Next Meeting:

9:00 AM, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2008,
at the Ed Wood Trade and Industry Center,
Southeast Technical Institute, Sioux Falls, SD

Unofficial reports of the Side Walk Arts project are indcating that it was a successful venture even though rain came and caused an early closing. Expect an official report of net profit and final assesment at the meeting this Saturday.

The carving project will center around carving toy tops and other things good for woodcarvers to make and kids to play with.

Meet The Members

Glen Novak--Member since 2006

Glen is unmarried and lives on the family farm near Hurley, SD. He spent a few years in the Army during the Viet Nahm war and another 25 years putting up metal buildings in the Sioux Falls area. After that he was a gravel trucker until he became disabled. Asked how he got into carving, Glen says, "You guys got me started!"

It was at one of the first annual show and sales at the Park Ridge Mall that Glen saw carvings by SDWC members and followed through by cutting down a walnut tree and doing some carving of his own. A westward moving pioneer family, complete with husband and wife, boy, girl and a dog all riding in a covered wagon pulled by two harnessed horses was the inspiration for one of his first works. Another historical inspiration came from the alleged sighting of an 18" high devil by travelers with Lewis and Clark. Opining that what they saw was just a jackrabbit, Glen carved a devil riding on the back of rabbit. Other carvings include buffalo, Indians on horseback, and miniatures.

While carving provides lots of pleasure, Glen also enjoys gardening and baking bread. It is our pleasure to have such a talented and active member attending our meetings and activities.

Gene Gordon--Member Since 2004

After their marriage Gene worked at a Homestake sawmill near Sturgis, SD, while Elaine earned her teacher's degree and launched a forty-year career as a teacher. Now retired, Elaine likes to paint with watercolors, enjoys music, and likes playing games with Gene, who also enjoys music and taught that subject in several schools around the state. Eventually he became a school administrator in Dubrook, SD, and also served Thirty years in the National Guard before he retired and moved to Brandon, SD.

Gene and Elaine have two children and one grandchild. Their son lives in Virginia and earns a living by plotting maps. Their daughter is a teacher in Martin, SD.

Gene was introduced to woodcarving very early in life through 4-H and grade school activities. Then, while in high school, Gene joined a carving group organized by the local Episcopal Priest. Now, besides being an active member of SDWC, he joins the Monday morning carving classes lead by Frank Orthmeyer. His favorite projects are birds and faces, and he is currently working on a full sized American Kestrel.

The art of tooling leather has been another favorite pass time for Gene. His belts, purses, and pistol holsters were popular items at various art and craft shows, and several policemen are wearing his holsters. There is also the hard, but enjoyable, work of maintaining a cabin in the Black Hills. Thank you, Gene, for your company and for sharing your hobby and skills with us.

Sioux Empire Expo Best of Show Winners

Visitor's Choice Best of Show:

Mallard Hen
by Frank Orthmeyer

Best of Show in Advanced Class:

Viking

by Don Clemetson

Best of Show in Intermediate Class:

Old Time Santa

by Paul Seevers

Best of Show in Novice Class:

Cypress Knee Gnome

by Bill Huntimer

2008 Sioux Empire Woodcarving Exposition

Anyone who has entered his work in this wood carving competition should by now have received the Sioux Empire Fair Premium Book. Rules and Entry Form for the Woodcarving Exposition appear on pages 90 & 91. The entry form should be available at the Sioux Empire Fair website: http://www.siouxempirefair.com/.

Dates for the fair are August 5-10. Mailed in Entry Forms and entries must be received by Friday, August 1. Hand delivered entries will be received at the Arts Building on Satuday, August 2, 9 AM until 4 PM. Judging will take place Sunday, August 3.

Congratulations Stan and Ihlene Fillingsness!

Stan will be ninty years old on July 10. Ihlene is already a couple of weeks into her 91st year. June 14th was the 68th anniversary of their wedding. As recognized by the South Dakota Arts Council, Stan is a Master carver in the Scandinavian tradition, and anyone who has tasted treats from Ihlene's kitchen will give her credit for being a "Master" baker!
(Contact these talented folks through the Bethesda Home and Inn, Beresford, SD)