Festival of Woodturning and Wood Arts

The Festival of Woodturning and Wood Arts: twenty years of artisanal passion

For twenty editions, the Festival of Woodturning and Wood Arts has gathered wood and art craft enthusiasts every autumn in Dole, at the Dolexpo hall. Organized by the Association des Tourneurs de Franche-Comté, this three-day fair celebrates the know-how of artisans who shape wood, iron, leather, glass, and other noble materials with passion and creativity.

A fair dedicated to wood arts and crafts

The Festival of Woodturning and Wood Arts brings together dozens of exhibitors presenting a wide variety of artisanal creations:

• Woodturning: bowls, vases, decorative objects, boxes, spinning tops, and artistic creations made on the lathe
• Wood carving: figurative and abstract works, African sculptures, bas-reliefs
• Marquetry and cabinetmaking: furniture, boxes, and objects made of precious wood
• Ironwork: art blacksmithing, cutlery, metal sculptures
• Leather, glass, and other material work: original creations blending tradition and innovation

Demonstrations by professionals

One of the fair's highlights is the presence of professional turners giving live demonstrations. For the 20th-anniversary edition, turner Thierry Berthéas presented three demonstrations of his expertise: African sculpture, graphic box, and router carving. Members of the association also offer demonstrations in a dedicated space, allowing the public to discover woodturning techniques.

An accessible and friendly fair

The Festival of Woodturning and Wood Arts is open to all audiences, from informed amateurs to the simply curious. The fair offers:

• Direct sales of original artisanal objects and woodcrafting tools
• High school space: presentation of technical high school programs (including Pierre Vernotte high school)
• Fishing game: a game for children and adults with prizes made of handmade turned wood
• On-site catering: waffles and crepes in the afternoon, refreshment area

The Dolexpo hall, the fair's venue

The fair is held at the Dolexpo hall, a large exhibition space located at the rond-point des Droits de l'Homme in Dole. This spacious and modern venue can accommodate numerous exhibitors and visitors in comfortable conditions, featuring a retrospective of themes that have marked the festival's twenty years.