Second Native Columbia River Art Workshop with Adam McIsaac
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Adam is a professional carver in the style of the tribes of the Columbia River Basin. This Friday/Saturday workshop is at his studio north of Vancouver in La Center, WA off I-5 near exit 16. There is a traditional group potluck at the end.
Students will have options to carve a ladle, tray, or a salmon sculpture. The essence of the workshop is to experience the use of traditional tribal tools (adze and crooked knife). Some tools will be available to use, but please bring your own if possible. 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 near his home.
COST - $325 for tuition if a member of the Oregon Carvers Guild or Guild of Oregon Woodworkers, otherwise $375.
The ladle is carved in green alder and there is no additional material fee. However, the tray or salmon will be carved from Cedar, Pine, or some other wood and there will be an additional materials fee, TBD for now.
PREREQUISITES - Intermediate level carver or above, hand and arm strength to use an adze and manipulate a crooked knife, and a willingness to explore new tools and techniques. You are not required to have taken a previous workshop with Adam.
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 as we get closer).
TOOLS - we have access to several adzes and crooked knives for students to borrow, but there might not be enough. We also have a sizable tool library for the traditional tools but bring your own if you have them. A good samaritan donated the chopping blocks from his tree farm in Kalama.
MORE ON TOOLS - If you have some of the following, you are 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 to #5) and fairly wide (1/2 to 1").
- Carving glove and thumb protection
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 - Before the class you will need to sign a typical form to waive liability for Adam, the Oregon Carvers Guild, and the Guild of Oregon Woodworkers.
CARVING SAFETY - You must read the relevant parts of our draft carving safety manual and be prepared to follow those practices.
COVID - What, me worry? Yes, it won't be gone by then. 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).
