Judges announced for Fresh Wood competition

Bob Barone, Judson Beaumont, Scott Grove, Wendy Maruyama and Jim Wellever are judging the 2019 Fresh Wood student competition at the AWFS Fair.

This year’s competition has received 188 entries from high school and post-secondary students throughout the U.S. and Canada. Forty-two projects were selected for the final round of judging which will take place at the fair.

The judges represent different sectors of the industry:

Bob Barone, a woodworker and guitar maker who is currently the Vice President at Precision Drive Systems in Charlotte, N.C.

Judson Beaumont, owner of Straight Line Design Inc. in Vancouver, B.C. Judson’s furniture is recognized for its unique creative, and sculptural style. He has had worldwide recognition and donates many pieces to raise money at charity events.

Scott Grove, owner of Imagine Grove in Canandaigua, N.Y. Scott is a recognized artist, sculptor, and furniture maker who is known for his advanced woodworking techniques.

Wendy Maruyama, a renowned furniture maker and artist from San Diego. Wendy also led the Furniture and Woodworking program at San Diego State University from 1989-2014. Her work often carries a social message which can be seen in her series the wildLIFE Project.

Jim Wellever, Department Head of the Cabinetmaking/Millwork Training program and Director of the Midwest Advanced Woodworking Technology Center at Michigan Career & Technical Institute.