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Our organization prides itself in being able to offer you some of the finest learning opportunities you will encounter at one time. You can join by filling out an Membership Application and sending it with a check or money order to: AWC Ltd, PO Box 104, Bettendorf, IA 52772.

Anyone who is a member of AWC Ltd. can take a seminar. Membership is $15.00 per year (USA), $20.00 (Foreign) and runs the calendar year from January to December.

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FIVE-DAY CLASSES: MONDAY - FRIDAY, JUNE 14 to 18

		Carving and Painting a Cypress Knee Father Christmas Carole Jean is well known for her cypress knee carvings which include a large number of Santa figures. Her background is in photographic art, and she has used this expertise in developing her carvings. She has been carving for 22 years and claims her enjoyment from carving gets better every year as well as her talent. You’ll be carving from a 20 to 30 inch tall cypress knee. The first day will be spent making your “roughout”. Pictured is an example of what the project will look like. Days two, three, and four will be spent carving, woodburning and refining a full-length Father Christmas. You will be able to incorporate some of your own ideas when developing the final project. Day five will be spent painting the Father Christmas. Carole Jean assures us that it will take that long to do it right.

		Fred Cogelow, Willmar, MN Horse Head in the round: (“One moor time with feelin....”) In honor of the transition to Maquoketa, Iowa and the bucolic passions the move inspires, fredgelow somebody has chosen to resurrect a subject dear to country folk, last taught in ’96. The carvings will be roughly one-third size, in butternut. Emphasis will again be on character and feeling, employing both anatomical correctness (with particular attention to eyes and nostrils) and departures from it to achieve those goals. Those who might be reluctant to bite off a bit more than they can chew have the option of doing this project in relief. (There is no intent to execute manes in the acanthus style shown, tho participants are free to do so. Students inclined towards a particular profile should bring ample reference materials reflecting what they want to accomplish.)

		Neil Cox - Toronto, Canada - Carving a Face with Expression For those of you familiar with Neil’s course, this time he will be making some changes to the format. The focus will still be on seeing, however the immediate object will be to carve a face with a particular expression. In this respect the goal will be to become familiar with facial anatomy and how to manipulate it to create a particular expression and feeling. The expression for this course will be a strongly smiling male face. A roughed out blank will be provided and students will have access to some research material as well as be encouraged to create their own. Some of the areas of focus will be the flesh around the eyes when they are squinting in a strong smile, as well as teeth that are showing through an open smiling mouth. We will start with some sketching and modeling, as well as some practice carving. Unfortunately, (Neil’s word) there will be some lecture as well. Then people can proceed to carving their roughed out blank, making it as lively as possible based on what they have learned.

		John Engler, Battlefield, MO - Middle Relief Woodcarving John has been a professional woodcarver for over 25 years. Born into a family of artists, he began carving while attending Southwest Missouri State University. In 1983 he was awarded a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree while developing his unique style of relief woodcarving and watercolor painting. John’s class will involve instruction on the art of medium relief woodcarving. A painting class will follow on Friday. No experience is necessary. A wide variety of subject matter will be available to students. These will include animals (i.e. bears, moose, cougars, etc.), architecture (barns, cabins, mills, etc.) and other interesting projects as well. Clear and concise instruction on relief carving techniques will be emphasized. Please go to John’s website (www.johnenglerwoodcarvings.com) to view completed projects that will be available to students.

		Leah Goddard, Sarasota, FL - Realistic Animal Carving: Carve and paint a realistic bear using simple hand tools and a wood burner. Starting from a basswood rough-out, discover the techniques used to create all realistic mammals. Close attention will be paid to anatomy and detail. Students will learn the step-by-step process of carving, texturing and painting techniques used to bring all animal carvings to life. Leah Goddard (formally Wachter) lives in Sarasota Florida. She is an artist, elementary teacher, wood carving instructor, and author of both magazine articles and the book Carving Nature’s Rascals; Wood Carving an Armadillo, Skunk, Mouse and Raccoon. She was featured on the DYI Network Wood Sculpting series, and has won numerous awards. Leah teaches wood carving both at home and around the country.

