packard center meeting - Northern Virginia Carvers

NORTHERN VIRGINIA
CARVERS
Web: www.NorthernVirginiaCarvers.org
NOVEMBER 2013
Issue 2013– 11
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Carvers,
The Northern Virginia Carvers Woodcarving Show was a great success due, in great measure, to
the hard work, dedication and leadership of Maryam Kelishame. Thanks, Maryam; and thanks
to your whole team. This year’s show was significantly larger than last year because of the enthusiasm of our novice carvers. To make next year’s show even better we need to continue to
encourage our novice carvers and to create an attitude in our club that everybody enters something in the show. Looking forward to a great show next year.
We’ve had cases recently where, on Thursday evenings at Woodcraft, people simply departed without putting
away tables and chairs. One evening one other member and I put up four tables and numerous chairs that had
been abandoned by carvers. Let’s see if we can practice a bit more courtesy to our fellow carvers. ‘nuff said.
Those of you who were unable to see Mel Montemarlo’s presentation on acanthus carving really missed a
good time. In humorous and interesting fashion, Mel recounted his own journey from beginner to emerging
expert in the art of acanthus carving. Very entertaining and educational, Mel. Thanks.
We are grateful that Bob Marshall has been our Secretary for several years, but Bob thinks it’s time for new
blood. So Bob, thanks for your efforts for all these years. We are pleased to announce that Joyce Spieler has
agreed to fulfill Bob’s position until we can hold elections and vote her in officially. Thanks, Joyce.
Just a reminder…..begin now to inventory your tools and find those ripe for recycling in the tool swap at our
January meeting. We have new members who need to expand their tool selection; they need to give a new life
to tools you no longer use.
Happy carving,
Mike
PACKAR D CENTER MEETING
T H U R S DAY, N OVE MB E R 1 4 , 7 : 0 0 P M
P re se n tat i o n : Kath y O ve rc a sh : C a rvi n g
W h i m si c a l B a rk H o u se s
PAC K A R D C E N T E R , BA S E M E N T R O O M
(see last page for directions)
Carving 4:00-7:00 PM, Meeting 7:00-8:30 PM
All other Thursdays at
Woodcraft Carving Center, Springfield
Carvers WILL NOT meet on Thursday, November 28.
Happy Thanksgiving!
NOVEMBER 2013
Page 2
NVC CARVING SHOW AND COMPETITION RESULTS
Novice Best of Class &
People’s Choice
Valaria Kiraly
My Goddess Face
Best in Show &
Open Best of Class
Harry Knott
Indian
Results continued on p. 3—5.
Kath y O ve rc a sh : C a rvi n g W h i m si c a l B a rk H o u se s
During the November program, Kathy Overcash will demonstrate and discuss different
aspects of carving whimsical Cottonwood bark houses “in-the-round”. She will be
bringing some of her award winning houses to the meeting for display too.
Kathy Overcash lives in the Lake Anna/Mineral area and has been carving since 2006.
After taking a whimsical bark house class with Rick Jensen, she fell in love with carving
Cottonwood bark and specifically, the bark houses. The whimsical nature of the houses
caught Kathy’s heart and her imagination. She continues to carve whimsical houses
while trying to expand the artistic and fanciful nature of these houses. One of the things
that makes her houses stand apart from others are the dogs, people and even dragons that
are carved into her houses. These characters aren’t added onto the pieces, they are
carved from the same piece. Her whimsical houses and other woodcarvings have won blue ribbons at many
shows with some winning “Best in Class”, “Best of Show”, “People’s Choice” and “Judges Creativity
Awards”.
Kathy retired in 2012 allowing her to focus full time on carving and teaching. As a woodcarving instructor,
she specializes in teaching others how to bring out the “whimsy” and “fanciful” characteristics of their houses and other woodcarving art. In addition to teaching woodcarving at various clubs, she enjoys teaching at
the Life Long Learning Institute in Chesterfield and with the Louisa County Parks and Recreation. She is
scheduled to teach at the Smokey Mountain School of Woodcarving in Tennessee next year.
