The (stunning!) Woodturning Center

When you visit Philadelphia this August, one of the, hands down, best museums to make time for, is The Center For Art in Wood, formerly The Woodturning Center.  When I first discovered the Woodturning Center, it was housed in a space barely 1500 sq ft. The back room was crammed with wooden art -- a working soprano saxophone entirely carved from wood, a wood turned Stetson hat, perfect in every respect. And the shows! The shows were extraordinary and some of the best curated I have ever seen!

I once saw a show of wooden bottle stoppers. Now when you hear that, it doesn't sound like much, but the stoppers were elaborate and clever, each one showcased in a specially designed bottle just for that stopper.

In addition to the gallery, now museum, they have an international  artists residency, and they emphasize lathe turning specifically.  While you are all here for ANG this August, the residency program show will be up, featuring the work of the 2012 fellows.

The Center for Art in Wood is located at North 3rd Street in Philadelphia, and is open Tuesday-Saturday 10-5.