The Sculptors

Throughout the eastern US there are many wood-carving clubs. Thousands of people are "whittlers" but many have full-time professions as wood carvers, adorning churches, galleries, and public places. Many carve birds. Some carve and mold yard ornaments. Some work on duck decoys. Increasingly, wood carvers see themselves as sculptors using the medium of wood.

Herons, by Robert W. Toye, Des Moines, Iowa, 15 x 8 x 7 inches

Rural System, Inc. proposes to create a new organization, Sculptors that will work to sponsor clubs, to give seminars, to publish a newsletter and aids on a web site, to have a chatroom, to conduct one or more schools within The Camps Group within the region, to sell quality solar-seasoned wood extracted from the Pivotal Tracts, to encourage hobby carving, to provide suggested patterns for work, to assemble carvers for large projects, and to conduct high-quality, family-oriented carving schools such as conducted in Austria.

Exchange schools and shows (e.g., with Florida affiliates) may be conducted as assisted by The Tours Group.

• Market outlets will be sought through bookstores, gift shops, and Rural System, Inc. offices.
• Sculpting in other media will be encouraged including local rock masses and local clays.
• Sales of tools, publications, and materials by reputable individuals and companies, especially those in Virginia, will be encouraged with some commissions arranged.
• Special youth group activities will be arranged.
• Woods (such as walnut, catalpa, and basswood) will be specially thinned from forests, processed (typically solar seasoning), and a Smartwood "chain of control" will be created.
• Sources for aspen wood will be arranged.
• Insurance (safety/injury) for club members will be investigated
• Links with the other Rural System, Inc. units of The Camps Group, The Tours Group, and The Products Group are noteworthy.