Beginning in October a dedicated group of Winter Texans and local carvers begin gathering at the Nomad Shrine Club in Pharr. Carvers come together to visit, carve, and rekindle old friendships. Meetings are every Thursday from 8 a.m. till Noon at 1044 Nolana Loop in the Nomad Shrine Club Building from October through March.

The club has a long history in the Valley dating back to 1983. Carving club members come from as far away as New York, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, Texas and even Canada, not to mention the members from right here in the Valley. They meet each week to follow a common passion: woodcarving. Visitors are always welcome. Stop in and check out what’s going on.

Each January, they host an excellent wood carving show, followed by a week of carving seminars. This high-quality woodcarving competition will be held at the Nomad Shrine Club building January 19

and 20. There are realistic human, animal and bird carvings, all types of relief carvings, bark carvings, pyrography, walking sticks, caricature carvings of every kind and chip carvings to name just a few of the styles and disciplines that will be represented at the show. Door donation is $5 per person. Friday hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Carving classes for beginners to experts begin on January 22. There are classes in basket weave illusions, intaglio relief, chip carving pyrography, caricatures, Santas, low relief clay sculpture and painting. There is a beading class for people interested in jewelry. Vladimir Davydov, a carver new to the Valley, is offering a class on a wolf head relief. He was born in Kyrgyzstan and is now touring the US and Canada giving seminars and participating in woodcarving shows.

To register for carving classes or more information visit www.rgvwoodcarvers.org.

The RGVW is dedicated to providing instruction, a place for carving and fellowship to anyone interested in the art and craft of woodcarving. Members welcome newcomers to carving, as well as experienced carvers. There are often impromptu mini classes in carving, as well as assistance for all carvers with questions. Everyone is welcome. If you have any interest in woodcarving, drop by and see what is going on Thursday mornings.

The RGV Woodcarvers will also host their 25th Annual Rally-on-the-Rio from January 22 through January 27. There will be competitions, classes, workshops, and more. Visit the website to view a full list of seminars and to register to attend.