Just a Folk School hello

[AL Folk School]

I'm the fairly new director of the Alabama Folk School at Camp McDowell (since last September). I coordinate several different art classes at our growing school but don't know a lot about woodworking--so I joined this site. I have a relief woodcarver teaching in August and a woodcarver who teaches features-carving coming in November. I'd love any tips and hints about what makes a good instructor. (So I can evaluate them in an educated way!) What should I expect my students to learn after a few days learning about relief carving and a few days learning about carving faces? Any ideas? Specific tools or wood types they should know about once they've completed the class? Thanks y'all...

[Dylan]

I'm glad to see you here.

I was going to answer your question, but then I realized that as the relief carver in question, you're not really asking me.


Dylan

PS. If you're looking to get away from it all for a few days then it'd be hard to beat going to Camp McDowel. There is an amazing atmosphere there that I find to be very restful.

[Riverman]

Hi Al Folk School, welcome to the group!
We have several good carvers that teach and also have video's about carving on the board.
Bob

[bigEd_H]

Welcome to the forum.

With most woodcarving styles the students should be carving basic designs in the first couple days. I would say that the first lesson should include tool types, usage and safety.

That said, it looks like you got a good start already.

Ed

[DADDIO]

howdy folk school,sounds like a place i'd like to check out myself one day,i can assure you,dylan will be a top notch instructor for your school his work is fantastic,and he is more than capable of handling this class,dylan and i both belong to one of the same carving clubs and he is a fine young man,with alot skill that will be a great asset to your school. how bout that?

[xsailer]

Don't know if you're located close to Dylan but you would be well enlightened if you took advantage of Dylan's capabilities. I know him from his Forum input and several PM's we've sent to each other over the last few years. I also had the pleasure of sitting next to him in a carving class in the Bettendorf
Wood Congress. He is a happening learning experience and nice to be around.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

You probably should take a look at Lynn Doughty's blog......

[Ron T]

Hello and welcome, Al Folk School. It's nice to have you here with us.

[Mark N. Akers]

AlFolk School:
I'd go straight to the students ,thats generally your best critics,they will tell you what they out of a class,I alway try to see how good a repour the instructor has with a class.Not all good carvers are instructors, and not all good instructors are good carvers,it takes a combination.

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Welcome to the forum.

Dave