Ridge Woodcarvers

Ridge Woodcarvers

Lakeland, Florida

Volunteer Now

We need volunteers who will assume responsibility for various aspects of the annual carving show. If you are willing to take charge of an activity such as ticket sales, floor plan and table arrangement, publicity, organization of carvings for judging, etc. please let any of the board members know.

We need more shared responsibility for production of the show.

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Ridge Woodcarvers Displayed Their Work at the Polk County Historical Museum

In January and February the Ridge Woodcarvers Club had a special wood carving exhibition at the Polk County Historical Museum located in Bartow, Florida.

An extensive collection of more than 100 carvings was on display. The exhibit included everything from flowers to Indians to Civil War soldiers to caricature carvings to life like portraits in wood.

Click here to see photos of carvings at the exhibit .

New Feature - Click Here to read about interesting people and see interesting carvings.

Meet Larry Nowell, known for his portraits in wood.

Larry made a return visit to the Ridge Woodcarvers club in 2008 and 2009 to instruct classes in portrait carving and carving an American Eagle. Larry provides patterns and cutouts from northern bass wood or Butternut. Thanks to Larry, the participants had a great time honing their skills in woodcarving. The group recommends Larry for his approach to teaching. Every student gets personal attention while Larry shows great patience and a sense of humor.

Click here to see photographs of t he carving class.

Click here to go to Larry Nowell's web site.

Meet Dan Clark, President, Ridge Woodcarvers Club

Dan runs a good ship. He gets all hands on board and together we get the job done, whatever it is. Have a question for Dan--Click Here

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Meet Lu Myers, Vice President Lu also maintains the club's web site. To comment on the site click here.

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Meet John Bulmer, Treasurer

Dues to join the Ridge Woodcarvers Club are $15 a year. See John to join the club.

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Norma Jean Stevens is our Secretary. Norma Jean keeps us up to date by recording the minutes of our meetings and making them available for publication as the Monthly News Letter.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Jerry Heinicke is our Board Member at Large. The Board Member at Large is elected by the Members of the Board and handles out reach and marketing for the club.

Hit Counter

Do you want to improve your skills as a woodcarver?

The results of the survey for classes in 2010 is in and the answer is, yes, Ridgewood Carvers Club members would like more classes. Some classes planned or scheduled for 2010 listed below. One class is already underway.

Brian Waistell is providing the plans and is coaching students in the carving of a rocking horse. You may join this group any time...instruction is by individual coaching and the classes are held during the regular Tuesday carving sessions held from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Tuesdays. (Classes are shortened on the first Tuesday of the month for the business meeting.)

Wood Burning (Pyrography)

The Carving Club is waiting for Jack Smith to announce the dates of the next pyrography (wood burning) class. Many of the students of Jack's 2009 class are now hooked on the art of wood-burning. Some students ventured on their own after that class to completed many beautiful pieces of art using what they learned from Jack. Others are asking for another class so they can perfect their skills. Check this site for an announcement soon.

** * * * * * * * * * * * * * Carving a Spirit Face the Tyrolean Way

Larry Nowell returned to Lakeland, Florida for another fun and productive carving session. The class involved carving a spirit face in Butternut wood that was 4 1/2" x 11" x 2". Larry attended the Geisler-Moroder Austrian Woodcarving School last fall and he is ready to share the Tyrolean style of carving with us.

The Class was held at Jim Hammer's wood working shop, Hardwood Lumber and Mill Work, 4316 Wallace Road, Lakeland, FL 33812.

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Another Great Show!

The Ridgewood Carvers Club held its 18th Annual Art of Woodcarving Show on Saturday, March 20, 2010, at the First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland, Fl. More than 140 pieces were entered for judging. Best of Show was shared between our club Vice President Lu Myers for her portrait of "Lisa" and Larry Nowell, a well known teacher and artist, for his "Christ on the Cross.