		Josh Guge, Gilberts, IL - This class has the whole package! Carving a fish of your own choice, Making habitat, and Learning the Airbrush! Hey fish guys! Now is the chance to pick your fish! Carve whatever fish you want! This class is designed for both the beginner and more advanced carvers. Students will be challenged at their own skill level. They will also learn to create realistic looking habitat to go with the piece. Josh has 10 different fish and amphibian casts available to choose from. These casts include: bluegill, small mouth bass, walleye, crappie, rainbow trout, clown, copper band butterfly, saddle back butterfly, queen angel, and green sea turtle. If you choose from one of these casts, Josh will provide you with one to use during the week and it will be available for purchase at the end of class. If you choose to do a fish other than those listed above, there will not be a cast available. Josh has recently won two 2009 World Titles with salt-water fish and habitat! Come and learn from the best! Don’t forget! As a bonus, Josh always uses an airbrush to establish base coats on his projects, so each student will learn to use the airbrush. Let Josh know ahead of time what fish you choose. You can call him at 224-629-0581. Supply fee: $20

		Vic Hood and Terry Brasher A Indian Scout Bust or a Bust of Your Own Design Vic will be returning this summer doing one of his very large bust projects. He will be accompanied by his most capable assistant, Terry Brasher. She’s the one who has been accompanying Vic for a number of years and helping him get out of trouble when he gets in over his head! You know we’re just teasing you Vic, even though last year while you were judging the first two days of class, everyone in class didn’t seem to know you were gone. Vic and Terry will be offering an Apache Scout Indian Bust as their class project. For those of you who want to do something else on your own, you are encouraged to develop your own design and they will be there to guide and direct. If you plan on doing your own design, Terry and Vic need to talk to you prior to class to customize a blank for you. The cost for the Apache Indian Scout blank or your custom blank will be anywhere from $75 to $95 depending on prevailing wood prices at the time.

		Chris Howard, Gatlinburg, TN - Deep Relief Portrait Carving Working from a picture of their choice, you will learn the variety of techniques utilized to capture a realistic likeness in a deep relief. The project pictured here is an example of what can be done. You will be using basic hand tools to do the project. Your sculpture will be created on a 10” x 5” x 2” piece of butternut wood. All the steps of the learning process will be covered in detail by Chris. Those include: laying out the design, blocking out the rough design, detail carving, texturing and finishing . Students are encouraged to bring as much reference material of their subject that they can obtain. If it is someone you can photograph, take multiple closeup shots from different angles so more detail can be captured. Chris studied commercial art and design while working in France for the motion picture industry. He has been carving and teaching human busts of various ethnic groups professionally for 10 years. He is a contributing writer for Carving Magazine and has been featured on the DYI Network television series “Wood Sculptors.”

		Charley Phillips, Newark, TX - An Iris Plaque The project will be oval shaped and is approximately 14” x 17” and 3/4” thick. Multiple Iris flowers adorn the plaque with intricate movement in the flower’s leaves. Charley is known for her delicate floral carvings on many decorative and architectural items. A decorative painter for many years, she turned to woodcarving in 1995. Her work has won awards in several regional woodcarving shows. She has written articles for Woodcarving Illustrated featuring her unique floral relief carving projects. Tools needed include the usual assortment of gouges, skews and v-tools in palm tool sizes. There are a number of “Denny” tools that she absolutely can’t live without! She will be sending out a tool list closer to the start of Congress. For those that finish early, paint and brushes will be available to finish the project.
TWO-DAY CLASSES: MONDAY - TUESDAY, JUNE 14 - 15

		Vicki and Phil Bishop, Elk City, OK - Caricature Carving: This “Dynamic Duo” of caricature carving has taught their style of carving, literally from coast to coast. In 2010, they are going to be teaching from home except for the Congress. Pictured are two new pieces that you can look forward to carving: Silky & Santa Noggin. Every year they try to come up with a number of new and exciting subjects from which to choose. They have 40+ different subjects at any given time that range from cowboys to Santas to animals, etc. They will help fine tune your skill on the face, hands, clothes, and the overall structure of your piece. You just can’t help but learn a lot from these two. If you enjoy the art of caricature carving and want to learn a bunch, as well as having a good time doing so, then sign up early. They will also be teaching a 3-day class right after this one ends.


