It looks like we might get some relief from the oppressive heat we have been having this summer.
Those that traveled to Wildacres, either for the week or one of the two sessions, had a great time and enjoyed the cooler temperatures. The instructors each bring their own unique style and creativity to the carving sessions. When we are not carving we enjoy the magnificent views, good food and fellowship with other carvers.
If you haven’t been to Wildacres, I whole heartedly recommend planning a visit there soon.
Carving at Matthews Alive is always a treat for the Charlotte Woodcarvers. Although the weather was extremely hot outside we were able to showcase our carving skills and completed projects to the public while enjoying air conditioned comfort. Visitors and particularly the children, are always amazed at the quality and variety of wood carvings. This venue provides an excellent opportunity to promote the art of wood carving, enlist new members and inform the public about our upcoming show.
The hot August weather has driven most of us inside to work on our carvings. Our Show is 6 months away so I everyone has had a chance to come up with some artistic and creative carvings to enter. July ended with a group taking Michele Parsons pyrography class. Everyone who participated learned a lot and produced some remarkable pyrography projects.
August we will have carvers traveling to Wildacres for carving classes with Peter Ortel and Mitch Cartledge. For those that have not been to Wildacres it is a beautiful location and promises a cooler environment. This is an opportunity to enjoy nature and beautiful mountain vistas as well as sharpen our carving skills while learning from talented instructors. It is not only a place to learn but also enjoy the fellowship of other carvers. Evenings we can relax with our friends and enjoy some “adult beverages” if we are of a mind to do so.
Happy (belated) 4th of July. I hope each of you had the opportunity to enjoy the holiday. The end of June wrapped up with the chip carving classes conducted by Bill Johnson. The carvers that took his class were delighted not only with the class itself but with the instructor and the results of their projects. The completed or nearly completed chip carvings available for viewing at the summer picnic were terrific.The summer picnic was well attended where nearly 60 members and guests gathered for good food and good fellowship. Many thanks to those who donated items for the raffle and to those who helped with the preparation and clean-up. Special thanks to Bill and Judy Dominic for their efforts in making this activity a success.
Pyrography classes with Michele Parsons for beginner and advanced students will be July 19, 20 and 21. I know all those enrolled are looking forward, as I am, to seeing what projects she will have available for us. Our club is very fortunate to have such skilled artisans as Michele Parsons and Bill Johnson among its membership.
Greetings Fellow Woodcarvers
June continues to be a busy month with carving classes for new carvers.
We are pleased to have this month chip carving classes instructed by Bill Johnson, a gifted and talented carver who is also a member of the Charlotte Woodcarvers Club. We want to continue the momentum by offering instruction in the various woodcarving venues that are of interest to club members. If you have any suggestions for future classes please let us know and we will try to make it happen.Now that the location for our 2019 woodcarving show has been decided (CPCC), I would like to turn my attention to further developing the main purpose of the Charlotte Woodcarvers Club. The club was founded on the premise, “ to promote the art of woodcarving”. In addition to our yearly woodcarving show we need to broaden our public persona. I recently received an article from Ray Branch about an ongoing program by the Lancaster, Pa club, to reach out to the youth and general public by offering classes on the techniques of basic woodcarving. They have been successfully conducting this program for the last 13 years. We need to get more youth involved in our art and who knows we might just spark an interest that puts aside the phones and video games that seems to occupy so much of our youth’s time.
START WHERE YOU ARE. USE WHAT YOU HAVE. DO WHAT YOU CAN.&mdashArthur Ashe
Happy Carving,
Al wheeler
President
May is continuing to be a busy month with various club members conducting carving classes. The club will continue to soliciting other members to use their carving talents to instruct/demonstrate to the membership. Several club members have volunteered to demonstrate woodcarving at the Matthews Farmer’s Market this month. We have also been contacted by a local Boy Scout Troop to demonstrate carving for 50-60 scouts. We welcome opportunities like this to showcase the artistry of woodcarving to the public.
The Board has approved the purchase of new LED tube lights for the Cathcart Center. Club volunteers will install them this month. We are all looking forward to a brighter area for carving.
Many thanks go Bob Benston and his committee for securing a new venue for our 2019 Woodcarvers Show. Having the Show at a new location will require participation from as many club members as possible. Please contact Bob and volunteer your time and talents to help make this another successful show.
It is with sad hearts to learn of the passing of one of our members, Debra Downer. Debra was a warm and wonderful person as well as a talented carver and painter. Debra was a friend to everyone she meet. She will be missed. Happy Carving !!!
Al Wheeler,
President
THE FREEDOM OF CARVING OPENS THE MIND TO UNLIMITED POSSIBILITIES
