The Symposium features:
- 63 woodturning demonstrations by 24
woodturning artists.
- An Art Gallery and Vendor area open to
attendees and public.
- The
Art gallery is where attendees may display and sell their work. The Gallery also contains examples of SWAT
charity efforts including wood turned boxes being donated to the Beads of
Courage program. In 2021 over 400 Beads
of Courage boxes were displayed and subsequently made available to several hospitals.
- The Vendor area has a myriad of vendors
on-site, demonstrating and selling equipment and supplies at very competitive
prices
- An opening ceremony where SWAT volunteers and demonstrators are introduced, and the first Drawing is held
- A Banquet on Saturday night where
attendees can greet and meet old/new friends and artists.
- A 3-for-1 Raffle of tools, accessories,
wood, and lathes.
- Raffle Tickets are sold Thursday
through Sunday morning
- The first drawing, for a midi lathe and
Arrowmont Scholarship is held during the Opening ceremonies on Friday morning
- The second drawing, for beautiful art
turnings, donated by artists, is held at the Saturday night banquet
- The third drawing, for tools,
accessories, wood, 2 midi lathes and 1 full size lathe is held at the Sunday
lunch
- All tickers drawn at earlier drawings
on Friday and Saturday are returned to the bin prior to the next drawing,
earning the 3-in-1 name
- Lunches
are provided for all attendees during the three-day event
- Special
Interest Groups including Women in Turning, World of Woodturners, Turners-to-Go
and Beads of Courage will also meet during SWAT
- There
will be several areas offering hands-on opportunities to try for yourself, such
as turning a pen, sharpening a tool, or turning a bowl. It is a chance for some
one-on-one coaching from experienced turners.
- Bring your spouse! SWAT will have a
full schedule of activities and special classes designed for the non-turning
spouse.