October 20, 2017 at 4:48 p.m.
Carvers try to keep art alive
Carvers try to keep art alive
A “lost art” is living on in Jay County.
The Jayland Carvers have kept wood carving active in Jay County, meeting on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Jay Community Center.
“It’s both guys and women and we come in and teach beginners and have a good time,” said Tom Jacobs, the current leader of the club. “All of us sometimes carve different things and then we have group things that we’ll (do as a group).”
The club, started in 2006 by Chuck Wangler, has nearly 20 members, ranging from ages 19 to 92.
Jacobs got his start in carving when Wangler taught him in 2007 and he “has been hooked ever since.”
The men had a close relationship, so when Wangler died in 2013, Jacobs felt he had to take leadership of the woodcarvers.
“He was like a second father to me,” said Jacobs, “I told him (the woodcarvers) wouldn’t die if I could help it.”
One member, Randy True, makes a living off of wood carving by selling his Christmas and Native American décor carvings on Etsy, an online marketplace for hand-crafted items.
Other members choose to sell their creations at festivals and trade shows, but many, like Jacobs, enjoy carving more for the relaxation and company.
“It’s just fun to sit with someone off and on and carve,” said Jacobs. “He might have a different idea on how to do this or that. Everybody helps everybody.”
The Jayland Carvers have kept wood carving active in Jay County, meeting on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Jay Community Center.
“It’s both guys and women and we come in and teach beginners and have a good time,” said Tom Jacobs, the current leader of the club. “All of us sometimes carve different things and then we have group things that we’ll (do as a group).”
The club, started in 2006 by Chuck Wangler, has nearly 20 members, ranging from ages 19 to 92.
Jacobs got his start in carving when Wangler taught him in 2007 and he “has been hooked ever since.”
The men had a close relationship, so when Wangler died in 2013, Jacobs felt he had to take leadership of the woodcarvers.
“He was like a second father to me,” said Jacobs, “I told him (the woodcarvers) wouldn’t die if I could help it.”
One member, Randy True, makes a living off of wood carving by selling his Christmas and Native American décor carvings on Etsy, an online marketplace for hand-crafted items.
Other members choose to sell their creations at festivals and trade shows, but many, like Jacobs, enjoy carving more for the relaxation and company.
“It’s just fun to sit with someone off and on and carve,” said Jacobs. “He might have a different idea on how to do this or that. Everybody helps everybody.”
Steve Zielinski, owner of The Glass Bonsai in Portland and a member of the woodcarvers, joined the club about a year ago.
Zielinski has worked with stained glass for 38 years and has pieces on display all around the country. About 20 years ago, he taught Jacobs how to cut, and ever since then, Jacobs urged Zielinski to start carving wood.
When he finally caved about a year ago, he found a relaxation in carving wood he didn’t find in cutting glass.
“It’s more for me to do something that is relaxing and not as stressful as being in the public,” said Zielinski. “I can go home and sit in the shade and make a mess.”
He believes someone does not have to be artistic to find the joy in woodcarving.
“Like with anything else, what level do you want to take your skill to?” said Zielinski. “There are so many patterns out there and subject matter that you can use.”
To the Jayland Carvers, the mission is to allow the dying art of woodcarving to thrive and teach others how enjoyable it can be.
“I think all arts are dying,” said Zielinski.
Zielinski has worked with stained glass for 38 years and has pieces on display all around the country. About 20 years ago, he taught Jacobs how to cut, and ever since then, Jacobs urged Zielinski to start carving wood.
When he finally caved about a year ago, he found a relaxation in carving wood he didn’t find in cutting glass.
“It’s more for me to do something that is relaxing and not as stressful as being in the public,” said Zielinski. “I can go home and sit in the shade and make a mess.”
He believes someone does not have to be artistic to find the joy in woodcarving.
“Like with anything else, what level do you want to take your skill to?” said Zielinski. “There are so many patterns out there and subject matter that you can use.”
To the Jayland Carvers, the mission is to allow the dying art of woodcarving to thrive and teach others how enjoyable it can be.
“I think all arts are dying,” said Zielinski.
“You know they have the fidget spinners ... but I don’t think there is anything more relaxing than carving wood.”
The Jayland Carvers meet twice weekly — from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays at Jay Community Center.
Anyone who is interested in learning about carving is invited to stop by or call Jacobs at (260) 726-7958.
“We are always willing to help,” said Jacobs. “We have tools we can supply you with as you’re getting started. Anybody can do it. It just takes a little patience.”
“The people that I have met up there are just great. I have a lot of fun,” said Zielinski. “Some days we talk more than we carve.”
The Jayland Carvers meet twice weekly — from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays at Jay Community Center.
Anyone who is interested in learning about carving is invited to stop by or call Jacobs at (260) 726-7958.
“We are always willing to help,” said Jacobs. “We have tools we can supply you with as you’re getting started. Anybody can do it. It just takes a little patience.”
“The people that I have met up there are just great. I have a lot of fun,” said Zielinski. “Some days we talk more than we carve.”
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