Using hand tools and a woodcarving knife (no power tools), we will rough out the shape, carve, and finish a cute and comforting bird you can hold in your hand. The smooth, unpainted surface allows the natural wood grain to shine through, giving each bird a unique, warm character! Like a worry stone, comfort birds are meant to fit in your hand, to rub and look at, or place in a nice place in your home, reminding you of the beauty of nature all around us. We will use techniques similar to greenwood spoon carving techniques, and using "found wood," means that you don't have to spend money at a retailer to make beautiful wooden objects.
Date: Saturday, August 16
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Lunch will be provided.
Ages: 12+
Materials Fees: $10
Location: Viroqua, WI
Instructions: If you have a preferred carving knife, please bring it. Otherwise, tools will be provided for class use. Feel free to also bring a water bottle and snack if you wish.
Sliding Scale Course Fee Guidelines (not including Materials Fees)
Supporter Level Ticket: $125
If you move through the world with financial ease and the means to fulfill many of your wants as well as your needs – you are able to eat out when you want, abundantly meet your needs through employment or can comfortably not work, have access to family wealth, own property, etc. – consider paying at this level, which will help us ensure the long term sustainability of our programs while keeping our offerings accessible to those with access to fewer resources.
Sustainer Level Ticket: $100
If you are able to meet your needs with relative ease while budgeting your educational and entertainment spending – for instance, you are able to take classes and eat out occasionally as long as you are mindful – consider paying at this level, which will help sustain the work of the Folk School at a modest level.
Supported Level Ticket: $75
If you struggle to fund your basic needs and have limited access to resources in your family and community, or if you would not be able to access this offering without a discounted payment option, consider paying at this level. We value your presence and contributions to our community and do not want any economic circumstances to be a barrier to attendance!
Instructor Bio - John Carlson
John Carlson is an artist and woodcarver living on a farm in the Driftless region, near Winona, Minnesota, with his wife, cat, dogs, goats, geese, ducks, turkeys, and chickens.
John has been woodcarving since 1995 and was trained in Scandinavian-Chip Carving by Walt Gritner. John is also skilled in Shallow-Relief Carving, 3-D Figure Carving, and Kolrosing. John has taught both youth and adults woodcarving through the Boy Scouts of America, at woodcarving shows, carving clubs, school programs, community education, and the Driftless Folk School. In addition to working with wood, John enjoys practicing many traditional artforms, including weaving, painting and the art of pysanky.