“2023 Woodcarving Shows & Events”

Remaining Woodcarving Shows & Events for 2023

The following is a list of the remaining woodcarving shows & events for 2023.  Get out and look for one near you!

June 1-3 – Clayton, Indiana. Central Indiana Woodcarvers Roundup at Martha’s Orchard; 9-5 daily. $15 preregistered; $20 at the door. Bob Woodruff (317) 459-4454.

June 2-4 -Spokane, Washington. Spokane Carvers’ annual rendezvous at Tin Cup Cafe, 10013 W Charles Rd, Nine Mile Falls. Free classes, 8 to 4 daily. Roger (509) 467-3342; email Spokanecarversinfo@gmail.com. Web: SpokaneCarvers.com.

June 3-9 – Crete, Nebraska. 46th Doane Woodcarving Experience at Doane University, 1014 Boswell Avenue. Five-day seminar. Rohn Collins (402) 880-6721; rohncollins@cox.net. Website: www.thedoaneexperience.com/index.html.

June 10-17 – Maquoketa, Iowa. Affiliated Wood Carvers host annual International Woodcarvers Congress. Visit website: www.woodcarverscongress.org.

June 14-17 – Evart, Michigan. Evart Woodcarvers Roundup at Osceola County Fairgrounds (camping available). Free workshops (cost for supplies only). Call (734) 649-3259. Website: evartroundup.com.

July 8-14 – Creede, Colorado. Creede Woodcarvers Rendezvous at Underground Mining Museum & Community Center. Marianne Benjamin (719) 648-6854; email: maben4580@ gmail.com; website: www.creedewoodcarvers.com.

July 10-14 – Ellensburg, Wash. Northwest Carving Academy. Email tbmoss@msn.com. www.nwcarvingacademy.com

July 19-22 -Fletcher, Ohio. Buckeye Woodcarvers Roundup at Poor Farmers Campground, 7211 Lost creek-Shelby Rd.; 9am to 5pm. Admission: $25. Barb Foster (937) 773-7314 or (937) 214-0790. Campground: (937) 368-2449.

July 29-30 – Colorado Springs, Colo. Pikes Peak Whittlers 39th show/sale at Colorado Springs Shrine Club; 10-4. $5 adults; $4 military/seniors; scouts free; under 12 free w/adult. Email: good-wood@comcast.net; or sgurnett@comcast.net.

August 11-12 – Broken Arrow, Okla. Woodcarving and Arts Festival at Broken Arrow Central Park Community Center, 1500 S. Main St.; 9 to 5. Blake (918) 629-8007, bawerner57@gmail.com; Bill Payne (918) 251-8734, wudcrvr@cox.net.

August 26 – Saginaw, Michigan. Tri-City Wood Carvers 34th annual woodcarving and art show, competition, and sale at KC Hall, 4840 Shattuck; 10am to 4pm. Admission: $3. Jack Harper (989) 600-0262; harperjack1S@gmail.com.

September 2 – Williamsville, Illinois. Sangamon Valley Wood­ carvers’ 32nd show/sale/competition at Williamsville Village Hall, 141 W. Main St; 10 to 4. Admission free. Bill (217) 414- 4790,williamwrice@sbcglobal.net;www.svwoodcarvers.org.

September 2-3 – Wheeling, West Virginia. Oglebay Wood­ carvers Show. Email: clark@unimaxsystems.com. Website: www.oglebaywoodcarvers.com.

September 9 – Janesville, Wisconsin. Rock River Valley Carvers Show and Sale at Craig Center, Rock County Fairgrounds, 1301 Craig Ave.; 9am to 4pm. Free admission. Brad Crandall (608) 931-0188, bwkicrandall@gmail.com.

September 16 – Ballwin, Missouri. West County Woodcarvers 17th annual show at Salem in Ballwin United Methodist Church, 14825 Manchester Road; 10 to 4. Free admission. Larry Keller (636) 227-4598; club.mail@wcwoodcarvers.org.

September 16 – Eau Claire, Wisc. Carve In on the Chippewa,                                                                                        

hosted by West Wisconsin Wood Carvers Guild at Brick

House Pub and Banquet Room (not handicap accessible), 2233 Birch St.; 10am to 4pm. Free admission. Call Charlene at (715) 497-6296; thelynums@gmail.com.