		Mike Shipley, Dora, MO - Caricature Santas, Snowmen, Bears, etc.: Mike is a self taught carver. He teaches clean cuts, bigger cuts, helping to build confidence in completing a piece. He has been carving since 1976, turning professional in 1986 and starting to teach in 1996. Pictured are four of about 50 choices you have to carve in Mike’s class. Students usually finish 2 or more pieces in a 2 day class. You leave with a piece completely carved and painted. Mike’s wife Sherry helps with the painting. He has authored a number of different books through the years to include his two most recent and most popular ones: “Woodcarving the Country Bear and His Friends” and “Woodcarving Country Folk”. His blanks will run from $10 to $33. Mike will also be following up with a 3-day class.

2 ONE-DAY CLASSES: MONDAY, JUNE 14 & TUESDAY, JUNE 15

		Donna Menke, Dale TX - Painting your carvings and Making color work for you In the first half of this informative class, you will be discussing the best ways to finish your carvings to have them end up looking like fine pieces of art. You will make your own color wheel, learning how color works, the influence one color has upon the others and the benefits of using very little paint. Unfortunately, the sample of the color wheel shown is not in color so you really can’t see what a helpful tool this will be. Ultimately you will be able to match any color using just 3 basic colors and 3 drops of paint. Yes, drops! All materials will be supplied. In the afternoon session, you will work on a finished, but unpainted, carving of your own. With Donna’s advice you will be able to make progress on finishing any carving you have. All supplies will be provided for painting with acrylic paints, but if you have certain paints and/or brushes you especially like, bring them along. Having trouble painting? Sign up now!

		Denny Neubauer, Des Moines, IA - Making your own carving knife Yes ... this is the “Denny” who makes those great tools that you’ve been using for all these years. You will now have the opportunity to make a couple of those knives that has made him a force in the woodcarving tool world. You will be starting with a laser-cut raw knife blank and take it step by step from hardening and tempering to a polished creation of your own. You will also learn the centuries-old secret techniques Denny uses for sharpening. Each student will finish two knives with choices of handle materials including Purpleheartwood, Oak, and Mahogany. Materials cost will be $35 for all the material to make two knives. Student needs to supply a pair of leather gloves, safety glasses and dust mask.

THREE-DAY CLASSES: WEDNESDAY - FRIDAY, JUNE 16 - 18

		Wayne Barton, Park Ridge, IL - Chip Carving: There is not a place in all of North America that you can go and just mention chip carving without the name Wayne Barton coming up in the conversation. Single -handedly, he has been the driving force of the recognition and renaissance chip carving has enjoyed in North America this past quarter century. If the project pictured looks familiar, it’s because it is the same picture that we used last year. Wayne will have a different challanging project for class, but we were unable to get a picture in time for publication. It will be designed for the intermediate to advanced chip carver. Design and layout functions will be discussed in the class as well as some advanced carving techniques and theory. In other words, you’ll be getting everything that this well-seasoned chipper has to offer.

		Peter Benson, Essex, England, - Netsuke Carving Pronounced “net-sue-key” or “net-skee”, a netsuke is a carved wooden or ivory ornamental toggle worn at the end of a cord that holds a kimono closed, originally used to fasten a purse or pouch. In the days when the wealthy Japanese men wore kimonos, that had no pockets, their valuable small items like medicine, seals and money were kept in small pouches tucked into the sash for safe keeping. The class will involve picking a subject and playing around with a design using plasticine or modelling clay until something suitable emerges. There will be examples available as well as a selection of reference books to help with ideas. It will be an opportunity to let your mind free and produce something that really means something to you and is totally unique. If this frightens you the there will be some fairly simple examples that you can copy or adapt to suit your needs. There are no real rules, no patterns to constrain you. You can do whatever takes your fancy as long as it will fit into a two inch cube of timber. You will be provided with a piece 2 x 2 x 6 inches as you will need some extra to hold. It also gives you the option to try another or start again. As we will be using Basswood, you should manage with a sharp knife and a selection of small palm gouges (and, of course, a safety glove!) Peter is Chairman of the British Woodcarvers Association. Since retiring from full-time employment teaching children with special educational needs, he has set up The Essex School of Woodcarving in his studio at home. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to study with one of England’s finest carvers.

