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2019 Seminars schedule has
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From the TWG President:

Hello to all TWG members,

You know, the kids are back in school, Labor Day has passed, football season has started, and it is even a little cooler (maybe because of all the rain), but summer is now gone.  I hope that each of you had a wonderful summer and that included a little carving.  You know sometimes things really do come together.  Those that know me, know I love Boy Scouts and carving.  Well it all came together when I had the chance to go to the Woodcarvers Roundup at the Philmont Scout Ranch in August.  Learned a little about the Woodcarving Merit Badge, but really got to do some carving with some great scouters from across the country, including a couple of TWG members.  When carvers get together you just can’t help but have a good time.

Speaking of having a good time, I hope each of you are planning to come to Cleburne next April when the Texas Woodcarvers Guild gathers for the annual Show, April 6-7, 2019, and then our seminars, April 8-12, 2019.   We will again be meeting at the Cleburne Convention Center.  I want you to know each of you is wanted and needed.  The more the merrier.   Plan to come and spend the entire week, but if not at least a few days.

As has been announced, the Schedule and Registration will go live from the TWG website on October 1, 2018.  I have been told by our new Vice President, Donnie Stephenson, that she has been hard at it gathering some outstanding instructors for the week of seminars.  I am sure there is something that can be learned by all or at least a good time had carving a new project.  When you register for classes remember to pay your annual dues to keep your membership current, or think about a life membership.

Show Chairman, Robert Rangel, has things all lined up for another great event.  So you have a few months yet to get that special carving completed so it can be judged.  Whether you are a novice, intermediate, or experienced carver come see if you can get a ribbon, place or even a cash award. Don’t forget we would love to see your items and give you a chance to sell a few things by signing up for a table at the show.  Clubs get your tables too; see who will have the bragging rights as having the best club table for 2019.

On Sunday afternoon, we will crown a new Texas State Whittling Champion, when our whittling competition is held.  I am sure last year’s winner, Richard Talasek, has some new projects in store for those wanting to compete.  Get your knife sharp and get ready.

On Thursday night, April 11, you do not want to miss the Annual Business Meeting and Banquet.  We will be electing some new TWG Guild leadership that evening (look for more about that elsewhere in the newsletter).  You will see some awards given out, including the prestigious Charles “C-Max” Winstead award.  And you will have a chance to win some prizes with the raffle tickets you have purchased during the week.  When you register, don’t forget to sign-up for your banquet tickets.

One last thing, I want to bring up.   Last year, while in Cleburne, we dedicated the Texas Woodcarvers Museum, in the JN Long Cultural and Art Complex.  Harry Seurkamp, and his committee, has not been sitting idle during this past year.  New flooring has been installed.  Many additional carving from past Texas carving greats have been added to the Museum collection.  Please make plans, and schedule some time, to stop by and see this very special place during your visit to Cleburne.

Looking forward  to see you all in Cleburne.
Michael Griffin


From the TWG Vice-President:

Hello Texas Woodcarvers Guild (TWG) members.  Hope this newsletter finds you and your family doing well.  Many people in our country have been through many major ordeals recently as a result of the havoc that Hurricane Florence brought to many of our eastern states.  Our hearts go out to them!

With the October 1st Seminar registration fast approaching for the 2019 Texas Woodcarvers Guild (TWG) Spring Round-up, we are excited to have an excellent lineup of 22 woodcarving instructors and 6 non-carving instructors.  The Spring Round-up will once again be held in the beautiful Cleburne Conference Center in Cleburne, TX.  Many of your favorite woodcarving instructors will be back, as well as some who were not able to attend last year and one or more new instructors. We have a wide array of Seminars (classes) for you to pick from including realistic birds and animals, caricatures, relief (medium and shallow), bark carving, chip carving, carving Native American busts (both man & woman), carving in the round, as well as wood burning.  We will have beginning woodcarving classes, including beginning bark carving; so bring all your friends so that they can learn all they need to get started in this wonderful and fulfilling art hobby!  I wanted to also mention we will have a new instructor who will teach all levels of students how to carve a fish (students will have a choice of two fish), PLUS the student will have the option to “carve by hand” or to power carve their fish project.

The upcoming event dates are as follows.  Friday, April 5th is setup for the show, April 6th and 7th are the show dates.  We are happy to announce that once again we will be conducting mini-classes during the show on Saturday and Sunday.  Students can pick from Beginning Woodcarving, Beginning Cottonwood Bark Carving, Chipcarving, and Carving Christmas ornaments.   April 8th thru the 12th are the regular Seminar dates.


You will be able to sign up for carving and non-carving classes beginning midnight on October 1st.  They fill up quickly, so please register early to insure you get the classes you want.  We will have a waiting list, but it is best to register early!!

The Texas Woodcarvers Guild Board members are working hard to make this Round-up a memorable one for members and new members!  I know you will enjoy the camaraderie and fellowship!  Hope to see you there!
Donnie Stephenson