The Veneer Tech Craftsman's Challenge
Rewarding excellence in woodworking with natural veneer applications
The Veneer Tech Craftsman's Challenge award categories include architectural woodworking (residential and commercial interiors and fixtures), cabinetry, furniture, marquetry, specialty items (veneer paintings, wearables, boxes, sculpture etc.), and student designs.
The Veneer Tech Craftsman's Challenge™ rewards designers, craftspeople, distributors, and other industry members for excellence in woodworking that features natural veneer applications. Veneer Technologies Inc, a manufacturer of high-end decorative hardwood veneer faces, sheet veneers, and edgebanding, headquartered in Newport, North Carolina, sponsors the challenge as a way of recognizing the industry supply chain and the individuals whose creations inspire the marketplace and fuel this segment of the economy.
The Veneer Tech Craftsman's Challenge award categories include architectural woodworking (residential and commercial interiors and fixtures), cabinetry, furniture, marquetry, specialty items (veneer paintings, wearables, boxes, sculpture etc.), and student designs.
Since 2005, hundreds of designers and craftspeople have entered their work, including top studio masters, architectural firms and representatives of leading woodworking educational institutions and programs. Judges from the industry select winning entries that use veneer products in creative ways. Winners receive generous cash awards and industry-wide recognition of their talent and creativity.
Winners have pushed the envelope in terms of woodworking skill, problem-solving strategies, innovative approaches to using wood veneer, and creative design ranging from the whimsical to the outrageous to the drop-dead gorgeous.
Mark Osgood's entry, "Meep Meep," for example, the 2016 specialty items winner, was a fully functional rolling art bicycle made almost entirely from 1/16" and 1/24" maple and walnut veneer. "I wanted to move into a more artistic form while not sacrificing function, strength, and ease of construction," Osgood said.
He noted that the handlebars were the greatest challenge, requiring three steam bending
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Veneer Tech Craftsman's Challenge?+
It is an awards program that recognizes designers, craftspeople, distributors, and other industry members for excellence in woodworking featuring natural veneer applications. It is sponsored by Veneer Technologies Inc.
What categories can be entered in the Veneer Tech Craftsman's Challenge?+
Award categories include architectural woodworking (residential and commercial interiors and fixtures), cabinetry, furniture, marquetry, specialty items such as veneer paintings, wearables, boxes, and sculpture, and student designs.
Who sponsors the Veneer Tech Craftsman's Challenge?+
Veneer Technologies Inc., a manufacturer of high-end decorative hardwood veneer faces, sheet veneers, and edgebanding, headquartered in Newport, North Carolina, sponsors the challenge.
How long has the Veneer Tech Craftsman's Challenge been running?+
The challenge has been running since 2005, with hundreds of designers and craftspeople entering their work, including top studio masters, architectural firms, and representatives of leading woodworking educational institutions.
Who judges the Veneer Tech Craftsman's Challenge and what do winners receive?+
Judges from the industry select the winning entries that use veneer products in creative ways. Winners receive generous cash awards and industry-wide recognition of their talent and creativity.
What was Mark Osgood's winning 'Meep Meep' entry?+
Mark Osgood's 'Meep Meep' was the 2016 specialty items winner—a fully functional rolling art bicycle made almost entirely from 1/16" and 1/24" maple and walnut veneer. The handlebars were the greatest challenge, requiring steam bending.