GOW

     You are invited to participate in the GOW, Gathering Of Woodcarvers. If  you  have a desire to learn  about  woodcarving  or  just  want to socialize, please come and bring a friend. Come for one day or spend the whole week. Here is the information hot off the press. I hope to see you here. Any questions, please give me a call. We are expecting between 50 to 100 carvers to participate.

     Announcing the GOW (Gathering of Woodcarvers), September 20th through the 25th, there will be a series of woodcarving seminars at The Carving Shop, 645 E. LaSalle St, in Somonauk Illinois 60552. Woodcarvers will begin arriving on Monday, September 20th to set up their campsites.

     Monday evening we begin with a margarita seminar (alcohol and non-alcohol) as a social introductory gathering. Seminars will begin on Tuesday and run through Saturday (that includes a full day of classes scheduled on Saturday, which is different than the GPO). Some seminars are indoors, but most will be under the tents. Weather conditions are generally cool in the evenings and warm during the day. It would be wise to bring warm sweaters or jackets, especially for evenings activities.

     Camping and logging. Camping with electricity and some water available for $10.00 a night. Those who don't want to camp are welcome to make their reservations at the Super 8 in Yorkville Illinois (630) 553-1634, about 9 miles from Somonauk. Also, Amerihost Inn (815) 895-4979 (about 22 miles) in Sycamore Illinois.

     Registration and seminar schedule. The preliminary seminar schedule will be posted Tuesday morning, giving the instructors time to meet and organize their individual time slots. Keep an eye on the seminar schedule for changes and new seminars added throughout the week. There will be no signup for seminars. Each seminar is first come, first served basis, giving each participant an equal opportunity to attend.

     The Seminars: There will be about 20 seminars to choose from. There may be a minimal charge for materials and, perhaps, to cover their expenses for putting on the seminar. An additional registration fee of $5.00 will be charged for the entire week, to help defray the cost of renting tables and chairs. Seminars are scheduled between 8 AM to 5 PM, with an hour break for lunch. Each instructor will determine the time and length of their seminar, which may run from 2 hours to 2 days or more.

     Preliminary list of instructors:

     Sally and David Nye, (Fan Bird carving)

     Bob Mau, Facial feature instruction

     Ol Don Burgdorf, Carving female characters

     Grandpa Dave, Flat Plane carving

     Bonnie Graser, Chip Carving

     Gordon Sorensen, Fish Decoy (1 day)

     Gene Westerberger, Feather carving, burning and painting

     Joe Dillett, Sharpening and chisel techniques for right and left hand carving.

     Chris Howard, Indian or mountain man bust

     Anton (Tony) Erickson, Bark castles

     Cathy Krumrei, Carving wooden flowers.

     If I forgot anyone, or anyone wants to teach, please notify Bob Mau, basswood@aol.com.

     Meals: Meals are the responsibility of the attendees. There are several local restaurants in the area. Potluck (dish to pass or $2) and chili supper, hosted by Craig and Elsa Watson,($4), will be organized for some evenings. There is a bonfire area for roasting your carvings or hot dogs and such.

     Tool Swap: A tool swap is planned for Thursday evening. Bring tools, wood, books and any other items you want to swap. Dig out those old unused tools, books and anything else you think could be swapped for something you need.

     Evening activities. A whittling contest is planned for Wednesday evening. Bring your knives sharpened for a fun time. Larry (Big Dog) Yudis will be the judge. This is intended as a fun event not to be taken seriously, so beginners as well as experienced, are encouraged to join in the fun. Friday evening music and wiener roast around the bon fire. Bring your non-electrified musical instruments for a jam session for a good time. Hot dogs and buns are furnished. Bring your own refreshments. Other evening activities such as round-table discussions and demonstrations on sharpening or drawing workshops or showing a woodcarving video are possibilities if there is an interest. These are activities that don't take much planning, so if you have an interest in these, please let us know. Have fun! 

    This GOW is an informal event with the purpose of freely sharing information among our woodcarving friends. Our objective is to keep it fun and rewarding for you.

    Thanks: My thanks and gratitude to the instructors who freely share their time and knowledge to promote the art of woodcarving. Without them, this could not happen. A special thanks to those who helped me plan and organize the GOW especially Bob Mau (seminar coordinator), and Sandie Roosa (registration, camping, and meal coordinator). And a special thanks to my wife Sharon for her support.

     Dear family and friends, If you are coming it would be helpful to know.....
 

I'm making a list
and checking it twice
to know who is coming
would really be nice.

The GOW
is not far away
to save your spot early
is a much better way.

Camper or trailer
tent or motel
how long is your rig
I want you to tell.

Electric is given
but water is few
let me know early
so we can help you.

I'm mapping and planning
and measuring the fence
grouping snorers with sleepwalkers
really makes sense.

So please answer my questions
it really would pay
to know if your camping
or just for the day.

Camping per night
is $10 you see
to cover the cost
that use to be free.

One class or a dozen
the fee is the same
the week for $5
please give us your name.

Questionnaire

1) Name___________________________

2) How many in your party?_____________

2a) Guest name/names _________________

3) Camping?   yes__         no___

4) If staying at motel which one? _____________

5) If camping what is the type and size of your rig? _________________

6) Do you need electric and water? (first arrival first serve on water)
_____________

7) Date and approximate time of arrival?_____________

8) Date when you plan to leave? (don't say December)__________

9) Type of seminars interested in taking? (List all)
____________________________

10) Are you interested in teaching? (what would you like to teach?)
________________

11) Do you have any special needs that we can help you with?
__________________

Thank you for your help.