Last updated: 9/21/2012
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Address
141 North 3rd StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19106

Hours

Tuesday - Saturday
10 AM - 5 AM
Sunday - Monday
closed

Admissions

Free. Donations Accepted.

Museum Type(s)

Art

Staff

Albert LeCoff
phone: 215-923-4403
Ron Humbertson
phone: 215-923-8000
Ann Glasscock
phone: 215-923-8000
Description

The Center displays wood art on site and in our traveling exhibitions and publications. Our International Turning Exchange (ITE) residency program has involved over 100 international residents as it continues through its second decade. The Community Outreach program brings hands-on wood turning and woodworking experience to students throughout the region. The permanent collection contains over 850 objects from around the world, ranging from traditional functional every-day objects to contemporary sculpture. Our research library consists of over 25,000 images, artists' files and books that help preserve the exciting history of wood turning and woodworking and their continuing evolution as a contemporary art form.

Mission

The Center for Art in Wood is an arts and educational institution whose mission is leading the growth, awareness, appreciation and promotion of artists and their creation and design of art in wood and wood in combination with other materials.

History

Since its inception in 1986, the Center for Art in Wood, formerly the Wood Turning Center, has been widely recognized by artists, collectors, scholars and the public as one of the most valuable resources for the education, preservation and promotion of the field of art made from wood. The Center currently houses over 850 permanent collection objects, 25,000 artist files, and annually mounts 4-5 exhibitions of new work and museum collection objects. It stages an 8-week annual International Turning Exchange (ITE) residency program for artists, scholars and photojournalists, and has in-depth education and outreach programs

The Center for Art in Wood grew out of a series of symposia and exhibitions held between 1976 and 1986. The organizers of these events were the LeCoff brothers, Albert and Alan, and Palmer Sharpless who are credited with helping to spur the “field” of wood turning. Today, The Center for Art in Wood in Philadelphia stands as an invaluable resource for study by scholars, educators, artists, students, museums, collectors and the general public of finely crafted and conceived wood objects.

Artifact Collections

Our Collection consists of over 1000 hand-made objects from around the world, ranging from traditional functional every-day objects to contemporary sculptures. The Collection serves to conserve, interpret, and present the history and evolution of wood turning from an industrial craft into a contemporary art form.

Research Collections
Collection & Research Request

The Center’s Collection and Library is open to Members of The Center. To help us better facilitate your visit please call the Center at (215) 923-8000, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or email info@centerforartinwood.org. Please include in your email the following information: •Name •Address •Phone •Available Time •Brief description of Research Request:

We will be in touch with you to confirm a date for your visit.

Library
Collection & Research Library

Our research library consists of over 25,000 images, artists’ files and 800 books that help preserve the exciting history of wood turning and woodworking and their continuing evolution as a contemporary art form. The Center’s library is open for members of The Center for research. Please call the Center at (215) 923-8000, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for more information or email info@centerforartinwood.org.

Access: General Public, Students, Scholars
Appointment required: Yes
Publications
Turning Points

The Center’s E-News, called Turning Points, is a quarterly newsletter which serves the members of the Center and all others interested in the field of objects made from wood. The mission of Turning Points complements the mission of the Center itself by providing a vehicle for artists, critics and observers in the field.

Turning Points- quarterly magazine for members
Services
Volunteer

The center is always looking for volunteers at the Center. We frequently need volunteers for everything from office assistance to helping with a special reception. If you would like to volunteer, email lori@centerforartinwood.org. Let us know when you are available (weekly, monthly), and how you’d like to help – office work, greeting visitors, receptions, special events, etc.

Group Tours

Tours generally last one hour and include a history of the Center and a personal tour of the current exhibition in the gallery. Seats are available for those wishing to rest during the visit. The library and collection area is only open by appointment. If your group would like to visit the collection areas the same day, please let us know with your request, this will add an hour onto your tour.

Reservations: The Center offers tours for free with a suggested donation of $5 a person. Please call the Center to make a reservation for a tour at least four weeks in advance. To request a tour please call the Center at (215) 923-8000, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or email info@centerforartinwood.org.

Center Store

Available online and in our store include the following: books, objects, DVD's, featured products, tools, toys and special offers. Please see our website for details.

Gift Shop
Online Gift Shop
Special Event Rental
Group Tours
ADA
Wheelchair Accessible
Restrooms
Exhibitions
Museum Events
DISCLAIMER
This information, including business hours, addresses and contact information is provided for general reference purposes only. No representation is made or warranty is given as to its content or the reliability thereof. User assumes all risk of use. Stories USA, Inc. and its content suppliers assume no responsibility for any loss or delay resulting from such use. Please call ahead to verify the dates, the location and directions.

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May 1 - 4, 2024

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West Virginia Association of Museums 2024 Conference

June 6 - 8, 2024

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