		Vicki and Phil Bishop, Elk City, OK Caricature Carving: Here is another chance to sit and learn from the Bishops. A whole bunch of carvers like to sign up for both the two-day and three-day sessions in order to get in as much Okie Learnin’ as they can! Pictured are two more new roughouts they have added for your carving enjoyment in 2010, Cooter and Joe Boxer. They join the ranks of 40+ other choices you have when carving with Phil and Vicki. Besides learning a whole lot about caricature carving, you’re gonna have a darn good time!

		Bob Guge, Sleepy Hollow, IL - Carving and Painting a Realistic Cardinal Pictured is the bird Bob will be doing for his 3 day class at the 2010 Congress. Keep in mind, his is a power carving class which means grinding tools and dust collectors. The Cardinal can be completed in different ways. If you are an accomplished bird carver, you may be able to get it fully textured and burned, ready to paint. If you prefer, you can texture in some of the main feather groups and paint in others. Or you can even treat it like a “smoothie” and just paint in most of the feathers. It all depends how much you want to put into the project. Bob will take you through the steps regardless of your experience level. You will have a cast of the completed bird to paint on if you don’t want to rush through the project. From rough shaping, to detail carving, to texturing, to burning, to painting; you’ll get it all! Sign up to learn from one of the best teachers in the bird business. Class material cost: $30.00

		Rick Harney, Normal, IL - Very Shallow Relief Carving Rick is returning to the Congress as an instructor after a long absence. This is the first time he will serve on the judging team. He is a two-time Congress Best of Show winner (1992, 1995). Rick has a BS in art from Illinois State University and has exhibited at the Gilman Gallery in Chicago. His woodcarving was put on hold for some time while he worked in other media to include clay, papier mache and bronzes. His bronze work depicting Abe Lincoln can be found in many locations around Illinois, as well as other life-size pieces. Rick’s drawing of “Van Gogh’s Well Dressed Friend” is the subject matter for his class. The work will be done from a 3/4 inch thick basswood cutout. Each student will be provide with a copy of the drawing as well as a resin casting of the original. There will be a nominal fee for the cutout and the castings will be available for sale at the end of class.

		Donna Menke, Dale, TX Carving and painting a Realistic Hummingbird using hand tools, not power! If you always wanted to do a realistic bird, but didn’t want to put up with all the grinding and dust involved with power carving, then this is the class for you. In this 3-day class, you will finish a three-dimensional, life-size, realistic hummingbird. You will carve, fit, burn, assemble and paint this beautiful bird with inserted wings, tail feathers and glass eyes. This is not an easy class - and Donna is a tyrant (her words, not ours) - but you will be very happy with your completed project. All materials and workbook will be provided. Basic palm tools and a wood burner are required.

		Mike Shipley, Dora, MO Caricature Santas, Cowboys, Pumpkin Heads, etc.: Here is a look at a few more finished pieces and roughouts Mike offers in his class. He has a wonderful selection of cute, easy-to-carve subjects. His straight forward method of teaching with big, bold cuts makes it very easy for carvers to go home with multiple pieces from his class. With his wife’s help with the painting, there is no reason why 2, 3 or more pieces can’t be carved, painted and stained and ready to go home with you.

