www.turningaroundamerica.com 

In 2010, woodturner, artist and educator Beth Ireland set out with an educational, skill-sharing mission to teach hand skills through woodturning and woodworking to as many groups and individuals possible. The goal was to empower people through the simple act of making an object in wood. Realizing that she would have more impact if she was mobile, she purchased a van and uniquely outfitted it for teaching and living.

The Miami University Sculpture Area was one of the stops on her journey from New England to the Southwestern United States. The Sculpture studios were enhanced with multiple lathes (9 total, many borrowed from local woodworkers) so that Ireland could give a free, hands on workshop to students, faculty, and community members interested in turning for the first time or in leaning some new skills.