ANAHEIM, Calif. -- The Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers will host its 12^th biennial Fresh Wood student competition at the 2021 AWFS Fair, July 20-23, in Las Vegas.

The competition is open to high school and post-secondary students in accredited woodworking or related programs. Entry applications will be accepted until May 3, 2021, and it is free to enter.
 
In light of the pandemic and the resulting significant increase in remote learning for students, the 2021 Special Theme category topic is “Remote Woodworking.” Any wood project made while remote learning, or to improve aspects of learning or working remotely may be entered.
 
The Design for Production category has been updated with a new twist: students must design a functional item manufactured out of one 4 x 8 foot sheet of plywood. All structural wood components must nest inside of and be cut from the same sheet.
 
Four other entry categories make up the Fresh Wood competition: Case Goods, Seating, Tables, and an Open category, in which projects can be made of any material.

Entries will be rated by a panel of judges that represent different aspects of the industry. Judges’ scores will determine the finalist pieces that will be on display at the AWFS Fair. AWFS covers project shipping and the majority of travel costs to bring students and their teachers to the AWFS Fair.
 
The Fresh Wood competition will be displayed with the Turning to the Future competition by the American Association of Woodturners which will showcase turned student work. Call for entries and more information on Turning to the Future will be available on the AAW website woodturner.org soon.
 
KCD Software, makers of 3D cabinet and closet design software, returns for the fourth time as the Fresh Wood Best in Show award sponsor. The Fresh Wood entry deadline is May 3, 2021. Schools must register in order for students to submit entries. Finalists will be on display throughout the AWFS Fair. Winners will be identified and announced at an Awards Ceremony during the show, open to all attendees and exhibitors. First place, second place and honorable mention awards may be given out in each category and at each school level. A Best of Show award will also be selected from all first place category winners, and the recipient will receive a custom trophy from an accomplished woodworker. A People’s Choice award, for which all AWFS Fair attendees and exhibitors have the opportunity to vote, will also be given.
 
For more information and entry instructions, visit: https://awfsfair.org/attendee-information/competitions/student-contests/