By LOIS KINDLE
lekindle@aol.com
An eclectic group of seniors gathers weekly in Sun City Center to turn basswood blocks into detailed works of art. They’re members of the SCC Woodcarvers, one of the community’s long-standing hobby clubs.
Many of them have carved for years, while others are newcomers still learning the basics. The club’s weekly open carving time gives everyone space to work at their own pace, ask questions and pick up techniques from longtime members.
“It’s a great club, the camaraderie is amazing and an opportunity to learn and develop new skills to express themselves creatively,” said Punky Fedora, the club’s president. “I’m always amazed at all there is to learn in the craft. It’s a good way to relax, focus and calm your mind.
Master carver Jean Johnson, who’s been involved in the craft for many decades, helps new woodcarvers get started.
“I love seeing people’s light bulbs go on and bringing out their talents as I teach them skills,” she said. “When I carve a piece of wood, it talks to me.”
Membership in the SCC Woodcarvers Club is open to all residents of the Sun City Center Community Association and Kings Point residents with a gold card. Beginning through advanced carvers are welcome. The cost is $20 per year.
The 55-member club loans out a starter kit of hand tools for a couple of weeks, and then members must purchase their own. They can supply their own wood; otherwise wood and other materials are furnished by the club at cost.
Members meet on Thursdays at 9 a.m. to work on their projects, collaborate with each other and share their ideas. On Fridays, beginners get the opportunity for more individualized attention from a master carver who answers their questions, introduces a variety of techniques and helps them correct errors.
Members have access to the club’s workshop every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for open work. Band saws, scroll saws, sanders and a drill press are available to those
qualified to use them.
The club has four instructors who teach classes for open, caricature, soapstone, chip, bark and relief carving. Occasionally, internationally recognized carvers who conduct several special classes are brought in.
Some members enter their works competitively.
“We enter two each year — the Southwest Florida Wood Art Exposition and Competition in January and the Florida State Fair in February,” said master carver Fred Joest. “This year we won 26 awards in Punta Gorda — 11 of them first place — and 35 awards at the state fair, including another 11 first place.”
About woodcarving
Woodcarving is essentially a specialized branch of woodworking that’s all about the artistic and decorative side of shaping wood. Its focus is on using hand-carving tools — chisels, gouges and knives — to shape wood into intricate designs or figures.
“Come visit us on Friday from 9 a.m. to noon for a free lesson and learn what wood carving and our club is all about,” Fedora said. “Our address is 917 North Course Lane.”
For more information, call her at 417-299-3121.