Carving work will begin on the cottonwood tree at Winnebago Fair Grounds in Pecatonica. The Fair Grounds will cover insurance. Also they have removed the tree bark. A Native American will be carved and to be approximately 7-feet tall. Ray Olson is making templates to achieve the correct proportions. Volunteers are needed; Elaine Terrell will provide a sign-up sheet. The Fair Grounds will provide scaffolding and electricity, beverages and food for the carvers. We must begin to make arrangements for the annual picnic. Tony DeVita will be asked to make the Park District reservations for the Sinissippi shelter house. Possible addition to the carving show would be a quilt show to draw additional attendance. After much discussion this subject was tabled for next year's show.

Presentation was by Roger Benedict who led the group through a relief carving of a small building. Through a study of perspective drawing with hidden projection points, a simple method to carve buildings was taught. By simply visualizing buildings as an assortment of intersecting plane surfaces instead of walls and roofs, the wood removal is therefore easy to understand and fun to observe the building emerging from the wood. It was satisfying to see the how quickly many carvers pick-up on the idea. Remember that sharp tools make carving much easier.

I hope that you have been thinking about our Annual June Wood Carver Show. As a reminder it is held this year on August 4th^h. Are you getting ready with a special carving for the competitive judging? Do not forget about the unique 4-inch sphere competition. For the newer carvers, I suggest that you participate to gain a new experience with your hobby. Besides a chance to win a ribbon, there is also the opportunity to learn from the judges as they are available to discuss your entry. Tony DeVita is looking for carving donations for the show raffle. Take a look at your aging inventory, as well as, coming up with some new carvings for this cause.

From past shows I feel fortunate to have gained new ideas and enlightened carving aspects by being associated with excellent carvers. Speaking of excellent carvers, from my observations at the Wednesday morning carving group and the meetings "show & tell," I am amazed of the creativity and desire to seek new ideas. I also find a strong conviction of the carvings that represents a personal theme and a reason created by the carver. Hope to see you at the August show. For any show questions, comments, or volunteer work, please stay in touch with this News Letter.

Keep your tools sharp

Roger Benedict

June 16^th---Rockford Art Museum tour of "He & She" exhibition at 10:30 am. $5.00 admission fee.

June 19^th---Carving after the business meeting. Bring your tools and something to carve.

July 17th---Open

August 4^th---Blackhawk Woodcarvers 13th annual woodcarving show at Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 10:30 am to 4:00 pm. Doors open at 7:00 am for set up and judging registration. Early registration and set-up is Friday afternoon from 2:00 to 6:30 pm.

June 18-24----International Woodcarvers Congress, Seminars & Show at Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds Davenport/Bettendorf, IA. Contact Larry or Carol Yudis (563)-359-6344 www.awcitrd.org

July 7----Lake County Carvers 27^th Annual Show/Competition, Dept of Public Works. Delafield, WI Contact Mike Niemczk (414) 462-6344

August 4----Blackhawk Woodcarvers annual show and competition at Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden in Rockford, IL. Contact Roger Benedict (815) 397-8910

September 18 through 21----Gathering of Carvers (GOW) at Somonauk, IL Registration for classes is now open, contact Bob Mau. Have 16 instructors, over 35 seminars, hosts are Joe and Sharon Dillett

Mark your calendar for a guided tour by Roger Benedict on Saturday, June 16^th beginning at 10:30 am. Admission is $5.00.

Two world famous Swedish artists, Vallien's, are exhibiting their cast glass art, that is stunning beyond belief-----worth every minute to take advantage of this opportunity. The artists, Ulrica Hydman-Vallien and Bertil Vallien have developed glass casting designs into an art form. This is the first time they have exhibited together in the USA, where as individually they have shown in the galleries of many USA metropolitan cities. Given the Swedish tradition in Rockford you may find this of high interest. Families and friends are welcomed.

Our 13^th annual show is on Saturday, August 4^th Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden. Early registration is on Friday afternoon, August 3^rd from 2:00 to 6:30 pm. Also on Friday afternoon we will be finalizing the tables' set-up; and volunteer help will be appreciated. At this time you can set up your display table. The doors will be open on Saturday, show day, at 7:00 am. We encourage carvers to come early to register their carvings, because the judging begins at 8:00 am.