Northern Woods: Award Categories
Note that all categories are awarded at the judge’s discretion. If they do not feel any one piece meets the winning criteria of a category, that category’s award will not be given.
Best in Show
The winning piece should exhibit the best qualities of most of the following categories.
Judges' Award
Sometimes a piece worthy of recognition doesn’t fall into any of the award categories. It may have something special about it that is hard to define, or the judges may choose, at their own discretion, to fit any piece into this category. They may also use this award for recognizing a piece that ran a very close second to one of the other category winners.
Best Original Design
A well-designed piece must be both useful and pleasing to the eye. Will it perform its intended job? Good design is in large part a subjective opinion. It is difficult to define what good design should look like, but we can agree on how it should affect a thoughtful critic. It invites a second, more intimate look, and asks to be touched by the hand and spirit. This award is to be presented to the best original design, one that is not a copy of a previously designed piece.
Best Traditional Piece
This is an award for the piece which is built in the traditional manner, a reproduction or a piece heavily influenced by a traditional design.
Most Technically Accomplished
This is an objective assessment. The best work will exhibit a mastery of many woodworking techniques. It will respect the limitations of working in wood. Qualities to look for include flawless treatment of surfaces, precise joinery, and carefully controlled detail. The award will take into account the difficulty of the undertaking.
Best Handwork
The use of hand tools carries a long and rich tradition in woodworking. Successful handwork should not be judged by machine standards. It produces surfaces and shapes that are more varied and personal, free from the limitations imposed by machines. Pieces submitted for consideration in this category must have all surfaces finished with hand tools and all joints hand cut and a description of handwork involved must be submitted for use by Northern Woods judges.
Best First Time in Show
Whether professional or amateur this award goes to the best piece entered by a first time Northern Woods exhibiter.
Woodworking for Pleasure
This prize is awarded to the best piece exhibited by a person for whom woodworking is an avocation.
Best Detail
The finest craftsmanship is often just a small part of a piece but it makes all the difference. This award goes to the best engineered or most deftly executed detail that really makes the piece stand out. This might be a really well done dovetail, a particularly nice carved detail, or exquisite inlay.
Best Finish
The finish may enhance the natural beauty of wood or alter its texture and color. A good finish elevates one’s perception of the piece to which it is applied. Depth, luster, and clarity are characteristics of a good finish.
Best Carving
This prize is awarded to the piece with the best use and execution of carving. It is differentiated from the Best Handwork award in that the carving is a major element of the piece.
Best Turning
This award honors the tradition of turning. This winning piece will exhibit quality of form as well as execution.
Peer Award
This is decided by balloting among all Guild members coming to the show. You will be given a chance to vote for your favorite piece (other than your own) and runners up.
The People's Choice
This award is determined by ballots submitted by the public. It recognizes those people’s favorite piece in the show.
