The Southern Piedmont Woodturners Association (SPW) leases a large space here at ClearWater Arts Center & Studios (Studio 122), and has about 65-70 members. See their Artist Page on this website, for images; and/or their own website for more info.
June, 2026 Monthly Meeting & Demonstration:
Saturday, June 27, 2026 – 9:00 – 11:30 am* – Demonstrator: Larry Nottingham
Afternoon Workshop, 1:00:- 5:00 p.m.- Theme Turning Pens
Workshops (and other Turning Days) are currently open only to SPW members. Visitors can join SPW, at the Meeting or at SPW website.
See details on SPW events, and sign up to be a member, on SPW’s own website, https://spwoodturners.com/
June 27, 2026 Demonstration by Larry Nottingham:
“Celtic Knot French Rolling Pin”
At this meeting, fellow SPW member & Club President, Larry Nottingham – will provide a demonstration on making a Celtic Knot French Rolling Pin.
Larry’s Description: “ “Making” is correct for this demo as opposed to “turning”. While the rolling pin is, in the final accounting, turned to shape, the shape is simple and fairly easy to accomplish. Most of the work to be done in this project, and I mean a huge portion, is required to prepare the blank for turning. It involves cutting a starter blank to size, then slicing it in half, and then reassembling with an insert made from a different, contrasting wood glued in between the freshly cut face. And it involves a lot of time waiting for glue to dry before you can rotate the blank and do it all over again, with the number of repetitions defining the complexity of the knot. Like most projects, there are some tricks involved. Having now made a number of these rolling pins, and having now tried two different methods for preparing the finished blank, I will share lessons learned from the process. I will also show some other projects that can also benefit from adding a Celtic knot – pens, vases, and even bowls. And, I’ll share a little of the history and lore of Celtic knots. Come on out to the meeting, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy spending some time with fellow woodturners. What a great way to spend a Saturday morning.”
Back by popular demand: In the afternoon, starting at 1:00, we will have a workshop on turning pens. Spaces are still available for the workshop, so if you’d like to participate, sign up at the SPW website. [Must be a SPW member first to participate.]
General Club Info—
With members from 16 – 80+, SPW’s membership includes women and men from Charlotte, Concord, Davidson, Huntersville, Kannapolis, and Harrisburg, North Carolina and surrounding areas. Their mission is education on the art and craft of turning artistic and functional forms from wood. They welcome new onlookers and members to the monthly meetings, which are held every 4th Saturday morning of each month.
*You will find the SPW in Studio 122 - on the second (main) floor of ClearWater’s Main Buidling. Exterior Entrance into the studio, is at the top of the tall stairs across from the Ceramic Center Doors, and large mural on the Clearwell Building; visible when entering from the Kerr Street driveway. If you need handicapped access or other special accommodations, please email members@spwoodturners.com in advance.
For more info on the group and the venue, see additional notes below and/or the Club website: https://www.clearwaterartists.com/southern-piedmont-woodworkers
SPW has two large overhead screens for showing a demonstrator’s hands up close
Safe turning methods are taught and various turning days held for members monthly!
The Southern Piedmont Woodturners meet for fellowship and technical demonstrations at our studio (#122) at ClearWater Arts Center & Studios, 223 Crowell Drive NW, Concord, NC 28025.
Members bring items to demonstrate how previous demonstrators have influenced their work. We also have a raffle of items to raise funds for the club.
In addition to ClearWater Arts Center & Studios, the SPW is associated with the Cabarrus County Arts Council (CCAC), the American Association of Woodturners (AAW), and the North Carolina Woodturners Association (NCWA).
To inquire about club activities, see the club website. Or, you may call the ClearWater Arts Center and speak with ClearWater Coordinator, Sarah Gay at 704-920-6600 who can help direct your call.
A typical monthly meeting with demonstrator showing a technique of interest.
