34th Annual Artists of the Plains Art Show & Sale

Begin chopping in September

It has been a few years since I was listed as one of the artists appearing in the Center for Western Studies Art Show, so I was happy to accept the invitation for this year..   Anticipating that possibility late in September of last year, I started one of the most difficult and risky wood carving projects I've every attempted.  My goal was to create a bust of George Washington in a chunk of black walnut that would resemble what most people could recognize as the same person they see on the dollar bill but, also, to show the  facial expression of a resurrected George Washington viewing the current state of the union. 

Hard to know if you're not cutting off too much

The Show begins Friday evening, Feb. 14, and ends Sunday, Feb. 16,  at 3:30.  So I will miss the February meeting of SDWC, but maybe I will see you all at the show.  I don't know exactly how our new "carving theme" approach to club projects is going to work, but someone will probably have some song bird cut outs available. Please bring what ever you have to share on the subject of song bird carving!

Start the New Year Out with Sharp Tools!

There has been no special carving project prepared for this Saturday's meeting, so why not have a tool sharpening seminar?  Bring your favorite dull tool, stones, strops, or any power sharpening tools that are portable enough.  Or just bring your already sharp tools and a project of your own to work on. 

Silent Auction Benefit for National Kidney Foundation

As part of the 2013 Christmas Show and Sale at the Park Ridge Galleria in Sioux Falls, a Silent Auction provided the National Kidney Foundation with a check for $300.00.  With only four of our members exhibiting their work for show and sale, the auction was a welcome addition.

Thanks to members of our club for donating carvings, tools, and books.  Thanks to the Willocks in Faribault, MN for donating three one-year subscriptions to their Carving Magazine along with sample issues.  Thanks to David and Sally Nye for donating their latest book on fan bird carving.  Many thanks to Gene Dickey and his family for setting up the tables and managing the sales and all the details for the Silent Auction.  And, of course, we must thank our own Glen Ilse for showing up as Santa Clause.

Dick Sabers Woodcarving Show at the Museum of Visual Materials

Starting November 27, 2013, the amazing woodcarvings  by Dick Sabers, a long time member of  the South Dakota Woodcarvers, Inc., will be the featured attraction at the Sioux Falls Museum of Visual Materials.
His numerous, uniquely styled, works of art will be on display until the end of May, 2014, and there will be an artist's reception on December 19.

The museum is located at 500 N Main Ave in Sioux Falls,  not far from the Court House.

Check out the video at:
 Argus Leader Life, Friday, November 22

Silent Auction at Christmas Show and Sale

A decision was made at the October meeting of SDWC to include a silent auction as part of our 30th Annual Christmas Show and Sale at the Park Ridge Galleria.  Proceeds from the auction will be donated to the regional office of the National Kidney Foundation.   Members and friends of S D Woodcarvers, Inc. are invited to donate wood carvings, tools,  books, etc., to be displayed on a separate table where visitors to the mall can enter bids for items they would like to purchase.

Items to be donated to the auction should be delivered to the Park Ridge Galleria by 9:00 AM on the day of the show, Saturday, Dec 7, ) OR dropped off at the Center for Active Generations during our November meeting, Nov. 16.