In addition to
the International Exhibition in the church, several other exhibitions were on display. These included an instant gallery featuring the work of the participants and demonstrators, and an ornamental turning exhibit.
The work by students from the Lycee Professionnel de Moirans en Montagne (a technical college) was displayed in the park by the town square. | The bidding started slowly but ramped up as those unfamiliar with
auctions quickly got the idea and joined in.It was fun to watch two bidders go back and forth over one piece for about 10 minutes.
"Going once! Going twice!"... just as Terry was about to yell "SOLD!", the other bidder would up the bid by 5 Euros.
On Sunday, there was a woodturning market, which was attended by an estimated 5500 people. | There was entertainment each night following dinner. One night we listened
as a local a cappella choir sang American blues and gospel selections. Another night, a rock band performed and there was dancing in the aisles until the wee hours.
I found this event to have a certain intimacy that I have not experienced at larger symposia. |
There was also a commercial trade show and a training center area offering information on woodturning classes throughout
France. Several of the demonstrators taught three-day courses before or after the event. Those all sold out quickly. | The dining tent was transformed into a sales gallery with work in every price range, while the village square was the site of turning demonstrations.
Israeli turner Eli Avisera turned spinning tops all day with the proceeds being donated to the AFTAB Education Fund. |
There was a real sense of camaraderie and family which helped everyone appreciate the work much more. From the organizers, to the volunteers from throughout France, to the demonstrators and attendees, there was a real willingness to share ideas and help others learn. |
Many were taught in the shops/garages of private homes throughout the village and required a
bit of logistical magic to ensure adequate equipment was in place.On Saturday night, an auction was held which raised a large amount for AFTAB. Emcee and head auctioneer, Terry Martin, worked to get the crowd going while other demonstrators acted as spotters. | French turner Jean-Dominique Denis demonstrated on his pedal-powered lathe.
If you were willing to pedal, he would turn a spinning top for you, and other well-known
turners took their turn. This was a popular site for the youngsters.
There was even a demonstration on a foot-powered pole lathe. | The number of demonstrators and rotations was just about right.
There was only one time when I wanted to see four demonstrations at once and had to prioritize. At all the other times, it was easy to decide.
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