Demise of Wood Carving Events!

[Tom-H]

In the last two days I have received word that two of my favorite carving events will be no more. The Gathering of Woodcarvers (GOW) a great "round up/seminar/learning event will no longer be conducted. The GOW pulled carvers from all over North America and abroad. And second a smaller, but well run and well received Woodcarving show, The Johnny Appleseed show in Mansfield Ohio we no longer be held. I will miss both of these events.

Tom H

[davidinsarasota]

The woodcarving clubs I have visited make no effort whatsoever to get young people interested in woodcarving. It is no wonder it is a dying hobby.

[mdallensr]

That's a shame. I've attended the Mansfield show and never expected it to close. Our show in Bellevue was sold out and well attended again this year. I'll go to ODCCA this month in Westlake and maybe Canton, and plan to exhibit in Strongsville, Sandsusky Merry-Go-Round Museum, and Sauder Village this fall. Mike

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Couple shows were cancelled here this year, I think David hit the nail on the head.

Dave

[twoclones]

Originally Posted by davidinsarasota

The woodcarving clubs I have visited make no effort whatsoever to get young people interested in woodcarving. It is no wonder it is a dying hobby.

I'm not even a member of the local wood carving club. I tell them I'll join when I can do so online. The way I see it, their membership efforts are 15 years behind the times...

[Paul_Guraedy]

I do not believe the demise of carving shows are the result of the lack of young people becoming woodcarvers. There have never been a large representation, nor support, by young folk at the many shows I have attended. Mainly because they are not retired and do not have the time to dedicate to them. I have carved since 1980; but did not participate in a even a single woodcarving show or such until I retired and had free time in 1995.

I believe that there are many challenges to putting on shows/seminars today. These range from financial and moral support on through volunteers necessary to plan and run the operation. When this is added to the economic situation that many of us old timers on fixed income are facing; well, I know that I have stopped attending two of the five events I frequented. I had hoped to add a couple of more over the next couple of years; but am not even maintaining this as a dream.

The demise of woodcarving shows adds to the importance of this WCI Forum. The magazine is important in that it is the underpinning of the whole thing. But, the value of the Forum to woodcarving as a hobby/profession is increasing geometrically.

[Dan S]

I tend to agree with Paul.. While I love to carve it always comes in a second to work. When I have the money to attend a show, I never have the time. When I have the time the money is missing. I hope that if I ever do manage to retire there will be a few things left to attend.
That being said, we should all encourage young carvers. It's difficult,with carving in scouting in decline, industrial arts programs being cancled nationwide, and an obsession with all things electronic, to win converts. Perhaps an author could write a book on carving for young people?

Dan

[Joggernot]

My last club met in the Senior Center. Their rules were that if you were under 40, you could only visit once, and they enforced the rule. We had a couple younger people come to the meetings, but they were forced to leave.

This club meets at an RV park at 9:00 am on Tuesdays. Younger people can't make it to the meetings because they are in school or working.

Clubs need to keep younger people in mind when they choose the time and place of their meetings. At least make it possible for younger people to attend.

Joggernot

[Tom-H]

There seems to be several reasons for the events not going forward. The word on the Mansfield show was that too many regulations that had to be addressed. But probably, just as important is the fact that it's the same folks year after year that have to do all the work, with no one stepping up to assist and take on the responsibility. The given reason for GOW stopping was the availability of a suitable facility at a suitable date.

As to the age barrier at a senior center, we have it too. But we made the younger carvers instructors. We have two instructors at this time and are looking for more.....We need all the younger instructors that we can get...

Tom H

[Paul_Guraedy]

I am compelled to ask......What in the hell is the logic of excluding carvers of any age, sex, ability, etc.!!!