Mohawk Valley Art & Woodcarving Association
Novemberber 2001
edited by
John Raucci & Mike Bloomquist
Next Meeting: December 4th, 2001
Time: 6:00pm
Program: Christmas Party & George Hallenbeck slide show
Letter from the President
Another meeting under 45min. That's two in a row... I'm on a roll! And just like October, this allowed more time for show-n-tell and a fine program like Carl Borst's one on carving hands. Actually, it was a tad over 45min, but Carl takes the blame since he ignored my call for new business until after the gavel fell. This month we had another fine batch of carvings by the members and plenty of time to enjoy Monty Foster's program on kachina doll carvings. Several months ago Monty had a "weaver kachina" at our club meeting for show-n-tell. It was a beautiful piece whether you were aware of its kachina background or not. Well, "someone" suggested to our program chairman, Dick Moran, that, with a little arm-twisting, Monty might do a program for us on kachinas. Monty, I hope Dick didn't have to twist too hard because that program was fabulous. Monty started the program with a little background on kachinas and how he came in contact with kachinas long before he 'discovered' his woodcarving skills. He talked about how and why there are so few examples of original kachinas, and circulated pictures from magazines of contemporary, commercial kachina dolls. Finally he wrapped up the evening with discussing most of his kachinas that were on display. They ranged from the somewhat traditional "squash head" kachina to several absolutely non-traditional, one-of-a-kind, Monty originals like the "lady", "child" and "dog" kachinas. He even took a couple of good-natured shots at the mercenary woodcarvers among us that sell our pieces. Well, the comments were mostly directed at Carl, but he didn’t seem to be bleeding, and the subject didn’t seem to be a new one between them. Same sort of stuff that Bud and I throw back and forth when it comes…. BBBrrrrrr!… Shudder!… X-Acto knives.
So, what was the ‘new business’ Carl had? Something I should have brought up anyway… our Christmas Dinner! I believe we agreed that it would start at 5:30, but you had better check our meeting minutes ‘cause Betty Meyers is sharper with that stuff than I am. Hey! A president is only as good as his cabinet. So, bring a Christmas carving, a dish, a table setting, and maybe some drink… Oh Yeah! And bring your spouse or significant other. Aw Heck! Make it real exciting and bring both! Haven’t seen one of these dinners yet that was not absolutely worth the trip from Rome at twice the mileage, and most of you lucky folks live a lot closer than I do. See you there.
Keep on Carvin’
-Mike Bloomquist->
Happenings
Christmas Party!
All Club Members are invited to bring their spouses or guest to our annual Christmas Party at the Inman Center in Amsterdam at 6pm on December 4th. It has been a great success in the past and here is how it works…. Everyone brings a Dish of Food to Share and a place setting for themselves. The Club will supply soft drinks and cups. We eat right around 6:00pm and after dinner we mingle for a while, then are treated to a slide show by George Hallenbeck. Please bring a favorite carving to show or one with a Christmas theme. If you’re not sure what to bring…please contact Kay Borst at 355-2933
Hope to see you all there….!
At our last meeting November 6, 2001
The November meeting was Called to order at 7:00pm by President Mike Bloomquist and the minutes were accepted as read.
- A treasury Balance of $5491.92 was given by Don Painter and there was one guest in attendance.
- The show committee reported that CBA has been secured for the annual club show in May and the Comfort Inn will be the site of the banquet following the show on Saturday, May 4th 2002. Posters and Cards have been printed and there are two new categories for judging this year. They are Santa’s and Waterfowl.
- Club Historian, Ron Redman, has requested that anyone interested in taking over his position should contact him.
- Andy Ebli reported that five Nativity figures have been completed at this time and that he had sent one card to George Hallenbeck following his recent knee surgery.
- Carl Borst requested anyone with information about show publicity ads should pass them along to him.
- Carol Ayers reported on club clothing and Dick Moran gave his program report.
- Under old business it was confirmed that the following club donations were made;
$500 to the Red Cross
$250 to Make a Wish Foundation
$250 to Stewarts Christmas Fund
- Under New Business, the upcoming Christmas Party on Dec. 4th was discussed and members and guests were reminded to bring three items with them; a dish to share, a place setting and a favorite carving (or one with a Christmas theme.) The meeting was adjourned at 7:49pm and was followed by a wonderful presentation by Monte Foster on the history and art of Kachina Dolls.
Respectfully Submitted,
Bettie Myers
Classified Adds
************************* If you would like to sell something and want to bring it to our monthly meeting to display it, you can advertise it here first so that members know when and where they can see what you are selling. Let me know when you place your ads and I will get the word out if they can see it at an upcoming meeting. Remember all advertising here is FREE!
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We have already had success with this endeavor!
For any information on the above items please contact Walt LeClair @ 518-861-6544.
- Fordom Unit - Great Condition - Has foot operated switch, etc…..$130.00
- Basswood - Cut to Order - Also some Cherry and Butternut….Prices on request
- Will furnish Bird Blanks from your plans or mine…..Prices on request depending on species.
