Last update:
May 3, 08
Gabriella, the falcon
Fred Zavadil seminar
Owl’s Nest Carving Club
Apr. 30, 08
Bud Smith seminar
Apr. 10, 08
In-house Competition
Mar. 18, 08
Youth Program
Carving Clubs
Mar. 1, 08
Carvers
Feb 27, 08
Anna Bradley Seminar
About OWCA

THIRTY YEARS ... and still growing strong!

IShe’s a “30”

The reaching of the thirties anniversary in the life of an organization is worthy of some hoop-la. That is why we are planning some extraordinary events this year. Come back and visit our website for future announcements.

Our non-profit charitable association has been going strong for 30 years and we’re excited to continue our mission.

In 1978, after the first International Carving Competition at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto, about a dozen or so carvers, led by the late Norman Tarver, came together and decided to form a carving club. Over the years, members and officers of Ontario Wood Carvers Association have promoted carving as a hobby and a profession throughout the country.

We are particularly proud of our Youth Outreach program. Many of our carvers volunteer to work with public schools and teach carving to students. These programs are rewarding on many levels.

 The club supported the production of the CNE Woodcarving Show until its demise in 1989. Since that time, OWCA has operated an annual show and competition of its own, held for several years at Black Creek Pioneer Village. Members have also demonstrated at regional shows across Ontario and in the U.S.

Extensive newsletters have been published consistently as a member benefit, from Norm Tarver's one-pager of Newsletter #1, to the multi-page editions of today.

Monthly meetings regularly attract large numbers of carvers who come to learn from their peers and from the Masters.

Our recent affiliation with Humber College allows Humber students the opportunity to work with our master carvers. Humber College also provides ample space for our Workshops. With the aid of video equipment, we can present workshops to larger groups. The North Campus will become the new home to OWCA for seminars and workshops in the future.

Now in our 30th year, the Ontario Wood Carvers Association is still going strong!

We are a charitable, not-for-profit organization devoted to promoting, educating and connecting carvers in Ontario. While our monthly meetings have usually taken place in Toronto, our vision is province-wide. We are fortunate to have such talented and gifted members in our club and in the clubs with whom we have an affiliation.

We also publish the “Ontario Woodcarver” (six editions per year) and as part of your membership you receive this newsletter via post.

 The advantage of having a membership is the opportunity to work with and meet some of the top carvers in Canada today. Our monthly meetings usually have a guest speaker, demonstration, presentation or an in-house event. We also keep you abreast of current competitions, workshops and shows.

A typical meeting will include either a demonstration, presentation, “show and tell” or lecture on the topic of carving. Our annual Fall Show is simply not to be missed.

If you are just learning to carve, you will be amazed by the knowledgeable master carvers in our group. At every meeting there will be carvers with whom you may consult. We also have an extensive library of books about carving.

If you’re looking for that “must have” tool, there are vendors who regularly attend meetings and can help you find just what you need.

The workshops and seminars are established at Humber College’s North Campus in Rexdale.

We hope this web site will help support continuing growth in OWCA and in carving generally. We welcome your comments and your contributions.

Come and join us!