Women in Turning

Women in Turning (WIT) is a program of the American Association of Woodturners (AAW), bringing together women worldwide who share a passion for woodturning. WIT is dedicated to encouraging and assisting women in their pursuit of turning by sharing ideas, information, and processes to further their skills and creativity, and to increasing participation of women in the field of woodturning. Programs provide a platform to connect women, embracing all backgrounds and differences in celebration of equity and inclusion.

Our local WIT members participate in all NMWT club activities and also meet independently on the second Saturday of each month, usually at one of our member’s shops, in a supportive environment where everyone is encouraged to participate at some level, regardless of woodturning experience. Even if you've never turned before, we can help you get started!

Our club recently began participating in the national AAW WIT Wig Stand Initiative — making wig stands which are donated to people experiencing hair loss as a result of cancer treatment. We are partnering with the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center and the New Mexico Cancer Center, both of which give free wigs to their patients and can now let them choose a wig stand to go with it. Although it is a WIT initiative, all members of NMWT are invited and encouraged to turn wig stands for this meaningful project.

There are resources through AAW WIT which might also be helpful to you. In order to access them, you don't have to be an AAW member. You can view the newsletters that contain articles by women, turnings by women, and upcoming events. 

Shana Lane

NMWT WIT Liaison