Talent displayed at annual Woodcarvers Rendezvous

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CREEDE— The Creede Community Center was packed during the week of July 14, and the town welcomed the guests to the 27th Annual Woodcarvers Rendezvous.
The event has been an area favorite for so many years, bringing people from all over the US to enjoy the art of woodcarving with some of the best instructors in the medium. One attendee this year, stationed at the door to welcome guests stated that though woodcarving it thought of by most as a hobby, it actually is considered an art form to those in the trade.
Numbers have been dwindling over the last few years, but this year, according to board members, numbers were slightly up with hopes that even more people would sign up for the event by the end of the week. “We have seen some close numbers in attendance but even with three instructors calling off classes at the last minute, we had a decent turnout,” said Board Director Allen Smith.
Smit,  along with the other board members in attendance, was working on his own project throughout the week, encouraging people to sign up for more classes as he whittled away at a wooden figurine. “Most people consider this a hobby, but for most of us, it is an art. There’s beauty in the way you can shape a piece of wood into something entirely different. We just need to get new people interested in the event and bring the numbers back to where they used to be,” said Smith.
The community center, underground fire department and even the search and rescue building were filled with tables and chairs for several classes. Everything from chiseling to painting and even bead making classes were offered to attendees. “We have something for everyone, whether they are beginners or have been doing it for a long time, there is a class that you will enjoy here. We look forward to coming to Creede every year and helping with this event,” continued Smith.
Tables were laden with finished pieces of art, tapestries carved out of simple pieces of wood that depicted local scenery, wildlife and flowers. Vendors set up along the back corridor, selling wood working tools, jewelry and pieces of wood that could be made into anything from walking sticks to plaques to hang on the wall.
“I think there are some things we need to change and with new board members in office this year, we will look at what we can do. One thing we struggle with is hot breakfasts. We get classes started so early that none of the restaurants are open at that time and though the community center provides lunch and dinner throughout the event, it’s one thing that we can look to make better in the future,” said Smith.
The event ended on a high note, with a large number of attendees at the annual banquet dinner on Friday, July 20. Several pieces of art that were completed during the week were auctioned off with all proceeds going to next year’s event.
A huge thanks goes out to all of the volunteers, instructors and the Creede Community Center staff for their help in setting up the event and supplying food.


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