Woodturning, carving wood as it spins in place on a lathe, is an ancient art that dates to about 1300 B.C.

Richmonders will have an opportunity this weekend to see woodturners practice the art at the 22nd annual American Association of Woodturners National Symposium. Events take place at the Richmond Convention Center.

Activities will include demonstrations by international, national and local turners, auctions of donated pieces, gallery exhibits and a trade show. The public is invited to view the show's "instant gallery" tomorrow and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A juried exhibition -- "Turned for Use II" -- will be held at Gallery5 in Richmond beginning today through July 11. Hours during the symposium are: today, 5 to 8 p.m.; tomorrow , 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Gallery5 hours after the symposium are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at the gallery, 200 W. Marshall St.

Woodturning differs from most woodworking in that the wood is moving while a relatively stationary tool is used to cut and shape it. Egyptians first developed the two-person lathe. One person turned the piece with a rope while the other used a sharp tool to cut shapes in the wood.

Turned objects include bowls, platters, utensils, tools, toys, musical instruments and furniture.

Woodturners Anonymous of Richmond is hosting the symposium. The group has selected Children's Hospital of Richmond as the recipient of its "Return to the Community" gifts this year. Children's Hospital is a private, nonprofit hospital that serves children from birth through age 21. Woodturners will be creating toys to donate to the hospital.

For details, visit www.woodturner.org.
Contact Julie Young at (804) 649-6732 or jyoung@timesdispatch.com.