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About Diamond State Woodturners Club
Our History
Back in 2011, four woodturning enthusiasts from Jacksonville, Arkansas came to a very important realization: driving to Hot Springs every month just to spin some wood and talk shop was taking way too much time. So, with all the planning of a backyard barbecue, they decided to start their own club—right there in Jacksonville.
Titles were handed out with about as much ceremony as picking teams for dodgeball. One man said, “Well, I’ve got a pencil and paper, so I guess I’m the secretary.” Another added, “I’m an accountant—guess I’m treasurer.” The third quickly chimed in, “Then I call vice president!” That left the fourth guy, also known as the slowest to speak up and first club President, to shrug and say, “Well… darn.” And just like that, Diamond State Woodturners was born.
Their first official meeting took place in April 2011 at a local church, and before long, they were hosting classes right in the president’s own woodshop as he swept up the shavings behind them...as they were turning. Things rolled along until fate—or maybe just good timing—brought in a new woodturner with access to a top-notch shop full of all the tools a club could ever want. That’s how the partnership with the NLRPLS Innovation Hub began.
Since then, the club has welcomed over 60 members, hosted more than 20 beginner and intermediate classes, and kept the lathes spinning strong. Meetings are held the third Saturday of every month from 10:00 AM to noon at the Innovation Hub in North Little Rock—and yes, you’re absolutely invited.
Founding member and first President of Diamond State Woodturners, Hal Merriman.
Mission of Diamond state woodturners
Our Mission
To celebrate the art and skill of wood-turning through education, demonstrations, sharing of ideas and projects, public outreach, and a monthly meeting in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for people of like interest to gather and interact with one another.
programs at Diamond State Woodturners Club
Wig Stands for CARTI
In past years, Diamond State Woodturners partnered with CARTI to craft beautiful, handmade wig stands for cancer patients and survivors. These stands were donated to CARTI’s wig room, where they helped support women who had lost their hair during treatment. This volunteer initiative gave our members a meaningful way to use their turning skills to make a personal and tangible difference in someone’s life.
Members followed basic dimension guidelines but were encouraged to bring their own creative flair to each piece. It was a project rooted in compassion and craftsmanship — and we remain grateful to all the turners who contributed over the years.
While this program is no longer active, it remains a proud part of our club’s legacy of service.
Beads of Courage
The Diamond State Woodturners have proudly contributed to the Beads of Courage program, a national arts-in-medicine initiative that helps children facing serious illnesses tell their treatment stories using symbolic, color-coded beads. Each bead represents a medical milestone, and the children store them in handcrafted lidded bowls—often called "Beads of Courage Bowls"—made and donated by woodturners. Members of the club have volunteered their time and talent to create these meaningful vessels, providing comfort, encouragement, and a beautiful way for young patients to honor their strength and resilience.
Pen Turning at the VA hospital
The Diamond State Woodturners are proud to participate in an ongoing volunteer program at the VA Hospital in North Little Rock, where members and other trained volunteers help veterans turn their own custom pens each Monday in the Razorback Room. Using standard lathes outfitted with specialized stands and adaptive attachments, this program ensures that veterans of all abilities can take part in the creative process. Each veteran keeps the pen they make—a lasting, personal reminder of their craftsmanship and resilience. Volunteers must complete the VA’s official training program before participating, and all are welcome to join in making a meaningful difference, one pen at a time.
