September 2008

ANNUAL BLACKHAWK WOODCARVERS’ SHOW - Special Recognition & many, many thanks to Vice President Don Stansfield for organizing and managing the Show. Also many thanks to John Wacker for arranging for us to have our show at Tebala Shrine Center. Reports from members have been most approving.. Much enthusiasm. Everyone is pleased with the venue, the food service, the judging setup, the display tables, atmosphere - everything. Attendance was 217 paid visitors. Down from our last year show, but attendance has been reported down at other carving shows this year as well. Even so, the operation was financially successful. Don had a fine crew of volunteers to help. These are just a few of the pictures Larry Clark got at the Show.

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JUDGING AWARDS

Thanks to Don Stansfield for the details.

The two judges, Denny Neubauer from Des Moines and Greg Wirtz from Wisconsin Rapids did an exemplary job. Competitors had no complaints. No challenges. No whining. We have the good fortune of their fine services for our Show next year. That will be our 15^th Annual Show, and will be on August 15.

Awards

Judges’ Choice - 1^st "Junkyard Dog" by Mike Trezek (Carol Stream, IL); 2^nd "Bread Bowl" by Rich Young (Manitowoc, WI);
1^st Runner-UP "The Swan" by Dewey Johnson (Racine, WI)
Peoples Choice - "African Bull Elephant" by Mike Trezek (Carol Stream, IL)
4" Sphere Challenge - 1^st "Basket" by Rich Young; 2^nd "Pomegranate" by Rich Young; 3^rd "Fish" by Carl Hicks (Rockford, IL)
Advanced Clases Realistic Animals - 1^st Rich Young; 2^nd Mike Trezek (Carol Stream); 3^rd Rich Young (Manitowoc, WI)
Realistic Water - No entry
Realistic Winged Animals - 1^st Bob Matthews (Belvidere); 2^nd Bob Matthews (Belvidere, IL)
Realistic Waterfowl & Shore Birds - No entries
Realistic Human Forms - 1^st Place, 2^nd Place, 3^rd Place, and Honorable Mention = Rich Young (Manitowoc, WI)
Santa Claus - 1^st Don Stansfield (Freeport, IL); 2^nd Tony DeVita (Rockford)
Mythical -1^st Place, 2^nd Place = Rich Young
Caricatures - 1^st Mike Trezek; 2^nd Larry Christensen (Rockford, IL); 3^rd Gale Terrell (Caledonia, IL)
Relief Carving - 1^st Roger Benedict (Rockford, IL); 2^nd Roger Benedict; 3^rd Carl Hicks (Rockford, IL)
Bark Carving - 1^st Place; 2^nd Place; and 3^rd Place = Larry Westmorland (Moline, IL); Honorable Mention Jim Griparis (Rockford, IL)
Chip Carving - 1^st Steve Esser (Monroe, W); 2^nd and 3^rd Place Horst Hart (Monroe, WI); two Honorable Mentions Steve Esser
Canes & Walking Sticks - 1^st Jim Griparis; 2^nd & 3^rd Carl Hicks
Stylized - 1^st & 2^nd Roger Benedict (Rockford, IL); 3^rd Marshall Field, Jr.(Rockford, IL)
Miscellaneous - 1^st Rich Young; 2^nd Dewey Johnson (Racine WI); 3^rd Rich Borrett (Belvidere, IL);
Honorable Mention Don Stansfield (Freeport, IL)

Intermediate Class

Realistic Animals - 1^st, 2^nd, & 3^rd Place = Ernst Possner (Monroe, WI)
Realistic Water - No entry
Realistic Winged Animals - 1^st Place Jim Maus (Belvidere, IL)
Realistic Waterfowl & Shore Birds - 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd Place = Jim Maus
Realistic Human Forms - 1^st Place Bob Capion (Freeport, IL)
Santa Claus - No entry
Mythical - No entry
Caricatures - 1^st John Skaggs (Rockford, IL)
Relief Carving - 1^st & 2^nd Place to Thomas Backer (Rockford, IL); 3^rd John Wacker (Rockford, IL);
Honorable Mention to Jeffrey Hartman (Freeport, IL)
Bark Carving - 1^st Place to Bob Capion (Freeport, IL)
Chip Carving - 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, & Honorable Mention to Ernst Possner
Canes & Walking Sticks - No entry
Stylized - No entry
Miscellaneous - 1^st Ernst Possner; 2^nd Gary Lundquist (Cherry Valley, IL); 3^rd John Skaggs

Novice Class

In-The-Round - 1^st & 2^nd Place to David Meyer (Rockford, IL)
Relief Carving - 1^st Larry Clark (Rockford, IL); 2^nd Lois Bachelor (Belvidere, IL); 3^rd Pat Hartog (Rockford, IL)
Canes & Walking Sticks - No entry

Youth Class

Unfortunately, there were no young carvers entered in the competition. Do you have a granddaughter or grandson who likes to whittle? How about Pat Hartog’s granddaughter? Maybe a neighbor kid has expressed interest in your carving. The Boy Scouts of America have a carving merit badge. Let’s recruit some!

