LINCOLNSHIRE, IL -- Woodworking Network has selected its panel of judges for the 2015 Custom Woodworking Design Portfolio Awards competition, which extended its deadline to March 22.

The panel consists of six distinguished woodworking and furniture executives.

Panelists include:

Doug Rappe, an instructor as well as recruitment coordinator for the Greater West Town Training Partnership, Woodworkers Training Program. Rappe has spent more than 20 years with the Chicago, IL-based community organization.

Robert Kleeman a full-time woodworker since 1975, started as an apprentice in a violin shop before moving to furniture conservation and historic reproductions. He received training at the Smithsonian in Washington DC and The Campbell Center for Historic Preservation Studies.

Tom Gleason, sales/project management at Bernhard Woodwork Ltd. He is a past president of the Chicago Chapter of the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI) and has been active in AWI at the national level.

Scott DeGenova, vice president of the commercial division at Danville, IL-based T.H. Snyder Co., which manufactures and installs premiere custom woodwork for commercial and residential markets. He is a past president of the Chicago Chapter of the Architectural Woodwork Institute.

Jared Patchin, owner of J. Alexander Fine Woodworking, Boise, ID, started building at the age of seven when his father bought Shutter Crafts. He has developed his craft since then, moving from wooden swords for himself and his friends to building fine custom furniture and cabinetry.

Greg Larson, director, New England School of Architectural Woodworking (NESAW)

All award winners will be recognized during the 2015 Cabinets & Closets Expo taking place in Chicago, IL, April 14-16.

In a change from previous years, the Gala Awards Reception will take place at the end of the opening day of the Expo, April 15 - so all the show attendees will get to see the work of some of the country’s top custom woodworkers.

Hosting the awards ceremony this year is Chicago furniture designer Brian Keith Ellison, a contestant on Spike TV’s Framework reality furniture show.

Design Portfolio awards are given annually to honor custom woodworkers for outstanding craftsmanship. The entry fee is $45 per entry and all winners, along with recognition at Cabinets & Closets Expo, will be featured in Woodworking Network magazine. For more information, contact Managing Editor Michaelle Bradford at [email protected].