*** Walt will be away from January 1st March 1st, so if you are in need of wood or blanks please call him before then. ***
Club Crew Neck Sweatshirt - size Medium - Never worn - wrong size ordered -
If interested please call Fred Jenzer @ 518-384-7313 or e-mail gjenzer@nycap.rr.com
Reliant Dust Collector - Model # NN720 - Paid $260.00 for it will take $130 - Runs on 110 or 220 volts. Call Tony Monte @ 518-357-4602
Only serious inquiries, please. Call Ray Alotta 479-3138 between the hours of 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sears Craftsmen - 8" Bench Drill Press - $50.00
- Sears Craftsmen - Tablesaw -10" with stand and dust sack plus an $82 blade all for $400.00
- Sears Craftsmen - 10" Radial Arm Saw with stand - $400.00
- 14" Bandsaw (Elephant) with stand and rip fence - $450.00
- RBI 216V Scroll Saw with stand - $550.00, hardly used
- Sears Belt Sander 6" x 48" and stand - $75.00
To place want ads for any wood carving related items please contact Carol Ayers by e-mail at " mailto:nayers@nycap.rr.com "
or by "snail mail" at
3 Poe Court
Ballston Spa, NY 12020
or by phone at
518-587-6841.
Program Report
By Dick Moran
A tentative schedule has been set up for programs for the year 2002; it is as follows:
Jan. 8 - Sharpening and Honing Carving Tools – Marcus Kruger & George Hallenbeck
Feb. 5 - Everyone Carves Something night*. Everyone is asked to bring some woodcarving tools and whatever carving project he/she is currently working on. Suggestion: maybe completing unfinished items for donation to the show…nativity figures, auction items or door prize donations Also, members are asked to bring a recently completed carving to share with everyone during the "Show and Tell" portion of this informal program.
Mar. 5 - Carving A Woodspirit - Mike Bloomquist
Apr. 2 - Everyone Carves Something night*. Everyone is asked to bring some woodcarving tools and whatever carving project he/she is currently working on. Also, members are asked to bring a recently completed carving to share with everyone during the "Show and Tell" portion of this informal program.
May 7 - Some Aspect of Relief Carving – Robert Stadtlander.
June 4 - Sale & Swap Night – Carvers wishing to sell (or swap) carving equipment, tools or Carving Books are asked to bring them for display at their respective tables. Also…Everyone Carves Something" night. Everyone is asked to bring some Woodcarving tools and whatever carving project he/she is currently working on. The "Show and Tell" portion of the program will be replaced by the "Sale & Swap Night" activities.
July 2 - Carving Corner Faces – Harold Kaltenbach
Aug. 6 - Everyone Carves Something night*. Everyone is asked to bring some woodcarving tools and whatever carving project he/she is currently working on. Also, members are asked to bring a recently completed carving to share with everyone during the "Show and Tell" portion of this informal program.
Sept. 3 – Birdcarving ??
Oct. 1 - Everyone Carves Something night*. Everyone is asked to bring some woodcarving tools and whatever carving project he/she is currently working on. Also, members are asked to bring a recently completed carving to share with everyone during the "Show and Tell" portion of this informal program.
Nov. 6 – Carving the Human Figure - Carl Borst
Dec. 4 - Christmas Party (potluck dinner). Bring your favorite Christmas carving for display. Slide Show of Club Activities - George Hallenbeck
*Programs and "Everyone Carves Something" sessions will normally last between 45 minutes and one-hour.
Don Painter
1397 Currybush Rd.
Schenectady, N.Y. 12306
Or pay him at the next meeting....
Club Apparel
By Carol AyersSHIRTS, HATS, APRONS AND PATCHES…
Since we have so many new members in our club I would like to explain what is available to our club members and how the ordering works. All of the items are embroidered with our club logo and the pricing is as follows:
- Polo shirt, light ash gray (short sleeve with collar and tab front) is $11.00
- Long sleeve T-shirt, light ash gray is $12.50
- Crew neck sweatshirt, light ash gray is $16.50
- Hooded, full zipper front sweatshirt with side pockets, light ash gray is $22.00
- Apron, natural with no pocket is $8.50
- Hat, tan is $7.70
- Club embroidered patch is $3.50
(sales tax is included in all the pricing)
Ordering these items is as follows:
Patches are on hand and can be bought from me at any time. Shirts, sweatshirts and aprons need a total of 6 orders, any combination. Hats need a total of 12 orders. When I receive enough orders, I will then request the money for your order and then place the order
with the company. Orders usually take from 1 to 2 weeks to complete depending of the availability of the items.
It is great to have a hat, club shirt or logo apron or sweatshirt when doing the fairs or demos or shows. I have just submitted another order for shirts, etc. and I am starting a new list and need a quantity of 6 for my next order. I received a few more hat orders at the November meeting and the status stands at 4 hats ordered and 8 more needed for me to submit it to the vendor.
You can place an order by e-mailing me, Carol Ayers at:"mailto:nayers@nycap.rr.com"or writing me at3 Poe Courtor phoning me at
Ballston Spa, NY 12020518-587-684
*** Watch For Something New! ***
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We have had such a good response from our Want Ads addition to our newsletter that we are now expanding the idea to include a "WANTED" section. So if you are looking for a certain knife, tool, book or pattern just give me, Carol Ayers, a call at 518-187-6841 or e-mail me at nayers@nycap.rr.com and I will put it in our newsletter. Remember that our newsletter is on the internet and is mailed to other clubs.
And remember, there is no charge for Want Ads or Wanted Ads and I will keep printing them in the newsletter until you let me know you have sold the item(s) or have found what you need.
Letters to the Editor
Send correspondence to...
Mike Bloomquist
117 Riverview Parkway
Rome, N.Y. 13440Or Email to;
bloomqum@borg.com