First session
10 - 14 September 2012
with a second session
14-16 September
and a third session
17 - 20 September
Welcome to the Lake Placid Woodcarving Experience - this is an annual event of Woodcarving Classes held at the historic Hotel Northwoods Inn at Lake Placid, NY. The Northwoods Inn is located on Main Street in the heart of the city. Take a look at this wonderful facility here.
The hotel is the tallest building in this picture
What is this all about?
This will be the third year of our program and this year we will be expanding once again to 3 distinct sessions, first is 10,11,12,13, & 14 September and the second session is 14,15,16 Sept. and the 3rd session is 17,18,19, & 20 September. There will be a mix of 3,4 and 5 day classes among the sessions so look closely at each class length. On 14 September there are both first session class finishing up and second session classes starting.
There will be time enough for most carvers to complete and paint or put a finish coat on the projects without feeling "rushed". All classes are expected to have a low student to instructor ratio for maximum individual attention. Each class is priced differently and you pay the instructor directly.
1st session starting morning of 10 September
Eldon Humphreys - Caricatures -3 day class
Dennis & Susan Thornton - Caricatures and paining - 3 day class
Bruce Lepper - Carolina Wren - 5 day class
Leah Goddard - Animals -5 day class
Chris Howard - Ships Figurehead -5 day class
To see the 1st session class descriptions and costs click here.
2nd session starting morning of 14 September
Pete LeClair - Caricatures - 3 day class
Don McHugh - Humming birds - 3 day class
Terry Mansfield - Walking sticks and canes - 3 day class
To see the 2nd session class descriptions and costs click here.
3rd session starting morning of 17 September
Leah Goddard and Chris Howard - 2 instructors 1 class combined project - Mountain Man/Wolf - 4 day class
Sharon C.Bechtold - Woodburning Wildlife and Fantasy Artist - 3 day class
Tony Erickson - Faces in Cypress Knee's - 3 day class
Jim O'Dea - Human Face Study Stick - 3 day class
Carl Borst - Bellamy eagles - 3 day class
To see the 3rd session class descriptions and costs click here.
Note: Friday Sept 14th has both 5 day classes from the 1st session still going on and the first day of all 2nd session classes starting - so if your thinking about staying over from the 1st session of more classes, that only works for the 3 day classes.
A few class descriptions are not complete or lack pictures at this time. Signup for the Yahoo group newsletter at the top to this page and you will get notified when more information is available.
We offer several "Hotel Package" deals for accommodations and meals as well as the option to be a commuter (RV or from home) and have meals. These "Packages" include the cost of the facility usage for classes but not the class instructional fee (which are paid directly to the instructors).
We will start off each session the evening before with a reception for participants at 7pm in the Hotel's lounge area. Meet and greet your instructors and fellow carvers, with very light snacks and beverages. Gary Smith, the hotel owner, will be on hand to welcome you and provide an overview of the Hotel's history and orient you to the Lake Placid area. There are many sights to be seen and your non-carving companion will have plenty to do and enjoy. See the many exciting things to do in Lake Placid here.
Classes start each morning at 8am to 4:30pm and winding down about 3pm on your last day for those heading home. A breakfast (7:30 to 8am) and Lunch (12:00 to 1pm) are provided on site for your convenience as part of a package plan for the classes. For dinner, you are free to explore the city with it's many fine restaurants within a few blocks walk or eat at the Northwoods Inn fine dining room.
Services and Supplies available
A free sharpening clinic will be held the afternoon before each session from 3pm to 6pm. Jim O'Dea will show you how to use power sharpening equipment and help you with your sharpening. Bring your tools and get them sharpened up before class start.
There will be some carving tools, gouges, knives, ABRANET, gloves, etc. available for purchase during the workshops. Some instructors may have their books, blanks, carvings and tools for sale as well.
Hotel Accommodations Package Plan one price which includes room, reception, breakfast and lunch each day is available and will include. There is also an optional spouse/companion reception and meal plan. Hotel Package plans click here.