Kathy is an avid supporter and member of the James River Woodcarver’s club (JRWC) located in Richmond,
VA. She teaches several workshops and programs with JRWC throughout the year. She also supports the
club as the club’s webmaster (www.jrcarvers.com).
To support her students and JRWC members, Kathy carries woodcarving supplies that are used in her classes. Kathy will be bringing along some Cottonwood bark, some glued-up house blanks, and other carving
supplies to the meeting, if anyone needs some. She carries Helvie knives, OCCT (formally Denny) tools
(gouges/knives), Ramelson tools, Meltonian shoe polish (used as the finish for houses), Insta-cure (glue), and
Insta-set (accelerator).
Check out her website to see her upcoming classes and pictures at www.ArtFromTheBark.com.
Kathy will have an exhibit table at the Artistry in Wood show in Dayton (Nov. 9-10). If any of you are going,
stop by and say hi!
NOVEMBER 2013
Page 3
NVC CARVING SHOW AND COMPETITION RESULTS
Best of Class:
Ornamental - 5 (cont’d)
Junior: Kaveh Zareh, Tiger Face
Novice: Valaria Kiraly, My Goddess Face
Intermediate: Kwang Y. Choi, Homecoming
Open: Harry Knott, Indian
3 Ed Karch, Mt. Laurel Cobra Spoon
HM Frank Chergosky, Chergosky
HM Frank Chergosky, Letter Opener
Best in Show: Harry Knott, Indian
Peoples Choice: Valaria Kiraly, My Goddess Face
Junior Class Winners
Scroll Saw – 22
1 Kaveh Zareh, Tiger Face
2 Kaveh Zareh, Mahogany Box
Novice Class Winners
Caricature –2
1 Lee Wood, Sleeping Giant
2 Patrick Weeks, Fish
Ornamental - 5
1 Valaria Kiraly, Mexican Style
2 Patrick Weeks, Elephant
Human Sculpture - 14
1 Wendy Cartmill, Nude Torso #1
Relief - 16
1 Valaria Kiraly, My Goddess Face
Pyrography - 17
1 Patrick Weeks, Humming Bird
2 Patrick Weeks, Turtle
Turning - 19 (Carved Surface
1 Patrick Weeks, Bud Vase
Intarsia - 21
1 Patrick Weeks, Rose Box
Intermediate Class Winners
Caricature - 2
1 Larry Secondo, Where’d he Go
2 Larry Secondo, Flying Pig
Mentored Carvings - 3
1 Kwang Y. Choi, Homecoming
2 Kwang Y. Choi, Focus Owl
Ornamental - 5
1 Mike Connors, Curly Oak Spoon
2 Larry Secondo, Spoon
(cont’d from p.2)
Aquatic (Realistic) - 6
1 Ernie Machete, Rudy Duck
2 Ernie Machete, One Scoop
Aquatic (Stylized) - 7
1 Ed Karch, Fish Box
Animals (Realistic) - 8
1 Ed Karch, Ta Tanka Bison Scull
Waterfowl (Realistic) - 12
1 Jack Burket, Old Squaw
Waterfowl (Stylized) - 13
1 Mike Connors, Decoy Canvas Back
Relief - 16
1 Ernie Machate, Territoral Dispute
2 Frank Chergosky, Green Mushroom
3 Frank Chergosky, Indian
HM Frank Chergosky, White Mushroom
Open Class Winners
Caricature - 2
1 Ron Holm, Santa with Scroll
2 Ron Holms, Santa with head in bag
3 J. C. Evans, Snowman
Mentored Carvings - 3
1 Ron Holms, Cowboy Bust
2 Ron Holms, Covered Bridge
3 Bob Simoniz, Brightwell’s Mill Relief
3 Ron Holms, Loon
3 Ron Holms, Tall Santa
HM W. T. Wallentiny, Robed Santa
HM Ron Holm, Cowboy
Abstract - 4
1 Ron Holms, Reaching for the Sky
Ornamental - 5
1 Sy Wengrovits, Zipped Jacket
