Over 500 visitors turned out to the Wood Expo at the Seaside Centre last Friday and Saturday to view the Coast's finest wooden art. The artisans were on hand to sell their wares and to answer questions: 12 professional woodworkers, members of the South Coast Value Added Wood Co-op, along with four amateurs and some members of the newly-formed woodworking club.
"A lot of the people who came just love wood," said organizer Will Cummer, who sold his cedar and maple burl jewellery boxes and wooden spreader knives.
Roberts Creek wood artist Ray Jenkins fascinated visitors with his huge sculptures, while Tim Clement lined up his many examples of wooden chairs and bar stools. Young Celine Moonen sold her own handcrafted hat racks to raise funds for school trips.
Scott Avery could point to the wooden railings of the Seaside Centre as examples of his staircase art. Hugh Monroe's wood turnings earned admiration, as did the unique designs of contemporary furniture maker Steve Webber.
Cummer called the event successful but said there are many more woodworkers on the Coast than were represented at the show. He hopes to see a larger event next year.
