“AWFS®Vegas” Opens Entries for 2005 Student Design Contest

Furniture World Magazine

The Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers® (AWFS®) is now issuing entry forms and posters to high schools and colleges across North America for the 2005 Student Design Contest. The deadline for completed entries is Monday, May 23, 2005. The period allowed for initial design and construction of projects was extended to include the spring 2004 school term; however, projects must be completed between September 1, 2004 and June 1, 2005, and must be composed of at least 50 percent (50%) wood or wood composites, except for entries in the upholstered furniture category. Students may enter under the Traditional or Creative Style Group, with sub categories of Chairs; Tables; Casework/Cabinets; and Upholstered Furniture. The 2005 Special Theme category and the Team Project will each be judged as one group and will not be subdivided. The 2005 Special Theme category is “Special Needs Furnishings.” Entries may include ergonomic designs; designs for the elderly or physically challenged; designs for children’s, adolescent’s or college dorm furnishings; or other creative interpretations of special use. Special Theme entries must address manufacturability. New for the 2005 competition, Team Project entries are those completed by multiple students from one class. All contest entries submitted at the high school level are judged separately from the post-secondary school entries. Students enrolled in the 2004/2005 school year in accredited high schools and post-secondary schools are eligible to compete. Post-secondary schools are defined as colleges, universities, trade schools, and art and union apprenticeship schools. There is no entry fee required, and students may submit more than one project. All student finalist entries will be prominently displayed during “AWFS®Vegas,” the 2005 AWFS®Fair, which will be held July 27 through 30, 2005 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. AWFS® covers the cost of shipping the works and also provides complimentary registration and housing for all finalists and their instructors. A panel of judges drawn from industry, design, education and trade press will determine the finalists prior to the show. Cash prizes will be awarded to first place winners in each category of the Traditional entries (those that follow a classical or recognized design style with emphasis on workmanship) and Creative entries (those that demonstrate an original design). Additional prizes are awarded to the Best of Show and the People’s Choice winners. The Best of Show award receives a special sculpture designed and presented by Sam Maloof, renowned master craftsman in furniture and woodworking. The People’s Choice award goes to the entry receiving the most votes from Fair attendees. All finalists will be given a certificate and are eligible to participate in the AWFS® resume distribution program. For detailed contest information and entry forms, instructors and department chairs may contact Nancy Fister, AWFS® Education and Conference Director at (800) 946-AWFS (2937) or nancy@awfs.org, or go online to www.AWFSFair.org.