2 John Overman, Anniversary Spoon
3 Bob Simoniz, Love Spoon
3 J. C. Evans, Eagle w/Flag Banner
3 Rosi Harrison, Sky Castle
3 Harry Knott, Santa
3 Harry Knott, Phone
3 Ed Karch, Crape Myrtle Spoon
HM Rosi Harrison, Cliff Hangers Heaven
NOVEMBER 2013
Open Class Winners (cont’d)
Animal (Realistic) - 8
1 J. C. Evans, Sitting Fox
2 Peter Ward, Cat
Animal (Stylized) - 9
1 J. C. Evans, Gecko
2 Peter Ward, Hippo
Bird (Realistic) - 10
1 Harry Knot, Blue Jay
2 Peter Ward, Pelican
2 W. T. Wallentiny, Blue Bird
3 Peter Ward, Morning Dove
HM Harry Knott, Cardinal
HM Harry Knott, Baby Blue Bird
HM John Hoover, Eurasian Hunter
Bird (Stylized) - 11
1 Peter Ward, Owl
2 J. C. Evans, Penguins
Waterfowl (Realistic) - 12
1
2
2
3
3
John Hoover, Green-Winged Teal
Peter Ward, Mallard
Peter Ward, Canadian Goose
Harry Knot, Duck Merganser
Harry Knot, Skimmer
Human Sculpture (Realistic) 14
1 Harry Knott, Indian
2 J. C. Evans, Tupelo Santa
Human Sculpture (Stylized) 15
1 Richard Sniffen, ITeddy
Relief - 16
1 John Overman, Eagle Head
Pyrography 17
1 John Overman, IPeacock
2 Nate Johnson, Thanksgiving Turkey
Turning (turned) - 18
1 Nate Johnson, Cardinal Platter
2 Ed Karch, Elm Platter
Turning (carved) - 19
1 Ed Karch, River Stone
Intarsia - 21
1 Nate Johnson, Crucifixion
Scroll Saw - 22
1 Nate Johnson, Ferris Wheel
2 Nate Johnson, Cinderrella Carriage
3 Nate Johnson, Eiffel Tower
Page 4
NOVEMBER 2013
Page 5
NOVEMBER 2013
Teaching Carving with Soldiers at Fort Belvoir
Page 6
John Overman
Pete Ward, currently assisted by John Overman can use some help on the second and fourth Tuesdays of
each month except for November and December which will only be on the second Tuesday. Current time
frame is 1:30 PM till 3:30 PM or 1330 to 1530 for you military types. At our last session, we had 14 individuals, both male and female. Fortunately, Hap O’Brian came. Hap took care of one end, Pete took care
of the other end and John took care of the middle and floated between each end. We meet at the USO on
9th Street, which is the first building on your right when you turn onto 9th Street.
Norwegian Acanthus Carving Presentation by Mel Montemerlo
Bob Simoniz
Mel gave a very interesting presentation at our last meeting. He described the process that he has gone
through to learn the difficult style of Norwegian Acanthus Carving. He said that he was intimidated by
the complexity of the style and the absence of any “How to” information. His big interest is to make fine
furniture - complex furniture. Carving is an important aspect of making fine furniture. Norwegian Acanthus Carving is a furniture style. It was popular in Norway in the early 1700’s. There are few practitioners and instructors and carvers are difficult to find and contact. This style of carving involves very well
rounded smooth curves and deep carving. 3 step process: rough carving, final carving and back carving.
He has made contact with several carvers in other countries and has used them to critique his carvings.