September 21-23 – Spanish Fork, Utah. Utah Valley Wood­ carvers Show. Info at website UVWC.org, and on Facebook.

September 23-24 – Colorado Springs, Colo. Carvin’ the Rockies with Caricature Carvers of America. Dale Green (801) 503- 8754; dalecarves@gmail.com.

September 23-24 – Trenton, Ohio. Barn-N-Bunk Woodcarvers Weekend (show and sale) at 3677 Wayne Madison Road. Website: miamivalleywoodcarvers.com.

September 30-October 1 – Spokane, Washington. Artistry in Wood Show at The Hive, 2904 E Sprague Avenue. Website: SpokaneCarvers.com.

October 7 – Saline, Michigan. Saline Woodcarvers Show. Email Peggy Lubahn at plubahn@aol.com.

October 7-8 – Coon Rapids, Minn. Metro chapter of Minnesota Woodcarvers Assoc hosts 20th carving weekend seminar at Coon Rapids VFW, 1919 Coon Rapids Blvd. Saturday 8-5; Sunday 8-4. Email Tom Sheldon at tbshel@comcast.net.  

October 13-14 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Artistry in Wood Show at Will Rogers Gardens Exhibition Center, 3400 NW 36th Street; 10am to 4pm. Free admission. Marvin Jones (405) 397-2034; carvinmarvinej@gmail.com.

October 19-29 – Pensacola, Florida. Woodcarving competition and display at the Pensacola Interstate Fair. Email Bert Black btblack_32503@yahoo.com.

October 21 – Camdenton, Missouri. Lake of the Ozarks Wood­ carvers host 7th annual show at Community Christian Church, 1064N Highway 5. Admission is free; food is not. Doug Bibles (573) 286-1049, dbibles@charter.net.

October  21-22 – Wayne, New Jersey.  North Jersey Woodcarvers Woodcarving and Art show & Sale.  Wayne Police Athletic League (PAL), PAL Rd., Wayne, NJ 07470.  Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4.  For more information contact Jerry Cetrulo: njcarver7@optonline.net

October 27-28 – Archbold, Ohio. 36th annual Woodcarvers Show and Sale at Sauder Village. Call (800) 590-9755, or visit website www.saudervillage.org.

October 28 – Proctor, Minnesota. Knotty Carvers of the North Show at St. Luke’s Sport and Event Center, 704 Kirkus St.; 10am to 3pm. Free admission. Sandy Skrien (218) 260-0271; knottycarvers@gmail.com.

October 28-29 – Asheville, N. Car. Western North Carolina Carvers host exhibition at Folk Art Center, Blue Ridge Parkway, Milepost 382. Saturday 10-5; Sunday 10-4. Admission is free. Email: johnnieburg@msn.com.

October 28-29 – Bellville, Illinois. 52nd Midwest Artistry in Wood Show at Belle-Clair Exposition Hall, 200 S. Belt East at Highway 159. Sat. 9am-Spm, Sun. 10am-4pm. Admission $5 (under 12 free). www.midwestwoodcarvers.com

October  28-29 – East Berlin, PA.  Conewago Carvers 31st Annual Woodcarving and     Art Show & Sale.  East Berlin Community Center.  Sat. 9-4, Sun. 9-4   For more            information, contact Kyle Gabel, Show Chairman  info@conewagocarvers.com or         717-676-7612

November 3-4 – Huntsville, Ala. North Alabama Woodcarvers’ 39th Mid-South      Woodcarving Show/Competition at Trinity United Methodist Church, 607    Airport Rd. Friday 9-6; Saturday 9-4. Free admission. Glenda Anderson (256)         990-7776; glenda701@yahoo.com.www.nawawoodcarvers.org/shows

If I have missed any upcoming shows or events please send them in to carverbobk@woodchipchatter.com and I will get them posted.

Reader’s Comments

Our first comment this month comes from my friend Heath Paull in response to last month’s book review on “The Illustrated Guide to CARVING TREE BARK”:

“Have that book and is fantastic.

