........................With Betty Willard
June 7 & 8, 2008
Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Have you ever wanted to carve but found wood either not your thing or perhaps you just wanted to try soapstone? Here is your chance!
Betty Willard, the instructor for this class, is an experienced wood carver who inadvertently discovered soapstone and immediately fell in love with it. Betty’s love of animals extends from her family of pygmy goats, dogs, cats, chickens, donkey and potbelly pig to her soapstone carving. She is an accomplished soapstone carver and her work is displayed throughout the region. Betty taught in Jerusalem several years and now teaches at the Biltmore House in Asheville and the Hendersonville Gem & Mineral Club.
You will carve a fetish bear, buffalo, coyote or other animal, and she will teach you to embellish them as is customary with the Hopi and Zuni Indians, but in your own style. You will also learn about different varieties of soapstone and regional locations for field trips to find your own.
Soapstone carving is fun and easy and beginners are welcome. Tools are simple and the instructor will furnish all materials and supplies.
Advance registration is required. To register, call Tryon Arts & Crafts at (828) 859-8323. Workshop fee is $120.00 for members and $130.00 for non-members and is due at time of registration. The cost of materials will be in the $25 – $35 range and will be paid directly to the instructor at the workshop. Spaces will not be held without advance payment. Payments can be made at or mailed to Tryon Arts & Crafts, 373 Harmon Field Road, Tryon, NC 28782. Credit card payments can be made either in person or by telephone. For additional information about the instructor, please call TAC or Charlotte Caughman, workshop coordinator, at 864-473-0317.