2027 Instructors and Projects
The information below features biographical information on our instructors and their projects for 2027. Please know that some of the class projects are still under development and may be subject to change. If you have any questions about the classes, please reach out to us through the "Contact Us" tab at the top of this page.
Pat Moore
Join Pat Moore for a Carving and Painting Experience as you create a Santa Figure. She'll share her proven carving and painting methods, giving you tips and techniques you can continue to use in future projects.
All Students will be working on the Same Santa project, taught through group instruction and personalized “one-on-one” guidance. Whether you're new to carving or an experienced carver looking to refine your skills, Pat's approach will give you plenty of opportunities to learn something new.
Known for her meticulous attention to detail, distinctive painting techniques, she will guide you through the fundamentals of anatomy, efficient carving, hair and beard texturing plus how to create happy, expressive faces which capture that special twinkle in Santa's eye.
In the second part of the class, Pat will help take the mystery out of painting. Discover her approach for creating vibrant color, beautiful shading, and eye-catching highlights that add warmth, dimension and depth to your piece.
Come ready to learn, create, and have fun and leave with new tips and techniques plus a Santa Figure you'll be proud to display and share throughout the Christmas season and years to come!
Tools suggested: Cut resistant glove, your favorite carving knives, hand/palm tools (such as various sized V-tools, Veiners & U-gouges). For painting, Pat will supply all Acrylic Paints, but feel free to bring your favorite brushes if you have them; if not she will have plenty of brushes to share!
Photos of the 2027 project are coming soon. The roughout for this piece will be $40 and will be purchased directly from Pat on the first day of class.
Ryan Olson
Ryan first became interested in carving when he was very young. When he was only seven, he had his very own pocket knife that he had found in the dirt and kept hidden from his parents. Ryan and the neighbor kids would sit in the shade during long summer days and carve bark that they pried off of the family pine tree. He began carving seriously while he was earning his master’s degree in opera at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. Ryan carved on his own for the first five years or so. Ryan has won a number of competitions. He has become known for his innovative, clean style and his ability to capture female subjects in wood. One of Ryan’s greatest joys in woodcarving is participating in the Caricature Carvers of America . He loves meeting with fellow caricature carvers each year at different destinations around the country. He travels the country to teach woodcarving seminars and attend woodcarving shows whenever he can.
In 2027 Ryan will be teaching from two of his latest roughouts titled "Banjo Bob" and "Marian the Librarian."
Tom Henschied
Tom Henscheid started carving spoons in the early 1970s while studying for a degree in fine art. While working at an art museum he was tasked with creating the displays and installations. This experience led him to start building furniture and small remodeling projects. Within a few years the business had grown into a full-fledged cabinet shop and construction company. During his 45-year career he continued carving spoons. In about 1979 he was taught the skills of making bent carving knives by a friend named Frank Guthrie, a NW native carver. Using simple equipment, they created the knives that transformed his carving. Over the next thirty years he experimented with the blade forms to suit his style of carving. Whenever he could he passed on this knowledge to other carvers. By 2005 he began teaching formal classes and workshops in carving wood turning, furniture building and bent knife making. Tom currently teaches at Pratt fine arts in Seattle, at the Port Townsend school of woodworking, as well as various other venues on the west coast. Some of the many thousands of spoons and bowls he has created over the years have been sold at craft fairs. He's had a few gallery exhibitions, traded for other crafts, and given many away as gifts. He continues carving for the joy of the craft and the fellowship found in the wood carving community
In this popular class, Tom will teach students how to make spoon carving knives and then begin work on the spoon carving process. With the time available, students can expect to make a number of knives and carve several spoons.
Izo Becic
Izo is an award winning European trained Master Carver. His carving specialty is the restoration and duplication of altars, statues, antique furniture and architectural detail. His technique is Architectural Relief - Mallet & Chisel. All carving skill levels are welcome!
Students may choose from decorative wall designs, mirror frames, shelves, clocks, green men, family initials, Acanthus, Oakley‘s fruit, flowers, and other various projects. Izo will call each student to verify the project choice and coordinate the design. Tools required are gouges, a mallet and at least two clamps for holding the blank. Blanks range from $75 to $ 350, depending on project you choose.
Rohn Collins
Rohn is known for his realistic animals, and his painting techniques. His classes focus on anatomy, hair texture, expression and color on each animal. He teaches through group demonstration and individual help in the classes.
