CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Top 5 finalists have been named for the Young Woodworking Professionals Competition, which recognizes outstanding projects and the young wood pros that created them. Almost 70 entries were submitted. The winner of the competition will be announced at the Woodworking Network booth on Feb. 15 at 4:00 p.m. Wood Pro Expo Charlotte takes place Feb. 14-16 at the Charlotte Convention Center.
The free competition kicked off Young Woodworking Professionals week, Woodworking Network's salute to woodworkers ages 18-35, which took place Jan. 8-12.
And the finalists are:
Arthur Griffin -- "Designed and created this shaker inspired, cherry and maple corner cabinet from scratch as a wedding gift for my fiancée."
Artur Hyc -- "Designed and created this baby grand piano crib. It's perfect for next big artist."
Joe Malloy -- "Cabinets and shelving made from birch and poplar. The top and back wall are made from knotty pine. Two piece crown moulding to cap it off."
Jon Ortmann -- "Buckeye Burl stabilized in dyed cactus juice. Then cast in Alumilite. Finished with a high gloss CA and buffed to a mirror-like finish. Handmade in Missouri."
Nathan Deal -- "Completed a 17’ Great Auk out of western red cedar and used curly white maple for accent strips. Custom lettering and engraving along the side of the kayak and inlaid with a white powder."
Entrants simply posted their projects and a brief description on Twitter, Instagram or at Woodworking Network's Facebook page, using #YWPweek. 
Wood Pro Expo is the regional show series that brings education, equipment, and supplies close to cabinetmakers and custom woodworking businesses around the country. Go to woodproexpo.com.
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