2-DAY NON-CARVING CLASS: MON. - TUES, JUNE 14 - 15 3-DAY NON-CARVING CLASS: WEDS. - FRI, JUNE 16 - 18

		Patty & Adair Rucker, Lockhart, TX - Scrimshaw and/or Woodburning Scrimshaw and Woodburning techniques will be demonstrated at the beginning of class. Students can try both or select the class they prefer to continue. With Scrimshaw (an example is pictured to the left), the student will learn certain techniques by scratching an image on a practice panel of plexiglass. They will fill the scratches with oil paint (or ink) and wipe the oil from the surface, leaving the oil in the scratches. Scrimshaw is used on any surface that will take a scratch, such as plexiglass, bone, and ivory. It is used for items such as jewelry or knife handles. A wide range of subjects for patterns will be provided, such as animals, birds, flowers, people, etc. With woodburning (the example on the right), Patty will be teaching a soft shading technique with the end results looking like a photo. However, students can wood burn in any style they wish. Patterns, paints, transfer papers, and the first practice panel will be provided for a class supply fee of $10. Additional items are available for sale in class. The Ruckers will first teach a two-day session, followed by a three-day session. You can sign-up for either one or both. Regardless of what you choose, they will have plenty of different projects available to keep you busy.

ONE-DAY NON-CARVING CLASSES:

		Gen Kreyling, Arnold, MO - Woodburning Mon, June 14 - Tues, June 15 - Wed, June 16 - Thurs, June 17 - Fri, June 18 Gen’s classes are geared toward folks who have never woodburned before to the very experienced person. In this class Gen will teach the very basics of Pyrography (woodburning) for beginners. She will demonstrate which pens work best for what, and why. Come for one day, two days, or all week. Beginning projects will require at least one day while more advanced ones can be completed with additional days. More advanced students can choose a project, bring a pattern of their own, or make a pattern from a book on my copier and work on it for 1 or more days. Project price ranges from $1.00 - $20.00. If you have a specific project that you would like to do, please bring it with you. Tools required: wood burner, (Gen will have her preferred burners and pens for sale), graphite paper (NOT CARBON), red ink pen, clear ruler, pencil, and white eraser. A light could be helpful. Gen will provide beginning boards and project. Burners, pens, graphite paper, and red ink pens will be available for sale.

		Sandy Wirtz, Wisconsin Rapids, WI Monday, June 14 - A “Pot Belly Bucket” Basket This basket is made with flat reed of natural and space dyed color. Its’ size is approximately 30” circumference by 9” high. Fun to make and fun to use! With your choice of color to fit any decor, you will find many uses for it. Material fee: $25.

		Sara & Larry Cornwell, Morton, IL Creating a Turtle Top Southwestern Gourd - Thursday, June 17 Sara and Larry will be teaching students to create a decorative Southwest gourd. The Southwest gourd has a removable turtle top and four southwest silhouettes cut around the outside of the gourd. Students will cut the top, clean out the inside, cut the silhouettes and apply leather dyes. Size is roughly 8” x 8” x 7”. Cost: $20 includes gourd, use of gourd tools and leather dyes.

		Creating an Autumn Leaf Decorative Gourd - Friday, June 18 In this class, Sara and Larry will be teaching students how to create an autumn leaf wall hanging. The students will be able to select oak, maple and/or sassafras leaves. You will also have the option of partially or completely covering the gourd with the leaves. Size is about 8” x 12” x 4”. Material cost: $20 includes gourd, use of gourd tools, and leather dyes.

		Tuesday, June 15 - A Contour Basket This basket has flat back with an offset handle so it can hang on the wall or sit next to the wall. A great mail holder! It is approximately 4” x 10” x 13”. It is made with flat natural reed and topped off with braided color reed. This basket looks nice anywhere. Material fee: $25.00

		Gay Greer, Anderson, SC - Decorative Beading Seminars Salvation Bracelet - June 17 OK, so you don’t like to woodburn and you’re really not into basketweaving, so how about making a fine piece of jewelry? Once again, it’s a shame we can’t produce these pictures in color because you are missing out on the beauty of these gorgeous bracelets. The first day, Gay will have two bracelets available to work on. The Salvation Bracelet has different color beads that are used to tell a story. The Cube Square Stitch Bracelet incorporates some unique bead weaving techniques. The kit price of the bracelets is $15.

		A Crystal Ladder Bracelet - June 18 The Crystal Ladder Bracelet offers you a very elegant piece of jewelry when you are done. Even though it is a bit more challenging to do, it can surely be done in a day. There will be a number of color choices. Kit $20.