City News Blog: Florida Woodturning Symposium at the RP Funding Center

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Florida Woodturning Symposium 2025:  Inspiring the Next Generation of Craftsmen

The 22nd annual Florida Woodturning Symposium will take place at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland from February 14-16, 2025. This premier event celebrates the art and craft of woodturning through engaging workshops, exhibitions from renowned woodturners, and an expansive vendor expo.

Empowering Students Through Woodturning

In a significant new initiative, the Florida Woodturning Symposium, in collaboration with the RP Funding Center and Polk County Schools, is introducing a special field trip for students from the Construction Academies of Bartow, Tenoroc, Ft. Meade, and Roosevelt high schools. All the students will attend live demonstrations, explore the instant gallery of turned art, and tour the vendor area.

At these schools, students engage in a structured curriculum emphasizing hands-on construction experience, honing precision, problem-solving, and technical skills.  Skills directly applicable to real-world careers in engineering, manufacturing, and design, reinforcing academic learning through practical application. Students regularly compete and excel in state and national construction competitions, ultimately taking certification tests from the Home Builders Institute, further validating their skills and readiness for professional pathways.

Woodturning: An Intersection of Art, Skill, and Academics

Woodturning is more than an art form—it is a dynamic educational tool that can assist students in bridging creativity with technical expertise. Engaging with lathes and woodworking tools helps students grasp critical concepts like geometry, symmetry, and structural integrity in a tangible way. This hands-on approach enhances their understanding of academic subjects while equipping them with practical skills for the workforce.

Beyond its technical benefits, woodturning fosters innovation and craftsmanship. It allows students to express artistic ideas while refining fine motor skills, attention to detail, and patience. This combination of artistic expression and skill-building makes woodturning an invaluable experience for students seeking both personal and professional growth.

A Vision for the Future

The Florida Woodturners, in partnership with Polk County Schools and the RP Funding Center, are committed to promoting woodturning as a valuable craft for all ages. The symposium serves as a gateway to introducing students to this time-honored art while highlighting its academic and career relevance.

“We are thrilled to offer this unique opportunity to local students,” said Cindy Collins, Executive Director of the RP Funding Center. “Woodturning is not just an art—it’s a transformative skill that encourages precision, problem-solving, and creativity. We look forward to expanding this program in future symposiums to further inspire young makers and artisans.”

Join Us at the Symposium

The 2025 Florida Woodturning Symposium is more than just an exhibition—it’s an educational and inspirational experience. Attendees will have the chance to view exquisite wooden pieces, explore a diverse selection of tools, and participate in expert-led demonstrations.

We invite everyone to visit the RP Funding Center from February 14-16, 2025, to immerse themselves in the craft of woodturning, discover its artistic and technical significance, and witness the next generation of creators in action.

The RP Funding Center is conveniently located minutes between Orlando and Tampa in Lakeland, Florida off I-4 on Lime Street; the RP Funding Center is a short drive from anywhere in Central Florida. Regular box office hours are Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm. For ticket information, call the Box Office at (863) 834-8111 or visit our website at www.rpfundingcenter.com.

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