Meet Glen Isles, Member since 1991

Glen Ilse was born in Flandreau, South Dakota, and he grew up in Egan. Involved with his father in the construction business, Glen developed proficiency in cabinetwork. That, and making boxes, still interests Glen.

As a young man, Glen moved to Sioux Falls and began working for the city as an equipment operator. Then he went to work for Holcomb Freightliner, driving trucks and helping out with maintenance and sales of trucks. Now, for the past eleven years, Glen is retired and enjoys carving as a favorite pass time.

Artistic talent must run in Glen's family. His twin sister is very artistic in drawing, painting, and fabric work, and Glen's daughter is very good in clay sculpture and loom creations. It was Glen's older brother, also a woodcarver, who encouraged Glen to start carving about 20 years ago. He even signed him up for a subscription to CHIP CHATS!

Glen's first carving was a small dog, and it is still with him. "It was fun!" said Glen. His favorite projects are caricatures and cottonwood bark "wood spirits", and he enjoyed going along with the Dickey family for a John Burke carving class in Emmetsburg, Iowa. (An interesting side note is that Bill Dickey and Glen's wife Cheri are related to the professional artist, John Greene.)

A mutual friend introduced Glen and Cheri to each other. Being both retired allows plenty of time for spoiling grandchildren (nine of them), sewing, board games and cards with friends, fishing, and traveling. Of course the gift and calling to serve as Santa Clause has given Glen a special distinction. We were very pleased and fortunate to have Glen appear as Santa at our Annual Christmas Show and Sale last December at the Park Ridge Galleria, but something we may not know is that Glen has also been Santa in California, Chicago, and even New York City. One very memorable job as Santa was in New York City in December of 2001, when New Yorkers were still having a very tense time and had strong feelings about 9-11.

Glen, thank you for being a member of our club, for being our Santa Clause, and for letting us get to know more about you!

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING

The Annual Meeting of S D Woodcarvers Inc. will begin at
6:30 PM, THURSDAY, Jan. 14, 2010,
in room 503 of the Ed Wood Trade and Industry Center,
Southeast Technical Institute,
2301 Career Place, Sioux Falls, SD.

The purpose of the meeting shall be (1) to elect officers, (2) to conduct general
business pursuant to the goals and purposes stated in the Corporate Charter and by laws, and (3) to deal with issues related to the specific projects and activities preformed in the past or to be preformed in the future by the members as a group.

All active, dues paying members are eligible to vote and serve as officers
of the corporation. (Check the date in your address label to see if dues are due!)

After the meeting: Tool Sharpening Workshop

At last! Tool Sharpening Tips Make Sense!

Thanks to Bruce Alexander for forwarding the November 2009 Newsletter from Chris Pye. It was a real treat to read his comments on tool sharpening--since I have been forever trying to preach "You don't sharpen the edge; you sharpen the bevel."

Chris is devoted to teaching the art of woodcarving and his web site has a lot to offer for anyone interested learning to carve. (Click on the Chris Pye link in the Links Section to the right!)

Santa Clause Appears at 26h Annual Show and Sale

Thanks to long-time member Glen Isle and his world-wide connections, Santa Clause himself appeared at the annual S D Woodcarvers Show and Sale at The Park Ridge Galleria. As usual the crowd was nothing to brag about and there were lots of candy canes left over.

Pres. Dick Hansen and Ron Schulte maned a display of tree ornaments and other carvings made by members of SDWC. All the profits went to the Food Pantry for school kids.

The show included art work and carvings by Don Arend, Don Clemetson, Dick Peterson, Frank Orthmeyer, and Arne Bortnem.

26th Annual S D Woodcarvers Christmas Show and Sale

WHERE: The Park Ridge Galleria, 26th Street and Western Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD

WHEN: Saturday, December 5th, 2009
Doors open at 8:30 AM

SANTA CLAUSE will be there with treats from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

To see what else is available at the Park Ridge Galleria click in the links box at the right.