2009 Blackhawk Woodcarvers show - Our 15^th Annual show will be on August 15, 2009. The Tebala Shrine Center is already reserved for that date. That’s the 15^th on the 15^th, in case you didn’t catch the clever connection. And we are fortunate in being able to have the same judges as this year. It looks like the Show will be even greater next year than it was this year!

Annual Club Potluck Picnic is 4:00until 6:00PM, Tuesday, September 9, at the Twin Shelters in Sinnissippi Park, across from the golf clubhouse. Tony DeVita will be there much earlier getting the charcoal grills started. The Club furnishes charcoal & soft drinks. Each person/couple should sign up with Tony DeVita so he has an approximate head count, and to make sure we are not swamped with too many people bringing the same thing! If you missed the sign-up sheet at Wednesday carving, call Tony at his home - 815-654-2979. Brings your own meat to cook, plates, napkins, and silverware.

World-Famous Chip Carver, Wayne Barton will give a lecture and presentation on "The Art of Chip Carving" as part of Monroe’s 2008 Swiss Heritage Series at 7:00 PM Friday evening , October 10, in Turner hall, 1217 17^th Avenue, Monroe, WI. Other information is available on the Internet at www.TurnerHallofMonroe.org, or by calling Turner Hall at 608-325-3461. A $5.00 free-will donation is suggested.

Wayne Barton was named USA "Woodcarver of the Year" in 2005. He is a professional woodcarver trained in Brienz, Switzerland; and the author of seven best-selling books on chip carving that have been published in six countries. Blackhawk Woodcarvers has some of his books in our library. His work has been recognized in a special exhibition at the Swiss National Museum in Zurich. He is also a visiting artist/lecturer at the Chicago Art Institute. Wayne is a founder of the Alpine School of Woodcarving in Chicago.

MONTE SPRINKER CORRECTION - We wish to acknowledge Monte Sprinker as our club's first president. Thankfully he keeps good records from the past. Thank you for setting the record straight Monte.

Mary Lou & Anthony DeVita celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary on September 6. Congratulations on making 50 years!

Pat Hartog & Husband celebrated their 50^th Wedding Anniversary in August. Congratulations, Pat!

NEW MEMBERS

Lois Bachelor, Sharon Knitter, and Don See - All three of these nice people come from Belvidere. Each one is already experienced in shaping wood. For proof, just check out the list of winners from the Carving Show. And take a gander at their work on any Wednesday morning.

TOOL DAFFINITIONS - Courtesy of Don Stansfield

"HACKSAW - One of a family of metal-cutting tools built on the Ouija Board principle. It transforms human energy into crooked, unpredictable motion; and the more you attempt to influence its course, the more dismal your future becomes."

BUSINESS MEETING

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

¬ Vice-President Don Stansfield called the meeting to order at 9:00 am.
¬ Secretary’s Report was read and approved as read.
¬ Treasurer’s Report was deferred until next meeting, because there are still funds coming in from the Show.
¬ Membership Chairman reported some new members have joined. Updated membership lists are available. ASK.
¬ Librarian Marshall Field, Jr. reported that new, updated library lists are available for everyone. He passed out copies.

Visitors at the meeting -

¬ OLD BUSINESS ¬

Halloween Jack-O-Lantern pins for hospitalized kids. We need still more. See Don Stansfield.
Don Stansfield reminded members of up-coming carving classes taught be our own members:
Santa Claus - taught by Ray Olson on Wednesday mornings August 27, Sept 3, and 20
Beginning Carving - by Gordon Moscinski Tuesday at Rock Valley College CLR, 9AM-Noon for 8 weeks, starts Sept 30
Flat plane "The Nativity" - by Don Stansfield & Bob Hallstrom Thursday at Rock Valley CLR 9AM-Noon, Sept 11 for 5 weeks

¬ NEW BUSINESS ¬

The Show income so far is about $1750. Expenses not yet totaled. Some other Show talk. That was all the New Business.

¬ SHOW & TELL ¬

No show & tell this time.

¬ The PROGRAM ¬

Elaine Terrell demonstrated how she weaves baskets out of pine needles. She also showed some of her pine needle baskets, and explained how the craft works. It looks really complicated and difficult, but the results are beautiful. Elaine says that baskets like these can sell for hundreds of dollars each, depending on basket designs, decorations, and craftsmanship.

Elaine first showed the Long Leaf Pine needles she uses for her baskets. Then she demonstrated how the needles are bound into the basket shape with a special thread. Elaine says that some of the really great Indian baskets are woven so tightly that they are used to carry water.

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CLUB SCHEDULE

Business Meetings & Special Events -

ð September 9 - Club Picnic at Sinnissippi Park
ð September 17 - Rich Andersen & antique woodworking tools
ð October 15 - Club Carving - TBA
ð November 19 -
    Recognize Carver/Member of the Year
    Nomination of officers
ð December 17 -
    Election of Officers
    Christmas Party & Swap Meet
ð January 21, 2009 - Launch 2009 programs - 2009 Show, etc.

