AWFS Names Committee for 2025 Fresh Wood Student Competition

The Association of Woodworking and Furnishings Suppliers (AWFS) this week announced the committee for the 2025 Fresh Wood Student Competition, a biennial event showcasing the creativity and skill of United States woodworking students.

The 2025 Fresh Wood committee includes:

Mei-Yen Shipek – A consultant in workplace design and former educator, Mei-Yen brings her expertise in woodworking and design education to the committee. She has a rich background in both academic and professional settings, having taught at Berkeley and worked at AutoDesk.

Ben Angerer – A master woodworker originally from Germany, Ben currently works with Shaper Tools as an education and industry representative. With over two decades of woodworking experience, he is dedicated to mentoring young professionals and advancing the industry.

Alan Harp – With more than 30 years in furniture design and product development, Alan brings a wealth of knowledge to the committee. Alan holds an MS in Industrial Design from Georgia Institute of Technology, where he has also taught furniture design. He is the founder of Alan Harp Design and has contributed to research projects on CNC manufacturing and product design.

Lois Snyder – CEO of Periwinklers, an architectural millwork company based in Tarpon Springs, Florida, Lois has a lifetime of experience in cabinetmaking and woodworking. She holds a BFA in Woodworking from SUNY New Paltz and has been recognized by the American Institute of Architects and the Cabinet Makers Association for her contributions. She currently serves on the Cabinet Makers Association board.

These dedicated professionals, many of whom have served as judges in prior years, will lead the 2025 competition and support the next generation of woodworking talent.

“I have been involved with Fresh Wood since 2003 as a teacher, judge, committee member and photographer and continue to be impressed with the quality of the work shown each time,” said Alan Harp, reflecting on his long-standing involvement with Fresh Wood. “Many of these students have continued on to have successful careers in the woodworking industry in a variety of capacities. Students are pushed to show their very best and the results are exemplary.”

For more information about the committee members and to enter the competition, please visit the Fresh Wood Competition page.

This year’s 2025 AWFS Fair, scheduled for July 22-25 in Las Vegas, serves as a premier international event in the woodworking industry. Visit www.awfsfair.org for more information and to register.