Mel recommended the following books and resources:
How to Carve Wood (1984) - Richard Butz
- gives a few examples of acanthus carving
Acanthus Carving and Design (2010) - Bob Yorburg & Hans Sandom
-only available book on how to do Norwegian Acanthus
Ornamental Woodcarving in the Norwegian Tradition (1992) - Johan Amrud
- Great book on history, photos and list of plans
- out of print but you still can get it.
Verterheim Museum in Decorah, Iowa
- has the Amrud plans
- annual festival and carving contest
(examples of Mel’s carvings)
DVD by Rolf Taraldstat
DVDs and plans by Phillip Odden &
Else Bigton
Courses by Hans Sandom
Plaster casts by Bob Yorburg
all can be found on internet
DEADLINE FOR DECEMBER NEWSLETTER ARTICLES: NOVEMBER 27, 2013
NVC Annual Christmas Party
Les Thomas
I would like to welcome all of the Northern Virginia Carver Members to join fellow carvers at the annual
Christmas Party Dinner December 12, at 7:00 at the Springfield American Legion. Please bring your
spouse, or significant other, for a good meal, and good company. At the very least it is an opportunity to
prove to your spouse or significant other that there actually is a group called the ‘Northern Virginia Carvers and the excuse that you use to leave the house every Thursday evening is valid
The evening is always an enjoyable one. Dick Sniffin will entertain us playing several Christmas Carols
(as many as he remembers anyway) on the resident piano. Dick, over the years has done a great job getting recognizable tunes from the house instruments that are usually quite out of tune.
(cont’d on p. 7)
NOVEMBER 2013
Page 7
NVC Annual Christmas Party
(cont’d from p.6)
The dinner is a wonderful potluck buffet highlighted by many specialty dishes created by the better halves. I
compliment the better halves as doing the cooking because the expertise evident in the food, is somewhat
superior to many of the carvings seen around the table on Thursdays at the carving center. We all look forward to Joel’s ‘road-kill’ chili. It’s spicy, very tasty, and given that we need to take Joel’s word for the kind
of meat in the chili, is always one of the first dishes completely consumed during the course of the evening.
There is something to everyone’s liking, especially the wonderful deserts that complement the dinner. The
club provides a honey baked ham that always hits the spot.
Remember to bring a gift to participate in the gift exchange. The gifts can be carving related, or not. Many
years chocolate, wine, or Christmas cheer of various forms have been enjoyed during this tradition. Each
person who provides a gift is entitled to receive a gift. The gifts are randomly distributed to those that are
participating.
It’s a great time to talk about the year we have had carving and those that have been around the table during
the year and how each of us have learned something this year. It’s a good time to reminisce about of the
carvers that are no longer around the table like the Ken’s, ‘the Colonel’, the Jim Ernsts, and others who contributed their time, skills, and personality to the club. I personally enjoy hearing the stories especially about
the characters in the club that came before me.
At the close of the evening, Pete Ward hosts the Christmas show and tell. There is a small Christmas tree,
which he and many of the carvers, decorate with their ornaments carved during the year or previous years.
Please bring your carvings to share with the group. The carvings can be Christmas related or the most recent
carving you have finished and wish to share with the club. Warning, Pete tends to show his carvings the
longest. So please join us. The dinner starts at 7:00 PM, in the American Legion dining area. Most of us
get there by 6:30 as there is some set-up involved, and there is usually hors d’oeuvres to help awaken your
taste buds for the feast ahead.
SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR
Nov 8-10 Waterfowl Festival, Easton MD
http://www.waterfowlfestival.org/
Nov 14 NVC Monthly Meeting. Kathy Overcash will speak on carving cottonwood bark houses and will have tools
for sale.
www.artfromthebark.com
Nov 17 1039 AM: PATINA tool sale, American Legion Post 270, 1355 Balls Hill Road, McLean VA
www.patinatools.org
Nov 22-24 Ed Morrison Decoy Carving workshop, American Legion Post 176, Springfield, VA Coordinator: Mike
Connors
Dec 12 Northern Virginia Carvers Christmas party, American Legion Post 176, Springfield.
