Honolulu, HI - The Hawai'i Forest Industry Association (HFIA) has announced that Hawaii's Woodshow™, Na Lā'au o Hawai'i, will run September 1 through 15, 2013 at the Honolulu Museum of Art School at Linekona. The exhibition is open to the public 11am-6pm Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is free.

Previously held in April, Hawaii's Woodshow™ has been re-scheduled to September this year. "We want to let interested wood artists know of the change in date and encourage them to enter," said Heather Simmons, HFIA Executive Director. "We hope the additional time will allow them to create fabulous pieces for the exhibition."

Hawaii's Woodshow™ is the signature statewide, juried exhibition in Hawai'i and features Hawai'i grown wood. For the past 20 years, the exhibition has showcased works of leading woodworkers as well as pieces from novice woodworkers. It continues to be a popular event for the public.

Entries from highly-refined calabashes to stunning furnishings and unique sculptures showcasing the versatility and beauty of Hawai'i woods are submitted in award categories including furniture, woodturning, sculpture and musical instruments. There is a special student division for ages 18 and under. The exhibition typically features 90 or more breathtaking heirloom-quality works made from Acacia koa, Mango, Kamani, Milo, Norfolk pine, macadamia nut, Kiawe and other Hawaii-grown woods.

"We continue to be impressed by the talent of so many incredible craftsmen here in Hawai'i" said Andy Cole award-winning woodturner and coordinator of the 21st Annual Hawaii's Woodshow™. "This year's exhibition promises to be an exceptional representation of their talent." Cole is being assisted by past show coordinator Marian Yasuda; Hawaii's Woodshow™ Committee, co-chaired by HFIA Directors Mats Fogelvik and Jorma Winkler; and a team of volunteer woodworkers.

The exhibition prospectus will be posted on the Hawaii's Woodshow™ website in May. For information, visit http://woodshow.hawaiiforest.org/ or contact Andy Cole at (808) 778-7036 or [email protected]. The website includes an archive of previous exhibitions as well as the Hawaii's Woodshow Gallery featuring work by previous participants.

New this year will be a unique display of young-growth koa pieces by six Hawai'i Island woodworkers, part of the Young-Growth Koa Wood Quality Assessment and Demonstration Project, which gathered data and information on the potential value of koa wood before it reaches maturity. A collaboration between HFIA, USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station and Northern Research Station, and University of Hawai'i, this project addresses questions about the viability of young-growth koa in existing markets.

Hawaii's Woodshow™ was created to promote an appreciation for the remarkable variety of Hawai'igrown woods as well as for the talented woodworkers throughout our Islands. Artists are limited to Hawai'i-grown wood and are encouraged to use conservative techniques such as veneering to make the most effective use of woods in limited supply. Certain rare or endangered species are prohibited.

Source: The Hawai'i Forest Industry Association