Native Columbia River Art Workshop with Adam McIsaac
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If the class is full, please put your name on the Waitlist.
We expect this first class to fill up, but we hope to repeat it Q1-2023.
Adam is a serious professional carver in the style of the tribes of the Columbia River Basin. This workshop is at his studio north of Vancouver in La Center, WA off I-5 near exit 16. It is spread over a Friday and Saturday, with commute times in Portland in mind. At the end, there will be a traditional group potluck.
Students will carve either the ceremonial ladle picture above with the animal icon, or the simpler ladle for those with less experience. There might be other alternatives. The essence of the workshop is to experience the use of traditional tribal tools (adze, crooked knife) while working with traditional green wood (Alder). Pre-sharpened tools will be available to use, but bring your own if (sharpened) but don't buy any new tools for now. A future workshop may allow you to make your own tools. Chopping blocks will be provided (log rounds, 24" tall), and you will work seated on a chair.
The class is limited to eight and will be held indoors in Adam's professional studio located adjacent to his home.
PREREQUISITES - Intermediate level carver or above, strength to wield an adze and manipulate a crooked knife, and a willingness to explore new tools and techniques.
FOOD - deli-type lunches will be provided Friday and Saturday, along with typical coffee, tea, water, soda. You will have to bring something to share for the ending potluck (details coming as we get closer).
TOOLS - the Caitlin Gable wood shop via Kit Camp has graciously allowed us to use their collection of crooked knives and adzes, supplemented by others from the Norm Baird estate, and possibly loaners from other members. Volunteers will be working ahead of time to sharpen them. A separate good samaritan is donating the chopping blocks from his tree farm in Kalama.
MORE ON TOOLS - If you have some of the following, you are welcomed and encouraged to bring them, but they must be sharp.
- Elbow adze
- Crooked knife
- Roughing knife
- Chip or detail knife
- Palm gouges useful for the ladle bowl, typically medium sweeps (3-5) and fairly wide (1/2 to 1").
- Carving glove and thumb guard
WEATHER - Likely to be cold and rainy part of the time. The studio uses a wood stove.
OPTIONS - we assume most will commute, but Adam can usually accommodate an RV or two, and you can consider staying at the nearby Ilani Casino on I-5 or elsewhere in the area.
LIABILITY WAIVER - You will need to sign a typical form to waive liability for Adam, the Oregon Carvers Guild, and the Guild of Oregon Woodworkers.
COVID - What, me worry? Yes, it won't be gone by then, and it might be making a comeback. The Guild of Oregon Woodworkers requires its members to have proof of vaccination on file, but the Oregon Carvers Guild does not. Follow the rules of your club. The studio setting will be a closed building and six foot distancing is not likely. Masks are optional. Doors and windows will likely be closed.
If you are experiencing any symptoms, have been exposed to or living with anyone with Covid, or have not completed the CDC quarantine timeframe, you are not allowed to take the class (see cancellation policy).
CANCELLATION - Full refund if cancelled within 14 days of the class start. Half refund if cancelled 7 to 14 days of the start, and no refund if cancelled within 7 days, UNLESS we can find a substitute attendee.
For questions contact class coordinator Jim Spitzer, 503-381-8972, spitzerjames2@gmail.com, or Larry Wade, 503-312-7745, lpwade@gmail.com.
