Gathering of Woodcarvers

What is a GOW?
A Gathering of Woodcarvers where there are over 35 seminars for all levels of carving.

Where is it going to be?
At The Carving Shop in Somonauk, IL (address on the Directions page), with classes under a Big Top tent.

When is it going to be?
Campers come in on Monday, September 17, classes begin on the 18th, and go through Friday, the 21st. Campers usally start leaving on Saturday the 22rd.

When’s it going to start?
We’ll begin about 6 PM on Monday with a Social (Margarita Seminar), where there will be snacks and drinks, while the instructors introduce themselves and give information about their seminars.

Tell us more about the Seminars.
There will be about 15 instructors teaching about 35 seminars on woodcarving (tentative schedule listed below). Many of these seminars are directed toward the beginner carver. They will include carving birds, decoys, relief, in-the-round, busts, bark carving, caricature carving, sharpening and much more. The seminars run from 9am to 5pm with an hour off for lunch; Tuesday through Friday. Some seminars are half-day ($5 plus material), some full day ($10 plus material) and some are more than one day. All payment for seminars go to the instructors to help cover expenses.

Friendship Canes

Each participant at the GOW is asked to bring a carved and painted friendship cane segment. These segments will be added to one of three canes which will then be raffled off to help with GOW expenses.

Segments should be 2" x 2" x 3" with a generous 5/8" hole drilled in the center. They may be of any subject
- no theme this year.

By carving the segments ahead of time, participants can spend as much time as they wish on the carving. If
anyone does not have a segment done ahead of time, they may still do one on site.

This raffle is successful only by your contributions of cane segments and they are truly appreciated. Remember you don't have to carve them. They can be woodburned or simply painted. We know we have talented burners and painters coming who don't carve and we love to see their work on the canes.

The contest is simple: bring a completed cane segment. They will be judged and the winner gets - nothing but the praise and admiration of your fellow carvers. We are preparing for three canes again but would love to have a fourth cane.

Ornament Exchange

Carve some Christmas ornaments and bring them with you to the GOW. For each ornament you bring you will receive one in exchange.
Any size, shape or topic ornament will be accepted.
If you bring two, you get two. This is a neat way to increase your handmade ornament collection.

Trade Blanket

An individual offers any item and places it in the middle of the blanket. People then offer "trades" by placing their item on the edges of the blanket. The orginal person then can choose which item to accept for trade, or say "no trade" to all offers. Lot's of fun & laughs.

If you have any questions on any of the above,
please send Sandie an e-note.

You are invited to GOW 2007 and bring a friend.