Founding Principles and Purpose
The Western North Carolina Woodworkers Association (WNCWA) was founded in 2006 for the purpose of promoting high quality craftsmanship and artistic expression in all facets of woodworking. The Association achieves this purpose by providing a forum for sharing experiences and learning new techniques in woodworking. Monthly meetings facilitate the sharing of information, education in the craft of woodworking at all levels and is open to anyone from beginner to professional. The founding members were Rob Payne, Steve DeWeese and Randy Osborne (deceased). We incorporated as a non-profit organization in 2018 and have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status as a public charity with the IRS.
Members and Interests
Currently the Association has more than 60 active members from all over western North Carolina. Our membership consists of novice to professional woodworkers with interests in turning, fine furniture, musical instruments, cabinet making, carving, scroll sawing, marquetry and intarsia, to name a few. Members enjoy monthly meetings, and special classes and events. They exhibit their work in shows, and contribute to several charitable causes during the year, especially during the winter holiday season.
Meetings
Our meetings are generally held the 2nd Saturday of each month, from 9:30 AM to approximately 12:30 PM. More information abut our meetings can be found here. The main time slot at most meetings is an educational program presented by industry recognized experts, local craft persons, or our own Association members.
Often members begin to gather prior to the start of our meetings to share refreshments, conversation, woodworking stories and anecdotes. A ten-to-fifteen-minute break for refreshments at the midpoint of the meeting provides an opportunity for additional conversation and toward the end of our meetings we hold a "Show and Tell" session or a discussion on shop safety.
The Organization
WNCWA is governed by its Board of Directors, which consists of the elected officers: president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and one member-at-large. Committee chairs are appointed by the board and are the real heart of the organization. All of our members are encouraged to participate on one of our committees or as the need arises. Please consider volunteering to help. Click HERE for our By-laws.
Membership
Members pay $30.00 annual dues. To minimize bookkeeping membership renewals are payable for the calendar year in January of that year. New members are welcome to join any time.
Our Board
 Dewey Sides President |
 Keith Betscher Vice President |
Jonathan Freedberg Treasurer |
 John Snyder Secretary |
 Neil King Member At-large |
 Rob Payne President Emeritus |