IAP Collection and the 2026 AAW Symposium

[mark james]

This past weekend I displayed the IAP Collection at the 2026 AAW Symposium Instant Gallery, held in Raleigh, NC. I was there from June 4-6. Displays were asked to stay within a 2' x 2' footprint, so I took only one display case and 30 of the 70 pens, representative of the diversity of the Collection.

In my opinion the reception and reactions from the attendees was wonderful, and a true boost in the reputation of the quality of what IAP members produce. The vast majority of the displays at the Instant Gallery is not a showcase for general craft show, art fair, or church bazaar turnings. Many are museum quality and command appropriate prices - if they are even for sale.

Typical attendees' reactions... "I had no idea that pen turning is of this high quality." "I can turn nice platters, but I could never do that." "Are these really turned on lathes." "They are all so different, so unique." "Are they for sale, I'd like this one."

The Instant Gallery is a showcase for exceptional artistry, and the IAP Collection fit is very nicely.

Further evidence that IAP was well received - I made contact with 5 more Instant Gallery, museum displays and conferences for possible future displays.

Congrats IAP.

 

[JohnU]

That's great Mark! I'm always amazed at the creative work in the collection pieces and I've seen it several times. I'm sure those new lookers and those who don't follow the craft got their eyes opened! Thank you for your time, contributions and dedication to the collection and craft of Penmaking!

 

[NJturner]

I've been an AAW member for a good long while, and principally a pen turner during all that time, as both an IAP member and multiple local AAW chapters member. I also ran for the AAW Board of Directors a year or so ago, so I'm pretty familiar with the association - and a LARGE fan of what they do. But my biggest disappointment in them over the years has been their overall opinion of penturners - considered by many AAW member 'real turners' to be something you do until you learn how to actually turn.

I applaud both the efforts of any IAP member who demonstrates at an AAW meeting or event, and the IAP itself to do anything they can to change opinions. Your efforts and a great showcase of our work like that displayed at the AAW Instant Gallery will help to kill this misconception.

Thank you!!!

Kevin

 

[mark james]

Ma

I've been an AAW member for a good long while, and principally a pen turner during all that time, as both an IAP member and multiple local AAW chapters member. I also ran for the AAW Board of Directors a year or so ago, so I'm pretty familiar with the association - and a LARGE fan of what they do. But my biggest disappointment in them over the years has been their overall opinion of penturners - considered by many AAW member 'real turners' to be something you do until you learn how to actually turn.

I applaud both the efforts of any IAP member who demonstrates at an AAW meeting or event, and the IAP itself to do anything they can to change opinions. Your efforts and a great showcase of our work like that displayed at the AAW Instant Gallery will help to kill this misconception.

Thank you!!!

Kevin

"I applaud both the efforts of any IAP member who demonstrates at an AAW meeting or event, and the IAP itself to do anything they can to change opinions."

Mark Dreyer (mg_dreyer) is a regular demonstrator at AAW Symposiums, is a tireless supporter of IAP and penturners and is one of the key coordinators of the annual MPG in Chicago. At this 2026 AAW Symposium he was the sole head of the area for new penturners, and headed the small group discussion of penturning.

John Underhill (JohnU), another MPG Coordinator is also a regular AAW demonstrator.

Between Mark and John, I can't think of two better representatives of IAP and Penturning to the greater audience of wood/material turning.

I do believe that penturning is gaining speed (slowly) for recognition of our contributions to what woodturners have as an avenue for creativity.

I can only speak of my recent experiences at AAW events, and I am optimistic of future collaborations.

 

[Woodchipper]

IMO, penturning offers a myriad of directions to take a pen blank...segmenting, metal or plastic (as credit cards, et.) embellishments, etc. Not able to see a closeup of the pens at NC but they seem to draw a crowd and comments.

 

[mark james]

IMO, penturning offers a myriad of directions to take a pen blank...segmenting, metal or plastic (as credit cards, et.) embellishments, etc. Not able to see a closeup of the pens at NC but they seem to draw a crowd and comments.

If you follow this link you can see better photos of the Collection. I need to add a few of the last, but it is a good reference.

IAP Collection

 

[Woodchipper]

mark, makes me feel like a rank amateur. My complements on the pens. I take it as a challenge to upgrade my pens. Thanks.

 

[bugradx2]

Really wonderful of you to show the collection, thanks so much for doing so. I'm happy that people found a new way to turn or at least opened their eyes too.