Formal training

I would like to know of schools in Texas, MN. Anytime of the year. North Texas, MPLS/STPL areas.
Have my beginning scars. Now that I think I can handle my knife, I would like to go to school. I believe learning from a master carver will help very much in answering 'How did I do that?' question. If anything, it can only save me time by doing it right. And help me select tools I will be needing now that I am soooo interested in this craft. It has help me in rehab. The VA thanks you.
Would appreciate all advice from fellow woodcarvers.

[FatEddy]

What particular type of carving did you have in mind? Also, most instructors also sell tools, so beware. If you aren't sure about what kind of carving you want to get into (and evien if you are) I suggest joining a club, there's almost sure to be one around close.

Anybody else got some oppinions, I don't want to steer him wrong.

I agree join a club, they will know of good classes, also woodcraft occasionally has classes but don't know if they are for woodcarving

Woodcraft stores have a variety of classes. The one here in Tucson has a free meeting on Wednesday Mornings where people get together and carve.

I would check with the Minnesota University system's art department; they should have sections on sculpture, and probably have a class or two in woodcarving. Most of the schools in the midwest that I've seen are dedicated to either bird, fish, or animal carving. Haven't seen any 'formal' woodcarving offerings in the area. European schools seem to offer more formal training in all aspects. You may have to shop around for the particular type of carving that interest you.

There is a wildlife carving seminar located over near Marquette, Michigan, but off hand I don't remember who runs it. Ed Wallicki, down near Novi, Michigan has a school for fish carving, and he may know of more schools in different areas.
Try www.fishcarver.com for Wallicki, and I believe he has links on his site to other carvers who instruct.

Al

[lorax]

I don't know about TX, (BTW, I used to live by Sherman) but in MN there is one of the more famous carver/teachers, Ivan Whilloch. He has other people who help teach, like carcture expert Marv Kaiserslagt. Ivans daughter Marnie is a distributor of Stubai carving tools, an excellent brand, so you would be covered on that end. I have never taken classes there, but it is a dream of mine.

There is also a wealth of information in woodcarving illustrated, it shows alot of different styles, so you can find an area of interest that suits you. I have never been to club meetings, but they sound like a great way to find out about carving too.

[lorax]

http://www.whillock.com/

Oh Here is the link.

Guess I was wrong about that lack of formal schools in the MN area.......thanks, Lorax! *Still wouldn't hurt to check the U of M art school, though.

Al