Event will showcase work of wood carvers

The woodcarvers, whittlers, parers, and hobos are at it again this weekend at Artistry in Wood 2005 at Spokane Community College. Hobos you ask? Interestingly enough, hobos were whittlers who began the original forms of American folk art.

A little history lesson: Most hobos (traveling workers) were intelligent, worldly, and amazingly eloquent. Steam Train Maury has often been quoted as saying “Do not ever confuse a hobo with a bum! A bum is shiftless and worthless. A hobo is a man of the world, who travels to see and observe and then shares those views with others.”

Many of the students in the woodcarving classes held at Spokane Art Supply Too in the Spokane Valley habitually share tips and anecdotes revolving around their craft. Eager to share their love for carving, they invite all to attend or join the class.

This weekend’s event will be their forum to show off their skills as well as learn from others. There will be a juried show, supplies, tools and demonstrations, as well as competitions from novice to expert divisions. There will also be a vendors’ room where items will be for sale.

Tom Ellis has only been carving with the class for a few years but already he is in the advanced division. He will have three pieces competing. He was a retired telephone company employee when a bark carving outside of Spokane Art Supply Too caught his eye. He has been a member of the woodcarving association ever since. He has picked up the craft quickly. He has even designed and made tools and two types of sharpeners. The latter are built from a back massager and a drill.

Ellis carves animals and caricatures. He also does whistles and flutes.

Jack Harvey, also retired, has been a woodcarver for seven years now. He is entering three pieces in the novice division.

“Tom has a phenomenal imagination and a lot of talent,” says Harvey, “I, on the other hand, am still just a novice, but I’m having fun!”

Before carving, Harvey decorated buffalo skulls. His desire to be creative and rub elbows with other imaginative people brought him to the club, where likeminded folks discuss the latest techniques.

Most of the members and students are active retirees with many stories to tell, and lessons to share as well as learn. Like hobos, their travels and observations aid their imaginations and guide their hands.

Many Valley woodcarvers were instrumental in bringing the Artistry in Wood show to the Spokane area. A couple of thousand people are expected to attend the event, many from out of state. At least 30 carvers will be showing their work.

This year’s featured artist is Desiree Hajny who will be displaying her pieces as well as sharing her expertise as a judge and critique. Internationally renowned, she is regarded as one of America’s finest animal carvers. She has won many awards and has written six books on the subject. She designs wildlife sculptures for Mill Creek Inc., which can be found at galleries and gift shops across the country.