The Cévennes wood in all its creativity at the first Anduze Woodturning Art Festival.

Introductory workshop on turning vegetables. – Jenny Bernard

Tom Jung, professional woodturner in Anduze, at the origin of the first Festival of woodturning art. – Jenny Bernard

Les créations en Frêne de Yann Marot, tourneur sur bois professionnel. – Jenny Bernard

Saturday August 17 and Sunday August 18, the first woodturning festival is held and brings together professionals and amateurs of the trade to showcase their creations to the general public.

Tom Jung has a smile. Professional turner, he is at the origin of the first wood art turning festival in Anduze which started this Saturday& ;nbsp;17 and which continues on Sunday August 18  " I always wanted to organize a film festival in the Parc des Cordeliers because I grew up in Anduze, I have my workshop there, The Praise of Wood , and because the place lends itself enormously to it." The French Association for Art Woodturning (AFTAB) immediately supported the project. Eight months later, the four co-organizers, Tom Jung, Julien Manikian, a turner in Vézénobres, Tatiana a friend and Eric Cousin from AFTAB created the first general public woodturning festival that brings together amateur and professional turners.

"It's a profession from the past that still has a future"

But the festival is much more than just a showcase and demonstrations. For Tom Jung, " some professionals who only exhibit in galleries, have responded to this first edition. Most come to meet again, meet, exchange ideas about the profession and regroup around the AFTAB.” These include, among others, Sébastien Molard, Yann Marot and Elisabeth Mézières. In the past, “the profession of turner disappeared because only utilitarian things were made ; it therefore became industrial", explains Alain Maillard of AFTAB. “The creation of AFTAB in 1993 breathed new life into it with the desire to open up the profession to creative art." Eric Cousin, head of the regional branch of the association, adds: “The aim is to show that there are young turners. It is a profession from the past that still has a future.”

As proof, the many exhibitors, of all ages and from all over France with pieces, each more original than the last. The festival continues this Sunday, August 18 with forty stands, demonstrations and also activities including an introductory workshop on turning vegetables! The Caminarem orchestra group will also set the mood during the aperitif-concert on Sunday lunchtime. The Revel and Escoulen schools are also present to provide information to those interested, on training and internships.

More info: Facebook page of the festival.