Our mission is to encourage and preserve the art of woodcarving in Southwestern Ohio and beyond. Two friends, Charles Ehlers and John Wilber started the Greater Cincinnati Woodcarvers Club in the spring of 1966. John, a youth program director for The Cincinnati Recreation Commission began whittling as a boy. Charlie had an interest in carving. After Charlie saw a carving display in a Clifton Avenu
e drug store window, he talked to John about carving. They contacted several friends for a carving get together at the Fairview Community Center where John worked. The "Club" grew in numbers after Owen Finsen. the Art Reporter for "The Cincinnati Enquirer", published an article about the young club and their carvings. In the early days, the meetings were very informal and were held with everyone working on carving. They chose the name Greater Cincinnati Carvers Club and elected John Wilber as First President. In 1967, Charlie Ehlers became President. In April of 1969, the meetings became more formal. The first Newsletter and Membership Roster were mailed to the Members. At this time, the name was changed from "Greater Cincinnati Woodcarvers Club" to "Greater Cincinnati Chapter of the National Woodcarvers Association". In April of 1972, thanks to Doc Kessler's suggestion and approval at the July meeting, the name was changed to Cincinnati Carvers Guild, which is still used to this day. The Guild is one of the oldest woodcarving clubs in the United States, and several of the original members still belong or participate in some way. Volunteer Time - a way to secure the future of carving
In addition to creating beautiful works of art out of wood, many of our members also volunteer to do carving demonstrations at local parks and museums. They do this out of a genuine love of carving and the desire to show that woodcarving can become a life long hobby that anyone can participate in at some level. Although the mission of the Guild is to encourage and preserve the art of woodcarving in Southwestern Ohio, its achievements are noteworthy. Each and every member has in some way, helped with the club's mission. They may have told someone, who later came to one of our meetings. And subsequently joined the club. They may have volunteered at one of our many events doing a demonstration, or selling raffle tickets at the show. They nay have carved something, brought it to the meeting for” show and tell", or gave it to a freedom donated it to the club's show. They may put some pieces in one of the libraries around town promoting our club or the show. They may have merely made som telephone calls, or helper in organizing one of the many club projects. There seems to be an endless list of what our members have done. During the past few years our club has:
#1 the membership in the club increased by 2 %.
#2 Presented Carving demonstrations thru out our area,
#3 Displayed carvings at several of our local libraries.
#4 Taught beginner carving classes.
#5 Presented carving classes by several nationally known wood carvers.
#6 has special outstanding wood carvers at our meetings as guest speakers.
#7 Carving 2 special club projects.
#8 sponsored a picnic including other local carving clubs.
#9 Donated funds to the Ruth Lyons Children’s found and Trinity Lutheran Church.
#10 had 50 % Participation of our members in our 36th annual carving Show.
#11 Members of the club carved. Eagle heads, gave them to our Web Master. He put them on Basswood Shaft; he obtains names from Jack Nitz, who sends him names. From The Wounded Warrior Program (Walter Read Hospital DC) They will pick 19 Different Symbols (Purple Heart Medal) (Silver Star) (Bronze Star)(Combat Action Badge)(Combat Infantryman’s Badge)(Eagle globe & anchor)These are but some of the things they request.
#12 Present our annual Christmas party. Yes, the CCG is a strong and vibrant club. We welcome visitors and extend an invitation to anyone wishing to become a wood carver. Join us and watch us grow, you’ll be glad you did.
