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

Since its conception, the Ontario Wood Carvers Association has been involved in different youth programs that ranged from teaching small groups of youngsters though participating in summers programs organized by Community and/or Family Centers, to teaching classes at junior high and/or art schools.

We are very proud of these activities and thankful for all the invitations we are getting.

Here is some description about one of our latest involvement:

OWCA WOODCARVERS AT DIVINE INFANT SCHOOL

Mix a handful OWCA volunteers, most of them just a little beyond school age, with a room full of up to 40 energetic young students, along with a selection of sharp instruments - and what do you get?

Carving!

Divine Infant School carving program / 2008

The 2008 carving class starts on March 18, 2008.

Divine Infant School carving program / 2007

The enthusiastic encouragement of principal Thad Baker of Divine Infant Separate School was again responsible for yet another two-and-half month woodcarving session for a combined grades 7 and 8 (40 students) in January, 2007. Each student was given their single choice from 15 different pictures for a potential relief carving. Students had their own set of carving tools – glove and anti-slip pad and basswood blank (all paid for by their parents). We had eight OWCA members volunteering as teachers, of which six were present at any one time: Alex Clement, Jim Hearn, Marion Johnston, Bill Myette, Bonnie Newman, Lloyd Thomas and Don Zecchino. On completion of the course, each student was given a questionnaire with four items to answer anonymously. This was to act as a form of quality control for this student carving programme (a total of 40, one absent, three failed to answer).

Question #1- If this course was offered again in the future would you enrol? -   Maybe (2) Yes (34).
Question #2 - On a scale of 1 – 10 (10 being high), how would you rate course?  - 6 to 7 (9)  8 to 10 (27).
Question #3 - If you could make one (1) change in the course, what would it be? – many answers but most significant: 
            more and better tools (9), more time (5), no changes (6), more carver teachers (6).
Question #4 Would you recommend this course to a grade 7 student or a friend? - No (1)  Yes (35)

The Future

Thad Baker wishes to repeat this program next year with some obvious changes to be discussed with him!
(1) Fewer students – maybe even on a selective basis.
(2) Better tools – by the generous donation of Mr. Harvey Organ and a discounted price given by Chipping Away, OWCA was able purchase 26 sets of Flexcut caving sets for next year students to work with.
(3) Regular teachers must carve as well on similar basis.
(4) Much improved discipline arrangements.
(5) Better teacher / student ratio.

At the beginning of this program I announced that five carvings would be selected for entry into the “Youth Competition” of our Annual Carving Show – therefore on the last day of the course, five of the carvings were selected by both the students (on an anonymous basis) and the carving teachers. Of the winners there were three students from grade 7 and two from grade 8, each with a different theme – from kick-boxer to Pinocchio – none of these carvings were easy but all were challenging to which most students rose with elan. We also posted the names of five honourable mention students for all to admire and compare.

This report is submitted with enthusiasm on behalf of my carving cohorts – Hugh Thomson. 

Divine Infant School carving program / 2006

 To see a larger image, please click on the picture:

These 13-14 year-old students are being taught the art of woodcarving by a group of very dedicated individuals; they are: Hugh Thomson (leader and no stranger to youth involvement), Joe Dampf, Steve McClymont, Bill Myette, Don Zecchino and Alex Clement. All of these are accomplished carvers and members of OWCA.

Classroom teacher Andre Medina is showing unique leadership by participating as a student. Principal Thad Baker was responsible for arranging the class with Hugh Thomson, with whom he had similar arrangements at previous schools.

Interest in the initiative has been swift in coming. Superintendent Gerald Dagenais dropped in unannounced to see at first hand the great reports he had been receiving from others about this class. He was astounded and fascinated, to say the very least, at the great intensity, artistry and diligence of the students and the gentle resistent delivery of hints, tips and general instruction by the OWCA team.

A great job is being done by students, principal, teacher and OWCA volunteers. Congratulations!