"Never look a gift horse in the mouth.."

CARVING CLASSES

These classes were copied from other publications, and may or may not be filled. Be sure to check for yourself. We have no reasonable way of knowing any details other than those shown. These are all we know about. When we get any news on carving classes from clubs or vendors, that news will be passed along to you as quickly as the next newsletter.

September Decorah, IA, Harley Refsal will teach figure carving @ Vesterheim 563-9681 www.vesterheim.org (Actual dates not known)

September 11, 18, 25, Oct 2, & 19 - Rockford, IL. Blackhawk Carving Club members Don Stansfield and Bob Hallstrom will conduct a Plane Carving class these Thursday mornings at Rock Valley College CLR, 9 AM - 12 noon. Students will Plane Carve a manger scene with Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus. The figures will be mounted on a carved replica stable floor, with a symbolic star shining overhead. Call CLR at 815-921-3931 to learn pricing and reserve your place.

September 12-14, Evart, MI. - Caricature Carve-In @ Osceola County Fairgrounds with Phil & Vicki Bishop, Dave & Michelle Stetson, and Floyd Rhadigan. Contact Floyd Rhadigan 734-649-3259.

September 15-20, Sandwich, IL, Fairgrounds, Gathering of Woodcarvers , week-long series of carving classes & special events. Choose among 15 nationally recognized instructors. Priced by number of classes taken. Camping available, Sponsored by The Carving Shop, 645 East LaSalle St., Somonauk, IL 60552. Joe Dillett, 815-498-9290. Detail available on the Internet at www.camperjohn.com/gow08_main.html.

September 19-21, Bettendorf, IA, The Woodcraft Shop, Bob Guge teaches carving a goldfinch. Carol & Larry Yudis, 800-397-2278.

September 30, plus 7 more Tuesdays, Rockford, IL - Beginning Woodcarving at Rock Valley College CLR. Eight Tuesday morning sessions (9AM - 12 noon), starting September 30, and running through November 11. Taught by Blackhawk Woodcarvers Club member Gordy Moscinski. Gordy has been teaching this class for many years. It is always a favorite, and fills up really fast. If you’re interested, get your name in early. Call CLR at 815-921-3931 for pricing and to reserve a spot.

October 3-5, Bloomington, IL, Phil & Vicki Bishop caricature carving. Contact Mike Hartzler, 14 Swan Lake Road, 309-662-4276.

October 19-23, Branson, MO. Ninth annual Rendezvous II Seminar at Compton Ridge Campground & Convention Center. Variety of classes, Contact Ed Zinger, 15222 South Greenwood, Villa #2102, Olathe, Kansas, 66062. Web site www.woodcarvingrendezvous.com.

November & December - No classes known in our immediate area.

CARVING SHOWS

These are shows within 3-4 hours one-way drive time of Rockford.

September 20, Janesville, WI, Show/sale sponsored by Rock River Valley Woodcarvers of Wisconsin. Contact Donna Kjendlie at www.rocktivervalleycarvers.com.

September 28, Utica, IL, 20^th annual Valley Carvers’ judged/juried show & sale 9 to 5 at Starved Rock State Park Main Lodge. Bob Wills 190 West Willow St, Coal City, IL, 60416; 815-634-3086.

October 11, West Allis, WI. Badger State Carvers 40^th annual show at St. Augustine Church Hall, 2025 South 67^th Place, 10 AM-4 PM. Steve Klein, 2477 South 73^rd Street, West Allis, WI, 53219; 414-321-5298.

October 18-19, Danville, IL. Kickapoo Carvers’ 27^th annual show @ New Life Banquet Center in Holiday Square, 1419 North Bowman Avenue, Saturday 10-5, Sunday 10-4. Buzz Richie, 217-427-5996.

October 25-26, Wheaton, IL. North Suburban Carvers’ 29^th annual Artistry In Wood show at DuPage County Fair Grounds. Terri Pijut, 847-458-2919.

October 26, Madison, WI. 20^th annual Capitol Area Carvers of WI show/sale @ Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Avenue, Madison, WI. 10am-4pm; admission free. Co-sponsored by Badger Woodturners. Demos, raffles, vendors,. Manny Voeltz 608-241-1188. Patti Landmann 920-992-5226. Website madison.com/communities/madcarvers.

November & December - no shows in our immediate area.

WANT ADS

We offer a FREE public service to individuals, clubs, and vendors (members and non-members alike). The only rule is that the item MUST be related to carving. Mail listing to Blackhawk Woodcarver, PO Box 15488, Loves Park, IL 61132, by the third Wednesday of the month in order to be included in the next month’s Newsletter.

CIRCULATION STATEMENT: this issue of Blackhawk Woodcarver is mailed to 69 members; 3 new prospective members; 12 Friends of Blackhawk Carving Club, and 10 carving clubs Total circulation =945. We send all copies of our Newsletter out by USPO.

" Why does a slight tax increase cost you two hundred dollars, and a substantial tax cut save you thirty cents? "