The Southern Piedmont Woodturners Association 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. Southern Piedmont Woodturners (SPW) has changed its regular monthly meeting schedule for the New Year (2026), from 3rd Tuesday evening to 4th Saturday morning. Non-members are welcome to attend the first time for free. “Open Turning” and Workshop events for members occur regularly. Any participation in turning activities, unless advertised as a Public Workshop, is only allowed after joining the club and taking appropriate training.
February 2026 Monthly Meeting Demonstration: Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026:
Live demonstration for 2/28/2026 will be presented by:
Lan Brady, Southern Piedmont Woodturners
“Canoe Cup x2”
Lan has been an active member of North Carolina’s woodturning community for many years. He has taught at a Greensboro-area trade school, as well as being an woodturning instructor at the John C. Campbell Folk School and Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. At the recent North Carolina Woodturners Symposium this past Movember, Lan was selected to be one of the featured demonstrators. As an active member of SPW, he has participated in many of our community service and fund-raising events and has provided numerous demonstration for the benefits of the members. In addition to sharing his knowledge and skills with woodturners throughout the state, Lan is just a genuinely nice guy.
Certain Indian tribes in North American carved cups from Birch burl hundreds of years ago. These cups were attached to their waists with a leather strap and used as a daily drinking cup. The U.S. Army adapted this cup idea during the 19th century and made “ration cups” which were standard issue for all soldiers. The ration cup offered a way for soldiers to all receive an equal ration when meals were being served. Lan will show us how to make not one, but two canoe cups from a single wood blank. Lan is both expert woodturner and treenware expert, so watching his demonstration will be both instructive and informative.
Workshop: Following the demonstration, Lan will stay with us and participate in the Saturday afternoon active-turning event where participants will make two canoe cups from a single piece of wood.
Workshops are open to SPW members only at this time.
Membership in the SPW can be gained online, via their club website, https://spwoodturners.com/ Or they may be able to enroll a new member onsite at the Meeting.
For more info on the group and the venue, see ClearWaterArtists.com
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.
