The Red River Valley Woodcarvers will present a full slate of carving classes for the 2015-16
carving season from September through May. With only two exceptions (Sept. and April) the
classes will be taught by local experienced carvers/teachers. Tuition for the classes (with the
exceptions of the Sept. and April classes) will be $40.00 and payable with registration. Your
spot in a class can be held with a $20.00 deposit and the balance due at class time. Material
fees may apply and will be noted in the class description. Tuition checks should be written to
the Red River Valley Woodcarvers.
All classes (with the exception of April) will be held at In the Chips, 303 21 st St. N., Moorhead
MN. and will run from 9:00 a.m. to around 4:00 p.m. Registration forms for individual classes
can be picked up at In the Chips or mailed to you upon request.
September 11, 12, 13, 2015, Greg and Sandy Wirtz will teach intaglio and basket making.
Instructor, tuitions and class descriptions can be found at the club web site, rrvwc.org, or by
calling In the Chips, 218-233-6000.
October 3, 2015
Tuition…$40.00
Materials fee…$15.00
Maynard Hemmah will be teaching a raised relief carving of a leprechaun from a basswood
cutout. Students will concentrate on setting up and completing the face and then move on to
other details of the carving. Individuals will work at their own speed under the guidance of
the instructor. Safety equipment (glove, thumb guard, etc.) are required. The usual palm
tools and a carving knife will be needed. A class materials fee of $15.00 is payable to the
instructor at class time. A maximum of 12 students will be allowed; skill level beginners to
advanced.
November 7, 2015
Tuition…$40.00
Materials fee…$15.00
Dick Skauge will teach the carving of a ½ size canvasback decoy. A butternut cutout will be
carved using palm tools and/or long handled tools and a bench hook. We will insert glass
eyes. This is a stylized carving of a canvasback. It will be sanded and a clear finish will be
applied, if there is time. Bench hooks and long handled tools will be available for use during
class time. A $15.00 materials fee is payable to the instructor at class time. A maximum of 12
students; skill level beginner to advanced.
December 5, 2015
Tuition…$40.00
Materials fee…$10.00
Gary Paulsen will teach the carving of a “Kitten in a Mitten”, a small kitten peering out of the
top of a large, fur trimmed mitten. Students will work from a 4 inch basswood cutout. This
project will make an excellent tree ornament. The usual palm tools and carving knife will be
used. A maximum of 12 students of any skill level will be allowed. The materials fee of
$10.00 is payable to the instructor at class time.
January 9, 2016
Tuition…$40.00
Materials fee…$5.00
Barry Kutzer will teach the painting of last month’s carving project (or any other carving you
bring). Students will learn painting techniques using acrylic paint as they apply to wood
carvings. They will learn the pre painting preparation of the carving, washes, stains, shading,
highlighting as well as sealing the piece upon completion. There will be some lecture but
most of the class will be hands-on student participation. A board will be provided so that
techniques discussed may be practiced.
Students should bring:
a completed ready for paint carving (the kitten or other item)
Brushes
Any acrylic paint you have
A brush tub for water to clean brushes
An apron or smock to avoid rogue paint splatters
If you don’t have some of these items I have plenty that you may use except
smocks….I am low on smocks. The $5.00 material fee is payable to the instructor at class
time. A maximum of 12 students will be allowed.
February 6, 2016
Tuition…$40.00
Materials fee…$10.00
Bob Lawrence will teach the carving of a twelve inch long eagle feather from a basswood
blank. The tip of the feather will have an eagle head carved in it. The usual palm tools and
knife will be used. If time allows, students will paint the feather. Painting supplies will be
provided. A maximum of 12 students from beginner to advanced skill level will be allowed.
The materials fee of $10.00 is payable to the instructor at the time of the class.
March 5, 2016
Tuition…$40.00
Materials fee…$5.00
Wayne Hankel will teach the carving of a wren from a butternut wood cutout. The usual
palm tools and knife are needed plus a wood burner if you wish to accent some feathers on
the carving. A maximum of 15 students from beginner to advanced skill level will be allowed.
The $5.00 materials fee is payable to the instructor at class time.
April 8, 9, 10, 2016
International Wood Arts Festival at the Baymont Inn, Fargo , ND. Guest artist will be Chris
Hammack. Classes will be offered by the guest artist and other instructors. Complete
information for the entire event will be mailed in mid-February.
May 7, 2016
Larry Longtine will be teaching this month’s class. The project will be announced at a later
date.
Many of this year’s projects can be seen at In the Chips, 303 21 st. St. N. in Moorhead about 46 weeks prior to the scheduled class date. Registration forms are also available 4-6 weeks
before the scheduled class date. If you can’t stop in to pick one up, a quick phone call to
Barry at 218-233-6000 or 701-232-8718 and one will be sent to you the next day. If you are
new to carving contact Barry for a list of the safety equipment, carving tools and answers to
any questions.