Thanks for sharing as always!”

Our next comment comes from my friend Rhonda Smith regarding the photos of the Saw Whet owl carved by Dick Bonewitz last month.  Rhonda writes:

I took the Saw Whet class with Dick Bonewitz with Josh Guge in Springfield MO at the Ozark Carving seminar in mid-March.  This was a power carving class. Josh is an excellent instructor!

I also know Rick Jensen quite well and have taken a class with him.  He is a very good instructor and very giving of his time and expertise in carving bark.
I called Rick today after I read your blog to let him know that you were featuring his book on your blog.  He was quite pleased.  I also forwarded the blog on to him.

Thank you, Rhonda.  That was very nice of you to tell Rick about my blog.

I received another comment from Allen regarding my tutorial on how I carve a Moravian star ornament.  Allen said:

“I will give this a try. Thank you so much”

Give it a try.  It’s a fun project and not very difficult.  I’m sure if you follow my tutorial you should have no trouble.  The key is to make sure your knife is very sharp.  Good luck!

Photo Shop

Photo Shop is the section of Wood Chip Chatter where carvers can send in photos of their wood carvings for display. It’s your chance to show off your work…sort of a show and tell. The photos will only be displayed and no comments or critiques will be made.  For critiques on your carvings send them in to the “Carver’s Corner.”  Send your photos to carverbobk@woodchipchatter.com.  

I received an entry to the Photo Shop from my good friend Jim Shay.  Jim writes:

Here is a turtle is finished from a roughout I purchased from Ken Kuhar.  It measures 4 1/2″ x 4″ x 4″ and it’s finished with Howard Feed-N-Wax.

Terrific looking turtle, Jim!  Thanks for sending it in.  The carving work is very clean and the painting is neat.  Nice job!

Carver’s Corner

Carver’s Corner is the section where you can send in photos of your carvings to have me critique them and offer you my truthful opinions on what you did right and what you might improve on next time.  It’s an excellent opportunity to improve your carving skills!  Send your photos to carverbobk@woodchipchatter.com

I received an entry to the Carver’s Corner this month from my good friend, Todd Martin from Huntington, Indiana.  Todd asked if I would review the caricature bust of a construction worker he recently carved.  Here is what he had to say:

“Hi Bob,

Always look forward to seeing Wood Chip Chatter in my inbox. Thanks for your work on this, and for helping others out with their questions.

I’d love to get some feedback on this small bust of a construction worker : ).

Best,
Todd”

Thank you for your kind words, Todd, and especially for submitting your construction worker carving to the Carver’s Corner.

Your construction worker bust looks terrific.  You did an excellent job with the carving and there’s so much to like.  The facial features are all done very well and  I particularly like the job you did on the ears.  The nostrils, however don’t look quite right to me.  I think you cut them in too high and the gouge you used could have been just a bit wider.

I like the eye brows, side burns and hard hat, but next time bring the side burns straight up and give yourself more forehead on the sides.

The way you blended in his 5 O’ clock shadow caught my eye immediately. although next time you might want to try adding a little texture there.  Use a 1/8′ (3mm) V-tool and “dig” tiny marks all around in the area of the beard.  Stab the V-tool into the wood just a little ways, then pry out tiny chips.  Practice on a piece of scrap wood first if you have never done it before.  This is just an idea.  Look at other caricatures and you will see what I mean.  Yours looks great as is, however.

About the only other thing I can add is to maybe start experimenting with adding buttons.  Overall I think you did a terrific job and your construction worker bust is a carving you can be proud of.

Our next entry to the Carver’s Corner comes from my good friend, Jim Shay who carved two Mike Shipley bears.  Jim writes:

Here’s my bears all finished with Howard’s Feed-N-Wax.  You can critique and include in your next blog if you want.  Ma Bear and Barry Bear are basswood roughouts purchased from Van Kelly.  6″ x 2″ x 2 1/2″

Overall I like the work you did on your two bears, Jim.  It appears that you followed the roughouts closely without many changes.  The first thing that comes to mind, as usual in my case , is to apply your paint lighter.  Thin your paint out more and apply it in thin wash coats to build up the color.

