The Blackhawk Woodcarvers Monthly Business Meeting was called to order by Elaine Terrell. Old minutes and Treasurer's report were read and approved.

Old Business

This year's annual picnic is set for Tuesday evening, September 12^th at Sinissippi Park shelter house.

Richard Andersen is making a batch of carved name badges for the membership. Each member will need to write his or her name on the badge. AOK thanks to Richard!

New business

Dave Hoffman's wife wishes for the club to take over Dave's carving wood supply. If interested see Lloyd Durest; if there is no interest it will be burned. Tony DeVita volunteered to bring the wood to the Wednesday morning session for those interested. There will be a carving class in September; watch for later posting of details. Madeline and Don Peck were visitors and may join the club.

Bob Matthews conducted a feather carving workshop. All of us took a crack at carving a feather from a basswood cutout, written directions/pattern, and a demonstration. Without any doubt, there was a high interest that has carried over into the subsequent Wednesday morning sessions. More of these types of sessions are welcomed. Good job Bob!

Bob Matthews----A beautiful Saw-wet Owl carved while living in Yuma, AZ during the past winter.

Tony DeVita---A unique small horse from redwood that is similar to the Swedish painted horses. Tony's horse had a natural finish.

Approximately two years ago Rosemary Barnes was a guest speaker regarding her diversified art, and on a later day she had an open house for us to view her Chinese collection, personal art works, and studio. Do you remember? Well, all good things come to an end; Rosemary at 80 years old died on May 23, 2006.

Has anyone known a person (s) whom had a significant influence on your carving style, methods, or selection of subjects? Think about why you do what you do with wood and your decisions upon a choice of carving tools, and then consider what fate has brought you. I am convinced that we end up making carving decisions because we are impressionable beings that react to outside influences; such as from another carver, class, or a magazine article.

Rosemary was my influence for the past several years. Her art work, if you recall, were statements about organic things through various media of wood, metal and fabric. Thankfully from her many years of preaching about "loosening up" to seek free-flowing ideas and non-standard forms, I began to see things and objects differently. Putting this new thinking into carved wooden forms has not been easy, yet it has been challenging and fun. I may suggest that you give it try and perhaps you may see a change in your carving objects' selection. Hopefully there will be an opportunity to discuss changing views, or those views that have not or will not change. Be aware there is no right or wrong about differing viewpoints.

Given this subject, we have within our circle of friend's two known men who also work with curvature and complex stylized forms. Bob LeMaster (carver with wood) in Muskego, WI and George Kapotas (sculptor with stone) in Monroe Center, IL. These persons may provide an opportunity for us to seek another format of carving. Any interest?

June 20^th----There is no program planned. However bring your current carving project and tools to be part of the carving group for carving, learning, teaching, sharing and FLNHAC discussion.

July 18^th----There is no program planned. However bring your current carving project and tools to be part of a carving group for carving, learning, teaching, sharing and FLNHAC discussion.

August 15^th----Open time; show review, personal carving, etc.

September 19^th----Guest Speaker Roger Benedict about reliefs; a hands on activity, bring your tools to carve a leaf.

September 23^rd----All day carving class by Don Stansfield on flat plane carving of a nativity scene.

October 17^th----Guest Speaker Steve Coogan about sketching what you see; a hands on activity.

November 21^st---- Guest speaker Bob Matthews on painting your carving; bring paints and brushes.

December 19^th----Christmas party and swap night.

The shelter house is reserved at Sinissippi Park for our annual picnic. The time and date is 4:00 pm till dark on Tuesday, September 19^th. Spouses and friends are encouraged/ welcomed. Bring a dish to pass and your favorite meat to grill. Soda pop will be furnished. Begin eating at 5:30 pm.

A basswood carving class is scheduled for Saturday, September 23, 2006 at Kenrock Community Center. Don Stansfield will conduct the class from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm covering the subject of Flat Plane Carving of a Nativity Scene. The nativity will consist of Mary, Joseph, Jesus in a crib, a star, and a base. Maximum class size is 20. Cost is $25 per person that includes the basswood. Make checks payable to Blackhawk Woodcarvers and submit your name and check before the 23rd to:

Don Stansfield

1508 W Lincoln Blvd

Freeport, IL 61032.

You must furnish your own tools. For additional information call Don at (815) 235-0075

This show is worth your time and energy to travel to Davenport, IA. It is the granddaddy of carving shows. The viewing of the many objects and forms being the "best in carving" will be on display. The opportunity to talk with the carvers is worth the price of admission. Consider car pooling with your carving friends.

The show date is Saturday, August 19, 2006. Continue to carve a Santa Christmas tree ornament and/or a Watchdog. These will be sold during the show. See Tony DeVita for the "Watch-dog" digital clocks. Pleeeease, plan to donate carvings for the raffle. Volunteers are still needed; contact Bob Hallstrom at 997-3930 if interested.

Sandy Schmitt continues to fight various problems with diabetes, and would appreciate your kind thoughts and hearing from you.

Walter Gipe has been in and out of the hospital with heart surgery, and would appreciate your kind thoughts and hearing from you.

Please forward any club or member information to the editor. Also if so inclined, submit a newsy letter of 100 words or less for the newsletter. These would be due the last week of every month.

A reminder to forward your e-mail address to the newsletter editor. This would facilitate easier distribution of the newsletter and avoid mailing costs.

June 17-26….Davenport, IA, International Woodcarvers Competition seminars and show sponsored by Affiliated Wood Carvers. Larry Yudis (563) 359-9684 or Chester James

August 19….Rockford, IL, Blackhawk Woodcarvers 12^th annual show and competition at Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Gardens. Roger Benedict (815) 988-3314

September 10….Madison, WI, Capital Carvers of WI 18^th annual show at Olbrich Botanical Gardens.

October 14-15 Thorton, IL, South Suburban Chiselers host annual Wonders of Woodworking show in recreation center at 701 Highland Ave, Peggy Kelly (708) 877-5244

October 28-29….Wheaton, IL, North Suburban Carvers 27^th Artistry in Wood Exhibition and Competition at DuPage County Fairgrounds. Terri Pijut (847) 458-2919

"Tact: the ability to describe others as they see themselves."

_____Abraham Lincoln

The Blackhawk Woodcarvers was founded in 1993 and has a goal of preserving and encouraging the art of woodcarving. Membership is open to anyone having any skill of carving, including those who have never carved and want to learn about carving.