Creativity on Display by Colleen Belli
Woodcarving Show March 23-24 at Packard Proving Grounds
Creativity and camaraderie go hand in hand with the members of Metro Carvers of Michigan, MCM, that meet at the Washington Township Senior Center. Laughter and the chip-chip sound of busy hands with fine tools permeate the room at carving sessions every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 9 a.m. until noon. The carvers are currently working on fine pieces for the club’s upcoming show, 42nd Artistic Creations in Wood, to be held March 23-24 at the Packard Proving Grounds in Shelby Township. The annual show features carvings for sale, competition, and demonstrations as well as raffles and door prizes.
Woodcarving is more than simply whittling. It is an art form. Among many styles the most common are chip carving, relief carving and character carving as well as wood burning. The mission of MCM, which has several groups throughout the Metro area, is to promote wood carving or shaping; and share knowledge in the artistic use of wood - through meetings, shows, competition, discussions, workshops, and other opportunities.
The Washington Township group began in the early 1980s and Pat Murphy was one of the first to join. A retired tool maker from Chrysler Corp., Murphy likes to work with his hands. Considered a master carver, mentor, teacher, and friend, he is still a member after more than 40 years. Icicles carved from bass wood are his latest favorite project, made with the chip carving technique. Each icicle is topped with an iconic figure – like a Tiger baseball, a wreath or nutcracker for the holidays, a church, lighthouse, or penguin, all hand-carved.
A pleasant soft-spoken man, Murphy plans to demonstrate relief carving at the annual show in March. For relief carving a scene is cut into a flat piece of wood. Over the years Murphy has done many, including maritime and farm scenes. Murphy said, “I like all types of carving. I am not particular.” His wife, Arlene, is also a member of MCM. She loves woodburning and teaches it as well.
Another female carver, Jean Martin, is a former teacher at Bemis Junior High School in Utica. When contemplating retirement, she knew she would need a hobby. Before her last year of teaching, she came to the Washington Senior Center to learn to carve. “In the summer of 2014 I took a class and got hooked,” Martin said. “It is a marvelous group. They are wonderful people.”
Her first project was an eagle cane head. “I did a little of everything until I found my niche – minis. They are a challenge. The smallest thing I ever carved was a picnic table and a wishing well in a bottle,” Martin proudly declared.
Member Don Shook carves houses out of bark. “I like cottonwood,” Shook said. “I like the color and it is a softer wood.” That and the fact that he can get lots of wood free from his son who lives on property in Traverse City, fuels his hobby.
He takes inspiration from the wood itself. “Put the wood to your ear and it talks to you,” Shook explained. “I came to carving 12 or 13 years ago to do relief carving and I have yet to do relief carving. I sat next to a guy who did bark carving and that is what I got into.” That is his niche.
“I have always wanted to carve. It was not until I retired that I got a chance to get into it,” he added. Shook taught drafting at Stevenson High School in Utica and auto body design at Macomb Community College. Now Shook is serving as president of MCM in Washington Township.
Shook was at the helm during many changes in the club due to the pandemic. Covid posed difficult challenges. The club’s storage facility was closed during that time, cutting access to supplies. In addition, the building where the annual show had been held for years was also closed and later sold. MCM scrambled to find a new venue. Last March it held its annual show at the Packard Proving Grounds and everyone got excited about the new space. It invigorated the group. “We are doing a better job of promoting our club. We have a great group of friendly people doing lots of different types of carving, including chip carving and character carving. We have experts that can teach and help you out – whatever you want to learn.”
Don Faulkner is one of the newest members. Recently retired after 35 years with Fanuc Robotics, Faulkner likes to work with bass wood. Over the holidays he started character carving. He completed three snowmen and is now carving an Irishman with great painted detail. “This is a great group,” Faulkner said. “There is great talk. Sometimes I do not get a lot done.”
One important project keeps all the members busy, called “Lean on Me.” The carvers create wooden canes that are topped with eagle heads. Each is created for a Michigan veteran from any branch of the military, who has served our country during time of conflict. The cane is individualized with the veteran’s name, military branch, and service location. It also details all medals the vet earned. Thus far, more than 5,000 canes have been distributed in Michigan.
For more information about Metro Carvers of Michigan, visit the club website metrocarvers.com. Additional information about the upcoming show in March, contact Sharon Hill at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (586) 557-3712.