Barry Bear looks good for the most part but there are a few things I would have done differently with Ma Bear…and these are partly personal preference,  Starting with her feet I would either cut her dress back to show more of her boots (like with Barry Bear), or cut the boots off altogether and have the dress hang straight down to the ground showing no feet (boots) at all.

Also, I would personally like to see Ma Bear’s muzzle carved more like Barry’s.  I have attached a photo of a Ma Bear that I carved to illustrated what I am talking about.

I hope this was helpful.  Keep up the good work, Jim and I look forward to seeing more of your carvings here in Wood Chip Chatter.

Woodcarving Tip

Noses & Ears

I like big noses and ears on my caricatures, but whatever your preference is always draw them larger (at least 25%) than you want them.  The tendency, at least for me anyway, is to carve away (too much) wood as I form my nose and ears leaving me with smaller features than I would like.  Having that extra wood to begin with helps to eliminate that problem.  Remember, you can always cut wood away but you can never add it back.

Questions & Answers

I received a very interesting question from my good friend, Todd Martin from Huntington, Indiana.  It’s something that should interest all of you cottonwood bark carvers out there.  Todd writes:

“Hi Bob,

I enjoyed your review of the bark carving book. I recently bought a few pieces, and that inspired me to give it a try. I do have the book, but hadn’t delved into it much. But I have a question perhaps you can help with:

After carving the bark, a concern was raised about bringing it into the house because of the possibility of insects. The book mentions using fumigants, but it isn’t specific beyond that. Some people say to microwave the bark; others suggest freezing it for a few days. I wonder if you and your sources have any suggestions or can suggest the best, most effective option.

Thank you in advance.

Todd”

Thanks for your excellent question, Todd.  It’s something that many bark carvers never give a thought about.  To get an answer for you I spoke with Kathryn Overcash from Mineral, Virginia who is a noted cottonwood bark carver and this is what she told me:

“I had an old upright freezer someone gave me.  When I received buggy bark, I’d stick it in the freezer for a few days.  Although that seemed to kill the critters, I didn’t think it was a good solution.  I figured that where most of the bark came from the temperatures were very cold, so the bugs might hibernate.  For some pieces, I’d pop them in the microwave (microwave dedicated to bark).  Heat for about 1 minute.  Don’t overheat and catch fire.  That seemed to work.  I hear of folks putting their bark in a black trash bag and spraying with bug killer and sealing it.  I don’t like that method because of the poison left in the bark.  I have a large storage container where I store the bark.  It gets very cold in the winter and very hot in the summer.  I think that’s why I haven’t had a bug problem for awhile.  Critters can’t get into the container.  And the cold/heat kills the rest.”

I hope this helps, Todd.

Interesting Fact

Amazing but true…

Free Pattern

Here’s a pattern for you to carve for the Fourth of July:

Uncle Sam

Upcoming Workshops & Seminars

Carving A Woman’s Face

Teacher: Janet Cordell

Dates:  June 2,5,9,12,16 

Times: 2-4 p.m.  Pacific Time 3-5 p.m.  Mountain Time 4-6 p.m.  Central Time 5-7  p.m.  Eastern Time

10 hours ( 5 sessions – 2 hours each day) 

 Location: Online (Via Zoom)

For details and to sign up email janet_cordell@yahoo.com

Creative Caricature Heads in Wood

Teacher: Dave Stetson

Dates:  June 3,4,10,11,17,18

Times:  Sat, Sun – 9:30am-11:30 Pacific /11:30am-01:30pm Central / 12:30pm – 2:30pm Eastern

12 hours (6 sessions – 2 hours each day)

 Location: Online (Via Zoom)

For details and to sign up email Dave Stetson

Introducing Fab Phoebe!!!

• Instructor: Bob Hershey

• Dates:  August 19, 20, 26 & 27

• Times:  Saturday & Sunday both weekends 12:30pm – 2:30pm Eastern Time / 11:30am – 1:30pm Central Time / 10:30am – 12:30pm Mountain Time / 9:30am – 11:30am Pacific Time

• 8 hours (4 sessions – 2 hours each day)

• Location:  Online Via Zoom

• Cost: $130.00 includes roughout and shipping within the US.

