The mission of Channel Islands Woodturners, Inc. is to promote education and awareness of the art and craft of woodturning among the membership and the general public; and to provide opportunities for youth and adults to safely learn woodturning techniques, acquire artistic values, and increase experience and skill.

History

Channel Islands Woodturners, Inc. (initially called the Ojai Valley Woodturners Guild) was formed as an informal club and Local Chapter of the American Association of Woodturners, Inc. in 1996 to serve the woodturners in Ventura County and surrounding areas.  By 1997 we were meeting in members’ shops mostly in the Ventura and Camarillo Areas. Formal bylaws were adopted on October 26, 2002. In May of 2004 we had outgrown our own shops and began meeting in a commercial cabinetmaker’s shop near the Camarillo airport.  We currently meet in the classroom and woodshop of Cabrillo Middle School in Ventura, California. In November of 2014 Channel Islands Woodturners, Inc. was granted nonprofit, tax exempt status as a 501(c)(3) organization.

Some of our members have been turning for many years and are accomplished artists with work displayed in several local and statewide galleries.  Others are just beginning to learn about the fun of turning and have yet to purchase a lathe.  We enjoy teaching and we welcome newcomers to this exciting “sport.”

Each year we hold some meetings as hands on teaching sessions for beginners and at other meetings bring in nationally and internationally known experts for special all day demonstrations.