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The MAWA Woodcarving Experience at Doane is an annual, weeklong workshop sponsored by the Mid- America Woodcarvers Association of Omaha, Nebraska.
The workshop is held on the beautiful Doane University campus, in Crete, Nebraska. All classes are held in the classroom buildings and students stay in the dormitories. Meals are served in the college cafeteria. All buildings are air-conditioned and most are handicapped accessible. Dormitory rooms are single occupancy with sharing of bathroom facilities.
The curriculum of the workshop presently includes classes in a variety of carving subjects and skill levels.
The 2025 cost for the workshop is $600.00 per person, or $1,170.00 for couples (this includes room and board, administrative costs, and your annual membership dues to MAWA.) Individual class fees vary. There are camper facilities and motels in Crete for those choosing not to stay in the dormitories (a separate tuition price applies to this group; currently $480.00 per person (or $895.00 per couple)
Registration materials are included in the February newsletter. Members receive the newsletter on or about February 1. Registration is on a first come first serve basis based upon return postmarks.
The dates of the 2025 workshop are May 31st through June 5th, 2025.
DESCRIPTION OF CLASSES – 2025
* Note: The **NEW** located next to a class number indicates this is a first year for that instructor, or they did not teach last year.
1.**NEW**Realistic Colored Pencil – Rhonda Smith All Levels /12 Students
**NEW**Realistic Colored Pencil – Rhonda Smith All Levels /12 StudentsThis is a non-carving class. Go from beginner to WOW! We are excited to offer a class on photo realistic colored pencil this year. The class blends demos with guided instruction to create a photo realistic result. Whether you have little or no artistic ability, this class will give you a feeling of accomplishment and a finished picture suitable for framing
2. Caricature Carving – Bruce Ankeny Advanced / 10 Students
Caricature Carving – Bruce Ankeny Advanced / 10 StudentsYou have seen his work in Woodcarving Illustrated. CCA Member Bruce Ankeny will teach five days of carving and painting any of his many roughouts. The pieces may be Santa’s, Hippies, pigs, etc. You will use hand tools and a good light is encouraged. A complete list of tools will be mailed to students by the instructor.
3.Assorted Caricature Carving-- Carol LeavyBeginner-Advanced / 12 Students
Assorted Caricature Carving-- Carol LeavyBeginner-Advanced / 12 Students CCA member Carol Leavy will teach five days carving one of her roughouts. She will have many caricatures rough outs to choose from. The approximate completed sizes range from 9-10 inches. It will be out of basswood.
4.Carving Caricatures - P.J. DriscollAdvanced / 12 Students
Carving Caricatures - P.J. DriscollAdvanced / 12 Students CCA member PJ Driscoll will teach five days carving one of his award winning roughouts. He will have many caricatures rough outs to choose from. The approximate completed sizes range from 9-10 inches. It will be out of basswood. The project you choose may take some extra time in the evening to complete.
5.Moose Bust - Roger NadrchalAdvanced / 12 Students
Moose Bust - Roger NadrchalAdvanced / 12 Students Five days of carving and painting a Moose Bust from a rough-out.. The Moose Bust will be about 10” tall and 9” wide. The Antlers will be made of PVC. Instructor will provide detailed instructions and reference pictures. This carving will be carved and textured using power tools. It will be painted in the class. You will use both power and hand tools, extension cords, dust collector required. and good lighting is the responsibility of each student. Bases will be available for an additional cost; however, students will need to preorder the bases. A complete list of tools will be sent to the students that sign up. Paints will be provided.
6.Realistic Human Bust – Vic HoodAll Levels / 10 Students
Realistic Human Bust – Vic HoodAll Levels / 10 Students The blanks for the class will be made of butternut and large enough to carve a one half to three quarter size human bust. This is not a portraiture class but subject based, for example, an American Indian, Sea Captain, Mountain Man, etc. It is up to the student to decide what they want to carve. The structure of the class allows for all levels of carving experience, from beginners to accomplished. There will be models available to help students to develop ideas and design.
7.Wood Burning on Wood or Leather – Rich WagnerAll Levels / 10 Students
Wood Burning on Wood or Leather – Rich WagnerAll Levels / 10 StudentsBurning on Leather or wood will be the main subject. Zentangle, Ambiguous and Mandela . Zentangle and Mandela, is a method of creating images from repetitive patterns. Ambiguous images, two images in one picture. The Zentangle, Ambiguous and Mandela projects will be wood burned onto a round plate 6”, 8”, 10” or 8”x10” piece of birch plywood. Also, any pattern can be burned onto leather. We would like you to bring a printout of what you wnt to burn, although there will be plenty of patterns for all projects to choose from. Assorted materials will be purchased from instructor, prices will vary. Items needed: red ink pen, eraser, light if needed, extension cord and a burner with controlled temperature and a variety of tips. Instructor will provide all other materials. Cost of materials vary depending on your selection.
8.Miniature Kestral – Norm WiseIntermediate–Advance / 6 Students
Miniature Kestral – Norm WiseIntermediate–Advance / 6 StudentsFive days of carving a miniature Kestral. This kestral is one of the smallest of the falcon family. The carving will be 5 1/2 inches tall, and can be carved by the students choice of male or female. Dust collector required, face masks, wood burner, knife, sandpaper, paint and brushes, ruler, pencils, and light. Base materials are included. Instructor will send email.
9.Chip Carving - Deb RussellAll Levels / 12 Students
Chip Carving - Deb RussellAll Levels / 12 StudentsEnjoy a week of Exploration as you delve into the world of Chip Carving and Design. If you have that person in your life that is hard to buy presents for this is the class for you. From beginner to more experienced chip carvers, take this class and create a unique personalized Christmas Plaque on basswood, approx. 12 x 10 inches. We will not be painting but will have supplies to finish your project. Bring your chip carving knife and any supplies you wish. Instructor will send email.
10. **NEW** Relief Carving- Robert Stadtlander
All levels of carvers. Robert has many relief projects to choose from, primarily landscape scenes, human, and animals. Projects range in size up to 11” wide x 2” tall. Most are 1 or 2” thick. Some incorporate the use of roughouts. The class will cover design, layout, theory of relief and perspective, sharpening, use of knives and gouges, detailing, and finishing techniques. Participants may also work on pieces of their own design providing they clear it with the instructor at least one month in advance. Check the website for current offerings at www.stadtlandercarvings.com. New offerings are added as they become available.
Mid-America Woodcarvers Association
Omaha, Nebraska