Payment may be made through PayPal, Zelle or personal check.  If paying by PayPal add $5.00 service charge UNLESS you send it to friends & family.  For PayPal and Zelle please use email bzcarvn@ptd.net.  This is NOT the same email address as this email was sent from.   For personal check mail to Bob Hershey, 13 Pfautz Ave., Lititz, PA 17543.  Please include your mailing address so I can send the roughout.  About two weeks before the class I’ll email you the link to the Zoom page for the class and the password to view the videos. 

Thank you for participating in past classes and I look forward to carving with you again.

For more information contact Bob Hershey at bzcarvn@gmail.com or 717-951-5569.

Online Classes With Chris Hammack

Teacher: Chris Hammack 

Chris Hammack is offering a new series of online classes to help students learn and sharpen their woodcarving skills.  Individual and Group Classes are available through his web site chrishammackart.com/groupclass

Whittle Wednesdays

Teacher: Dwayne Gosnell  

Dates: Two – 2 hour classes each month on Wednesdays

Location: Online (Via Zoom)

To sign up contact Dwayne Gosnell via email dagwood_76@gmail.com

Woodcarving Academy

Established in 2020, the Woodcarving Academy offers dozens of videos and seminars created by some of the country’s top level instructors.  More videos are added regularly as they are created by the instructors.

With a paid subscription to the Woodcarving Academy you can view any videos you like for as many times as you like.

Subscription rates:  Monthly = $19.95   Quarterly = $49.95   Annual = $139.95

There is even a Free level which allows you to tour the website and watch the sample videos and content, and receive email updates as new content becomes available.

Check out the Woodcarving Academy and learn with the masters right in the comfort of your own home!  Go to: woodcarvingacademy.com or Email: support@woodcarvingacademy.com

News & Announcements

The International Association of Woodcarvers has upcoming Zoom meetings on the following Saturdays at 3PM EST with special guest presenters.  Check them out…

Zoom:  310-460-3575

Presentation Schedule:

The International Association of Woodcarvers is now on its Summer schedule for the months of June, July and August.  Meetings will be held just once per month during that time.

Summer Presentation Schedule:

6/24 – Jeff May – Chain saw carving

7/15 – Randall Stoner (The Mad Carver)

8/26 – Rich Smithson – Helvie Knives

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOODCARVERS

COME JOIN US!!!

The Jersey Hills Wood Carvers (JHWC) club is a small but growing group of wood carvers sharing their time, knowledge and joy of woodcarving.  The JHWC generally meets from 7:00 PM EST to 9:00 PM EST on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursday of each month (when school is in session) at the Jefferson Township High School wood shop classroom.

Membership is “FREE” and open to anyone interested in woodcarving regardless of their ability.

JHWC’s Upcoming Meetings and Events

June 15th

There will be no meetings held during the Summer.

For more information contact:

Al Santucci  alsantucci4@gmail.com  President

Bill Brunner  billbrunnerdesign@gmail.com  newsletter/website editor

Or visit:

Website:  https://www.jerseyhillswoodcarver.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/736479646821641/

AML Wood Carving Knives

AML Wood Carving Knives are handmade by Andy Loughlin in Monroe, New York.

The blades are made from 1095 high carbon steel which sharpens easily and holds an edge well.  The variety of handle styles are all made from diverse exotic woods from all around the world.  The knives are all available for auction on EBay under AML Knives.  Bidding usually starts at $22 and most knives sell for between $40 and $100.

Every knife comes razor sharp right out of the package and each one cones with a custom made magnetic wooden sheath at no extra cost.

I have personally used AML Knives and can tell you their quality is excellent.  They are very sturdy and well made.  These knives have quickly become quite popular and sell out fast so check the site often for availability.  Below are examples of some knives currently available or which have recently sold:

The next issue of Wood Chip Chatter will be posted on July 7, 2023.

This will be our 2nd Anniversary issue!

Keep a sharp eye out for it!

Keep a sharp edge, and keep on carvin’!

Funny Bone

Two tons of human hair destined for a wig maker was stolen.

The police are combing the area.