What Happened To Rick Butz?

Hello again,

Does anyone know what ever happened to Rick Butz? He used
to have a fantastic woodcarving series on PBS TV, years ago.

Any responses would be greatly appreciated.

Edz

[placher]

Beats me - I've been trying to see if PBS has any shows that can be watched online. I've tried to find a website for him, too.

[mdallensr]

You might try a search on this subject. We talked about him some time ago and someone noted he quit carving and writing books, and moved on to another career. His books are really good and his show was good as well. Mike

[RUssL.]

Another member of this message board was in touch with him fairly recently and told me that he is still living in the Adirondacks, now writing mystery or crime novels (I can't recall which).
There was no mention of current activities involving wood or having anything to do with carving.

RussL.

[placher]

Thanks for the info. I know the original post was a few years ago, but I've wondered the same thing. I have done several of his projects and his instruction through his books is great.

[JimSawyer]

Rick was my first instructor, (via PBS). My folks used to tape his show for me. I have really scratchy VCR tape of a lot of his shows. My first woodcarving book was his too. A shame he's not doing it any more, he was so talented. He was a blast to watch with all of his stories and such.

[TopKnot]

Strange this topic has come up. We had a local Carving Festival at Klingspor's Woodworking Shop here in Raleigh, NC this past weekend and there was an elderly lady going around getting signatures on a petition to give to the local PBS station to get Rick Butz carving show back on the air again. I too was a faithful viewer "way back when" and his book was one of my first purchases.
Maybe such shows like that would help promote the interest in our younger folks to get interested in carving. Sad to say, but we only had one entry in the Youth Division and "she" was very good. We've got to spread the word somehow.

Chuck

[gene-messer]

Edz .. I talked to Rick Butz about a month ago up in New York .. I was doing a figure on my you -tube videos from a pattern from one of his books and I found his number in New York and called him for permission to use the figure on my videos .. Is the hiker carrying the canoe ..

I talked to Rick for about 15 minutes and he was such a kind man .. he is no longer making videos or carving and he is a writer now .. he is finishing up his first novel and I told him let me know when its' published ..

His PBS videos were priceless and he told me some PBS stations carry then at times .. I told him of WCI and he hadent heard of us .. but he does now ..

Hope this helps

Gene

[BRIAN D]

We are currently getting Rick Butz Carving Show, 11:30 Saturday Mornings, Channel 6 PBS out of Mount Pleasent Mi. I watch it when I can.

[Merle Rice]

I have been watching him for about a month now on PBS CHANNEL 22 on Sat mornings at 10:00. Good show. Merle