95%
of carvers say they benefit from face-to-face instruction/coaching.
85%
of carvers are interested in learning new styles of woodcarving.
98%
of attendees say they would take another class from their G.O.W. instructor.
Areas of Instruction
Realistic Bust Carving
Using a mallet and chisels, students will create a realistic human bust (male or female) with expert guidance provided by GOW’s Master Carver, Vic Hood.
Caricature Carving
Students will truly enjoy carving whimsical caricatures from roughouts with veteran GOW instructor Roger Stegal.
Realistic Figure Carving or Relief Carving
Expert professional woodcarver Dylan Goodson shares his knowledge of carving the student’s choice of a realistic figure or a relief carving of a scene or other subject.
Pyrography instructor Marie McDonough shares her knowledge with a student. Pyrography truly becomes “drawing with fire” with the guidance of expert professional woodcarver and pyrographer, Marie McDonough as she surprises students with some fascinating techniques.
“Just wanted to thank you for putting on the Gathering of Woodcarvers.
For someone who is relatively new to woodcarving, it was a great
opportunity to learn from expert carvers in a location close to home,
and at a reasonable cost, as well. I can’t wait for the next G.O.W”
Ray M.-Aurora, IL
About the Gathering of Woodcarvers
In 2001, master carver Joe Dillett, owner of the Carving Shop, in Somonauk, IL, organized the first “Gathering of Woodcarvers”. With help from the late, ‘Old Don Burgdorf, Don’s wife Sandi and a few others, Joe brought together an impressive group of woodcarvers and instructors, including himself, and over the ensuing years, such notable carving gurus as Floyd Rhadigan, Chris Howard, Ol’ Don Burgdorf and others.
“I have attended just about every Gathering of Woodcarvers event and still find it interesting, educational and a lot of fun. Getting advice and feedback directly from a professional carver is always helpful and getting to interact with fellow carvers and see their work is also very enjoyable.”
Ed Boyd
Working on a relief carving in Dylan Goodson’s class
Let us hear from you
You can help make the G.O.W. a better program for yourself and your fellow artists by sharing your “constructive” thoughts (please be kind). We will consider all ideas. Just drop us an e-mail to: Gatheringofwoodcarvers@gmail.com