FAQs

  • The David Ellsworth Legacy Project documents, preserves, and celebrates David’s immense impact on woodturning. The project will:

    • Conduct research and interviews with David and key figures in studio woodturning to document his career, teaching, and artistic contributions.

    • Gather and curate documents, photographs, interviews, videos, and other historical records of David’s work, creative and work process, and impact to create a rich record of his legacy.

    • Create and publish the definitive book on David’s life, career, and artistry—a beautifully crafted combination of biography, archive, and art book.

    • Collect and share personal stories from woodworkers worldwide about how David has inspired them. These will be shared with David, highlighted at the AAW’s 40th Anniversary Symposium in 2026, and included in the book.

    • Feature a “Living Legacy” chapter in the book, showcasing a diverse group of woodturners—from beginners to masters—whose work reflects David’s influence.

    • Present career retrospective exhibitions at the AAW Symposium in Raleigh, NC (2026) and at Arrowmont’s Drown Gallery (Summer 2026).

  • David Ellsworth is one of the most renowned and influential wood artists of the past 50 years—a visionary teacher, mentor, innovator, and organizer. He is one of the most accomplished and widely-collected artists in wood in the world. His massive contributions to AAW as a founder and first President and to the advancement of woodturning worldwide deserve to be preserved and celebrated.

  • Craft scholar and author Craig Edelbrock launched the project after a meeting with David and his wife Wendy at the 2024 AAW Symposium in Portland, Oregon. He assembled a top-tier team, including designer and publishing expert Dan Saal and renowned craft historian and author Glenn Adamson, who will contribute an essay to the book. AAW serves as the nonprofit partner, receiving grants and making donations tax-deductible.

  • The project is funded through donations, grants, and book sales. Unlike traditional publishers that build profit into the book price, this project raises funds upfront to keep the book affordable while ensuring top-tier quality.

  • Commercial publishers aim for profit, meaning higher book prices and less creative and quality control. By raising funds directly, we can:

    • Produce a superior, handcrafted book that reflects David’s artistry.

    • Keep costs lower and boost value for buyers.

    • Ensure every dollar goes toward honoring David’s legacy rather than publisher profits.

  • AAW is the nonprofit partner and publisher, providing some staff support, marketing help, symposium booth space, and visibility in AAW publications. No AAW funds are being used for the project, but any net revenue after the Project ends will support AAW’s educational mission. The AAW is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, can receive grants, and donations to the Ellsworth Legacy Project are tax deductible to the extent of current tax law.

  • In addition to fundraising, 2025 is focused on biographical research, interviews, writing, new photography, and the curation of high-resolution images of David's artistic creations spanning more than 50 years. The focus will then turn to the book layout and design, with publication slated for Spring 2026 in time for the 40th Anniversary AAW Int'l Symposium in Raleigh, NC in June. The Symposium will include a retrospective exhibit of David's work that will be at Arrowmont's Drown Gallery all summer 2026.

    • Share your story about David with us.

    • Donate to support the project.

    • Pre-order the book when available.

    • Spread the word to your AAW chapter and to others.

    Together, we can honor David’s legacy and inspire future generations of wood artists.