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Notch Up Your Skills
Written By: Donna Rhodes | Issue: 2021/06 – June | Photograph By: Marjorie Christiansen Photography
Discover the wonders embedded within a block of wood at the meetings of the Franklin Wood Carving Club – 6:30 P.M. Thursdays at Franklin High School.
If you want to carve out your niche in the wonderful world of woodcraft, meet Daniel Bolick and Donald Lanson at the Franklin Wood Carving Club, 6:30 P.M. Thursday nights at the Franklin High School woodshop.
Dan and Don oversee a collective of dedicated wood carvers, people of all ages, men and women, boys and girls. Of course, the little shavers must be accompanied by an adult. Sharp objects, you know.
No matter what the age or skill level: beginners, intermediates, masters … all are welcome.
Covid and winter weather reduced attendance the past few months, but seasonal members are heading back north, so June’s meeting promises to be a productive one.
Don, a retired Marine, is a Floridian blown North by Hurricane Andrew. He rented a home in Franklin, waiting for things to return to normal in Homestead. But he liked the mountains so much, he decided to stay.
After a few months his wife said, “Honey …you need to do something with yourself.”
In the paper he read an announcement for the carving club meeting. He joined the group, bought some tools, grabbed a chunk of wood, and took a tutorial. That was 1993 and he’s been a cut-up ever since.
He specializes in sculpting figures: images of Marines, some in Okinawa, one in dress blues; the head and face of Jesus in Michelangelo’s Pieta; and animals of all kinds and sizes. He says it’s kept him off the streets and out of bars. His wife is pleased.
The club likes to do community projects on occasion. Doctors discovered Hospice and dialysis patients benefit from holding a smooth object in their hand, so the club carves comfort birds and crosses as gifts for those in need. The club also carved 14 one-foot-squares in relief to cover a wall at Macon Middle School. In addition, the club sculpted a three-foot-long panther ,which is displayed in the school office.
Cut yourself a satisfying slice of life, and give one of these club members a call – Daniel Bolick, President, (828) 524-6038; or Donald Lanson, (828) 369-2144; Cell (828) 421-1696; and email: [email protected].
by Donna Rhodes