January 3-5, 2014 Baltimore Woodworking Show, Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium MD
Feb 21-23, 2014 Charlotte, N.C. Carvers Showcase of woodcarvings. ww.charlottewoodcarvers.com
March 2-6, 2014 Decoy Workshop (Ed Morrison) Appomattox, VA www.holidaylake4h.com
March 15-16, 2014 Rappahannock River Waterfowl Show, White Stone, VA (rrws.org)
April 25, 26 & 27, 2014 Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition, Ocean City, MD
May 23-24 2014 Potomac River Waterfowl Festival Leonardtown, MD www.cfsomd.org
NOVEMBER 2013
Page 8
DIRECTIONS:
Woodcraft Supply (Every Thursday except 2nd Thursday)— Concord Shopping Center, 6123 Backlick Road,
Springfield, VA 22150, 703-912-6727. From I-495 take Braddock Rd East; turn right on Backlick; turn left on Cumberland which tees at Concord shopping center. Concord Shopping Center is between Commerce and Cumberland
across from Mike’s American Café.
Packard Center (2nd Thursday of each month from September through May, 3:30-9:00 PM, meeting at 7:00) —
4022 Hummer Road, Annandale, VA 22003. From I-495 take Little River Turnpike East and turn left at the first light
onto Hummer Road. Just past the small shopping area less than 1/4 mi on the left will be signs for the center. Turn left
into the drive and bear right when it forks. The evening entrance for meetings is on the side of the building on the parking lot side. The meeting area is in the conference room in the basement.
American Legion Post 176 (carving classes)— 6520 Amherst Avenue, Springfield, Virginia 22150. From Springfield driving East on Old Keene Mill Road to Springfield Blvd. just past Veterans Bridge, turn right and proceed to the
Post parking lot on the right. From Springfield driving West on Franconia Road, keep staying in the furthest right
lane, then turn right on Springfield Street just before I-95 overpass. Drive one block. You will see the Post in front of
you. Turn right into the parking lot.
NVC Contacts
President
Mike Connors
Chairs General Meetings and Board Meetings
Vice-President
Les Thomas
Vice Chair of General Meetings and Board Meetings
Treasurer
Pete Ward
Manages Finances
Secretary
Joyce Spieler
Keeps Minutes and Maintains NVC Archives
Center Coordinator
John Overman
Manages Carving Center - Runs NVC Library
Colvin Mill Coordinator
Richard Sniffen
Coordinates Carving Instruction Program at Colvin Mill Park
Show Coordinator
Maryam Keleshame
Coordinates the Annual Show & Competition
Membership Chairman
Bob Simoniz
Newsletter Editor
mikecarver66@gmail.com
703-486-9635
lmthomas64@cox.net
703-620-3826
703-978-8128
jspieler@verizon.net
703-430-3515
je00511@aol.com
703-494-8323
sniffen.richard@gmail.com
maryamkeleshame@gmail.com
703-407-2360
Maintains membership database and collects dues
RSIM2193@verizon.net
703-768-1087
Bob Simoniz
Edits and publishes NVC Newsletter
RSIM2193@verizon.net
703-768-1087
NVC Web Site
Hap O’Brien
www.northernvirginiacarvers.org
hapob2@gmail.com
703-425-8703
Eagle Cane Coordinator
Hank Cloutier
Coordinates the Wounded Warrior Eagle Cane Project
hankusaf@msn.com
703-430-1222
Memberships and Renewals — Membership to NVC runs from Jan 1 to Dec 31. If you wish to join or renew please check our
website for an application and send $20 made out to NVC to Bob Simoniz, 6819 Rock Creek Court, Alexandria, VA 22306.
Change in address, email, or phone? Contact Bob Simoniz by email or mail to know in order to continue receiving the newsletter.
NORTHERN VIRGINIA CARVERS
6819 Rock Creek Court
Alexandria, VA 22306
Address Correction Requested