About Us
Formed in 1981, our association is celebrating over 25 years of learning and educating in the art of woodworking. We are a mix of professional and amateur woodworkers dedicated to promoting our skills through self-education and keeping up with the latest woodworking methods and tools, and sharing our knowledge with those interested in woodworking. We are dedicated to helping the youth of our community to learn the skills of woodworking and to serving our community through woodworking.
Meetings
Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month September through to June. Our principal meeting place is at the Halifax Home Depot Store, venturing from time to time to other local venues of interest such as Busy Bee, Lee Valley or Halifax Specialty Hardwoods. Meetings start sharply at 7pm in an effort to finish our activities in time to respect our host’s evening closing hours.
Typically, a meeting begins with a few words from the Chairperson concerning Association business and activities. This is followed by a segment of Show-and-Tell during which members show some of their work, describe their methods, and take questions. The meeting also includes a facilitated period to ask questions and for members to discuss current methods, practices and products. The remainder of each meeting is dedicated to one or more special presentations by a member or an invited speaker.
Special Events
Meetings each year in December, normally hosted at Lee Valley Tools, provide a long standing opportunity to meet socially in the season’s spirit. Members are invited to build toys for children and bring them to this special meeting and to display and present their work. These toys, crafted by the membership are donated to the Salvation Army Christmas fund.
The March meeting each year incorporates the Annual General Meeting which normally includes election of members to the AWA Executive.
As opportunities arise, outside of monthly meetings, visits and tours to studios, galleries, workshops, and businesses are organized by the membership.
The association seeks to undertake a community minded project normally proposed and realized in the spring and summer in which members volunteer their time and effort using their woodworking and carpentry skills in a charitable venture.
Features
Our librarian maintains an excellent library of woodworking books, magazines, project plans, DVDs and other educational materials which can be borrowed at meetings and returned the next.
AWA maintains a website that includes a list of local businesses that provide a discount on purchases to AWA members.
Members receive a monthly AWA Newsletter by email or mail along with regular notices by email concerning activities and events.
Membership
Our membership year commences each January 1st. Members pay annual dues of $20 ($10 for students) in advance or at the January meeting. New members joining after 1 June pay only $10. New members joining in October to December join by paying $20 for the subsequent year’s annual membership.
