The Mohawk Valley Art and Woodcarving Association is a group of very talented men and women from around the Capital Region. They come to the Inman Center on Thursdays to socialize and carve their individual projects. Sometimes the group will work on a project together, such as the Beaver that was carved for the Wildlife Carousel in Schroon Lake. Currently they have been working on carving eagles heads for canes that will be distributed to wounded Vets returning from Iraq.
Founded in Canajoharie, NY in 1980, it was originally a mix of several different art mediums. (Hence the club name) Upon its move to Amsterdam in the mid 1980's, the group took on more of a wood carving focus and stayed that way until the present. It's original membership consisted of 6 - 12 active members, and has steadily grown. The current membership is around 100.
CLUB OBJECTIVES
1. To promote woodcarving in our area.
2. To offer members a chance to interact with other woodcarvers in a social setting.
3. To share ideas and techniques about carving as well as painting and finishing.
4. To provide a forum for discussion about the many aspects of carving.
The group meets on Thursdays, arriving around 10:30, and staying until 2:30 or 3:00 p.m. Since the kitchen at the Inman is open for lunch on Thursdays, many of them eat lunch while visiting with their carver friends from around the area. On days that they are not at the Inman Center, some of them meet in Clifton Park, and at each other's homes. Carving is more than a craft to them, it is a passion. For most, their pieces are not for sale, but display only.
Each year, the carvers hold their Annual Art and Woodcarving Show and Sale. This is where you can see the beautiful work they have done over the months and years, and yes, some do sell at the show. There is always an Auction, where the carvers donate pieces to auction off, and you can also find tools and carving magazines up for grabs. Each carver has his or her individual style. One man carves love spoons for his wife, another does mainly caricatures, still another carves horses. The ability to look at a piece of wood and envision what you want it to be still amazes me after all these years watching them.
This years Woodcarving Show is at the Inman Center on Saturday, Oct. 17th. Please make a point to come down and see their art.