This year Rohn will be teaching a fox “pup’ that is approximately 5" tall. This will be unique, as it will be part of a two-piece project. Students will learn to carve and finish a sitting fox from a roughout and will have the opportunity to purchase and finish (on their own) a separate roughout that coordinates and completes a scene.
Rich Wetherbee
Rich is a caricature carver and sculptor. Rich has spent most of his life in Colorado carving and sculpting. Having had no formal or informal training , he has designed thousands of pieces both commercially and one of a kind sculptures out of many mediums including wood, clay, stone, punkins, squash,taters....etc. Rich is splitting his time up now between designing originals and teaching his techniques to up and coming sculptors and carvers. His passion for concept, design,movement and detail , is at its least, an inspiration to all he comes in contact with. Rich is a founding member of the CCA.
Rich will be teaching from his expansive library of roughouts. Students will be able to select a roughout of their choice. Watch this page for updates as Rich is always adding to his catalog.
Dick Wilk
I started carving in the Mid-60's. I started because I was fascinated with the collection of Northwest Coast Native Art I saw at the 61 World's Fair. That led to prowling about through the Burke Museum on the UDub Campus.
I also found a Shop near Pike Place Market that sold the Art. Alas it was too expensive for me to afford. I kind of laugh now at how inexpensive the items really were compared to good works today.
Gradually I moved on to the idea of trying to do it myself. I bought all the books I could on the Art and studied. Whenever an Art show featuring NW Coast Art showed up in the Seattle, Vancouver, or Portland, I was there.
The Carving community at that time was relatively small, so I got to know people with similar interests: Duane Pasco, Steve Brown, and Joe David. You couldn't find better people to learn from, and then there was always my idol Bill Holm.
I started out with regular carving tools, but soon came to realize that I had to have crooked knives and Adzes to do it like they did years ago. There weren't any sources at that time so I had to learn how to make my own versions. Over the years I took up Kayaking so I could get to the places where this great Art was created. Relatively recently I've had the great opportunity to help on the poles created by Dale Faulstich for the Jamestown S'klallam in Sequim at the Seven Cedars casino and surrounding Tribal buildings.
I've also done several masks and other Paraphernalia for Native friends in the Campbell River area.
I love the Art and culture and I try to do my best to honor the legacy of tradition and art of the past.
In 2027 Dick will be teaching a Northwest Native American mask.
Debbie Russel
Debbie Russell of Malvern, Arkansas, has been practicing the art of chip carving since 2010. Her passion for the craft and dedication to sharing her knowledge have led to numerous teaching opportunities across the region.
Debbie was invited to teach chip carving at the annual Doane Experience at Doane University in Crete, Nebraska, an event presented by the Mid-America Woodcarvers Association, of which she is a proud member. Since then, she has expanded her teaching and is now a regular instructor at the Arkansas Craft School in Mountain View, Arkansas, where she teaches classes twice each year.
Known for her friendly, patient, and enthusiastic teaching style, Debbie strives to create a welcoming learning environment for carvers of all experience levels—from complete beginners to seasoned chip carvers. Her goal is not only to teach the techniques of chip carving but also to ensure that every student enjoys the experience while receiving individualized guidance to successfully complete a unique, handcrafted project during class.
Debbie believes that there is always something new to learn, regardless of experience. She is passionate about preserving the tradition of chip carving by sharing her knowledge, encouraging creativity, and helping others build confidence and skill while keeping this timeless art form alive for future generations.
Whether you are a beginner, have some experience, or are an advanced carver, all skill levels are welcome.
Participants will learn a variety of chip carving techniques and have the opportunity to practice on a provided basswood practice board before starting their project.
Each participant will create a handcrafted basswood plate or wine glass holder. The finished piece makes a beautiful keepsake, family heirloom, or thoughtful gift for someone special.
No prior chip carving experience is required.
Anita Wells
Anita took her first Nantucket basket weaving class from Penny Burns through the Northwest Carving Academy. She fell in love with these beautiful, classy baskets and wanted to create one of every size and shape. She has won blue ribbons and best of show for her baskets. When Penny retired from teaching, Anita took over and has been doing it ever since. She loves sharing the craft, the challenge of making patterns and shapes, and most of all meeting all the creative people.
Nantucket Lightship baskets have a wood base and are formed on a mold, creating a perfect shape. Many have wood rims and handles. Attendees will have a choice of 30+ different molds to choose from and will be given individual instructions for their particular mold. All levels of experience are welcome. The cost of supplies depends on the particular basket chosen.
Jerry Harris
