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WGNC is pleased  to welcome Raleigh Lockhart as our March Demonstrator.

Raleigh is a long-time member of the Rocky Mountain Woodturners and an accomplished instructor, demonstrator, and artist with decades of experience behind the lathe.

The project Raleigh will be sharing with us is his Sycamore Leaf Bowl. 

During the evening, Raleigh will guide us, step-by-step, through his process - from blank preparation and tool selection to shaping, hollowing, and fine-tuning his intended design. He'll discuss how to achieve graceful proportions, subtle curves, and smooth transitions that give the leaf form its natural elegance. Along the way, he'll share tips for ensuring accuracy and consistency, as well as insights into design decisions that help turn a simple wooden blank into a functional and artistic bowl.

It's often in the most unexpected places that true passions are cultivated. For Raleigh Lockhart, his lifelong career with the Coca-Cola system, helped fuel his passion for Woodturning. The nature of his work required frequent transfers, moving him to different cities across the country, each contributing to his Woodturning Journey.

It was during his prolonged moves to Seattle, Washington, and Salt Lake City, Utah, that he gained significant momentum and direction. These two locations became critical hubs for his development, providing fertile ground for learning and inspiration. Spanning a period of three decades, these transfers were instrumental in exposing Raleigh to a vast network of impressive Professional Woodturners. He gained insight into their techniques, artistic expressions, and dedication to the craft. More specifically, his time allowed him to regularly attend hands-on classes offered at Craft Supplies USA. This educational experience, combined with the influence of seasoned Club Professionals, honed his skills, and enriched his artistic vision, laying the foundation as a Woodturner.

Raleigh now brings his experience to his Craft and Teaching. For over two and a half decades, he's been a monthly Woodturning Instructor at Woodcraft. Raleigh had been a Demonstrator in several Symposiums, including appearances at the Utah Symposium (twice), Super Wednesday at Craft Supplies, Woodturners Worldwide Symposium, and many Woodturning Clubs. Even frequently Demonstrating via IRD’s for a club in the United Kingdom, of which he is a proud member. Raleigh's passion for Teaching the Art of Woodturning, combined with his love of working with wood, truly defines his Journey as a Maker.

@RaleighsJourney - Instagram