Have a whittle fun
‘Artistry in Wood’ returns to its roots in Lincoln City
Over the years, the "Artistry in Wood” show carved out a regular place in the coastal calendar but, like so many other large gatherings, was cut down by the pandemic.
Now the show is back, offering free wood carving demonstrations and talks along with unique shopping experiences at Chinook Winds Casino Resort this Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 14 and 15.
The event also features a silent auction on Saturday, including items like a large hand-carved “Otis Strong” sign by Debbie Hoffman; and a raffle that will close on Sunday near the end of the show.
The show is hosted by the Coastal Carvers, which donates a portion of the proceeds to area non-profits. This year, the group decided to support Landscaping with Love, a project that helps Otis residents replant yards that were devastated by the Echo Mountain Complex fire.
The show’s featured artist, Don Zulhke, was born in Sterling, Colorado, and moved with his family to Oregon in 1941. He attended Albany schools and studied architecture at Oregon State University before serving in the army.
While stationed in Germany, Zulhke and his wife, also an artist, traveled through Bavaria and were greatly influenced by the master carvers of Oberammergau. Zulhke returned to study a broad spectrum of arts at Oregon State University.
After pursuing his interest in wood carving he quickly acquired a local following and recognition among his fellow artists. In 1978, he joined 12 other valley artists in a cooperative art gallery in Albany.
The Old Town Gallery was a catalyst for Zulhke’s career and he exhibited there and in other Oregon galleries. His works are now in collections throughout the United States and abroad. He has larger works in the Lebanon Community Hospital, Takena Hall at Linn-Benton Community College, Salem Center Mall and a special, 10-piece commission of natural maple burls for the Pony Soldier Motor Inn.
His work is directly influenced by the natural beauty of Oregon and he prefers working in wood such as black walnut, maple burls, tupelo and oak.
The Artistry in Wood show is Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. Chinook Winds Casino Resort is located at 1777 NW 44th Street in Lincoln City.
For more information, go to CoastalCarvers.org.
Talks and demonstrations
Saturday, Jan. 14
Tututini Room
• Everett Koontz: Kids-only carve-along of a stocking. Limited tools available. 11 am.
• Nancy Girard: Carve-along ornament. Limited tools available. 1 pm.
Chetco Room
• Terry Burnside: Demo and talk on carving a Wood Spirit. 11 am.
• Tom Hasting: Demo on how to woodturn a sphere. 1 pm.
Sunday, Jan. 15
Tututini Room
• Everett Koontz: Adult carve-along of an otter letter opener. Limited tools available. 11 am.
• Gene Tilton: Carve-along Santa ornament. Space limited, tools required. 1 pm.
Chetco Room
• Terry Moss: Demo and talk on how to carve caricature eyes. 11 am.
• Cynthia Longhat-Adams: Pyrography demo and talk with Q&A session. 1 pm.