RV and Commuter Plans We have a RV and Commuter package plan which includes the hotel facility costs plus the Reception and Lunches only for 3,4 and 5 day classes. RV and Commuter Plans click here.
How to Make Woodcarving Class reservations: email Jim O'Dea at jeodea@aol.com and let Jim know what class you want. We don't expect large classes, but if there is a problem with max class size, Jim will contact you and work out an alternative or ensure you get a full Hotel Package refund.
No deposit is required for class reservations. Class costs vary with specific classes so be sure to read the descriptions carefully noting any additional blank or roughout costs. Contact Jim O'Dea or the instructor with questions on the class content, the hotel staff will NOT have any info about any class. Age Requirement: Students should be at least 18 years of age. No one under the age of 18 is permitted to participate in a class unless their parent is also enrolled in the same class and under their supervision.
The Schedule for a look at the tentative schedule for this event click here.
Non-Carving Companion Classes:
Classes days and times will be determined by participants while you are there such that you get in as many activities as you desire based on weather and interest. Classes are not expected to run concurrently so you may take all if you wish. Reservation for these classes is not necessary but if you know now you want to take one please email Jim O'Dea jeodea@aol.com who will let instructor know so enough kits are available. If you would like to offer a non-carving classes contact Jim O'Dea jeodea@aol.com
2012 classes to be offered include: 1st session and 3rd session Jewelry- Wire turned earrings: - Chris O'Dea - 1/2 day class.(click image for larger view) Cost $10 includes all supplies.
Quilt Wall Hanging: This wall hanging is a "Free Form" project..no pattern required for this Sunflower design - Chris O'Dea - (click image for larger view) This is hand pieced which you can quilt at home or bring your machine to finish it. Kit available at $15
2nd session:
None scheduled as yet - please email Jim if you can teach one.
Non-Carving Companion Activities: Chris O'Dea has volunteered to coordinate tours and site seeing for the non-carving companions whom wish to go as a group. Let us know at the reception if you have someone coming that would be interested.
Lake Placid is an upscale sight seeing destination for your non-carving companions as well as providing a great carving experience for you. Most Carving events are held in locations where there is not much to do for non-carving companions - this will be the exception!! Most carving events are in facilities with minimal room sizes and minimal dinning experiences - this will be the exception! The rooms at the Northwoods are large, suite size rooms,VERY comfortable mattresses and the meals are fine dinning quality.
Lake Placid is located in the Adirondack Region of Northern New York State. This region is unlike any other area of the Northeastern United States, larger than many neighboring states, the Adirondack Region is a blend of quaint, friendly villages that are surrounded by millions of acres of forests. The forests are filled with hundreds of pristine lakes and ponds, endless miles of rivers and streams, and the famous Adirondack Mountains. We are known for our picturesque hiking and walking trails, wilderness paddling opportunities, unparalleled winter recreation where the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics were held, and year-round Adirondack hospitality. Just a short, easy drive from any east coast metropolitan center, we are closer than you think, and further from anything you can imagine! We encourage you to explore
The Adirondack Region web site and our region, and plan your trip.
There is so much to see and do in Lake Placid and throughout Adirondacks Region, with so many different areas to visit, plan to come a few days early or stay a few days after, The Hotel will be glad to extend your stay at the same low room rate, just ask for the "extended woodcarver" rate.
For a "virtual tour" by boat of Lake Placid click here.
For a real boat tour try the Lake Placid Marina 518-523-9704 - Cruise pristine waters on a pontoon boat.
Highlights of the $15 (adults) one-hour narrated tour which travels 16 miles and includes good views of the former summer residences of the singer Kate Smith, Victor Herbert and Johnny Weissmuller. The tours are available several time a day, May to Oct. Call for current schedule and pricing (518) 523-9704.
For a nature walk try "High Falls Gorge", an eight mile drive from Lake Placid seen here.
Links to other Woodcarving Class Events - click here
