The third annual Wood Carvers Roundup was even bigger and better than last year. Over 400 carvers participated in more than 36 different workshops that included everything from miniature totem poles to turtles. Wood burning and chain saw carving were also among the many different kinds of workshops held. We also had many other craft type workshops including a Quilters Korner to occupy family members not into carving. Folks from as far away as Georgia and Florida came and carved, visited and exchanged ideas and patterns. Some drove in for just a day or two, and over 140 campers stayed right at the fairgrounds.
The Roundup
project this year was in the form of an international wood carvers
quilt. Each participant was able to purchase a $1 quilt block
to be carved and finished any way they choose, and brought back
next year when they return. The block will be assembled into a
carvers quilt to be on permanent display in the exhibit building
of the fairgrounds. Each block is five inches square and choice
of from 3/4" to 1-1/2" thick. Over 100 blocks were sold
and we already have 2 returned and placed in the frame.
Exhibit Building with the Quilt frame
One evening Dayle
Lewis from Richmond, Indiana demonstrated his skill at chain saw
art. When finished there appeared a 6-foot wizard, which he created
from a huge log furnished by the city of Evart. The wizard is
now the Keeper of the Fairgrounds as Dayle donated
the carving to the facility.
This is a totally volunteer event geared to promote
wood carving skills from the beginner to those more accomplished.
Thanks to all of the volunteers there is no admission or instruction
cost except for workshop materials. As long as we have volunteers
willing to share their time and knowledge we will hold this event
for years to come.
More pictures of the 2001 Roundup can be found at http://www.woodcarversroundup.com.
The Forth Annual Roundup is June 12-15, 2002. We'll Keep
the Campfire on for Ya!
Sandy Holder is
a carousel carver and hammer duclimer player. You may visit her
web site at http://user.netonecom.net/~civildee/