Gathering Of Woodcarvers

10/17/2025

10/03/2025

ONLY ONE WEEK 'til Gathering of Woodcarvers' Woodcarving Art Festival 2025! There are still a few seats open in classes with some great carving instructors including, Dylan Goodson, Vic Hood, Roger Stegall, Chris Whillock and pyrographer, Marie McDonough. Find out more and download a registration form on the website:

09/24/2025

I am very sad to announce the passing of one of GOW's most faithful participants, 75 year old Theodore, "Ted" Schaumburg of Sycamore, IL. A celebration of Ted's life will be held with an open house from 11 AM to 3 PM on Saturday, October 18 at Grumpy Goat Tavern, 875 Sports Way, in Elgin, IL. We will miss you Ted. Carve on!

09/11/2025

Only 3 weeks + 1 day 'til the Gathering of Woodcarvers' Woodcarving Art Festival 2025! All classes still have SEATS AVAILABLE! Carve Busts with Vic Hood, caricatures with Roger Stegall, realistic figures or a relief scene with Dylan Goodson, a woodspirit in bark with Chris Whillock or a whimsical bark cottage with Joshua Walters. You might also like to create beautiful pyro-graphics (wood burnings) with Marie McDonough. Get a registration form and more information on the website and join us on October 10, 11 & 12 at Lyon Farm in Yorkville, IL. Go to:

Learn from Experts Carvers Teaching Carving Classes 95% of carvers say they benefit from face-to-face instruction/coaching. 85% of carvers are interested in learning new styles of woodcarving. 98% of attendees say they would take another class from their G.O.W. instructor. Areas of Instruction Reali...

08/10/2025

A few years ago, I carved this welcome sign for GOW. Unfortunately, someone decided to help themselves (one person would have needed help to get it down) to the "WELCOME" section, which I'd spent time and effort carving. Even though it was a few years ago, it still bothers me that some selfish, low-life theif, felt it was their "right" to steal my sign, a sign meant to WELCOME carvers to GOW. If anyone (most likely in the Sandwich, IL area, since it was hung at entrance #2 of the Sandwich fairgrounds) sees my sign anywhere, please either contact me or report the theft to the police. I know it's probably way too late to expect results now, but I just couldn't rest, never trying to expose this crime. Thanks for reading my rant!

08/04/2025

Hey Carvers! Check out our ad on pg 15 of the Fall 2025 issue of Woodcarving Illustrated magazine. Issue #112 is a GOOD ONE! Also, on page 68, GOW member carver, W. Todd Martin shares his Tyrolean accordion player, a very cute carving for Oktoberfest! Looks like a fun carve.

08/03/2025

Updates to the GOW website are now active. Under the "Carving Classes" tab you will find tabs for "Lodging & Dining Options" and "Carving Competition". We are still working to add to the Dining options, however the "Lodging" page includes an opportunity for a discount on the price for rooms at the Best Western Oswego. Check it out!

Learn from Experts Carvers Teaching Carving Classes 95% of carvers say they benefit from face-to-face instruction/coaching. 85% of carvers are interested in learning new styles of woodcarving. 98% of attendees say they would take another class from their G.O.W. instructor. Areas of Instruction Reali...

08/01/2025

The good news: registrations are coming in! The bad news: class sizes are limited.
DON'T WAIT, REGISTER NOW!
Get your registration form on the website

Learn from Experts Carvers Teaching Carving Classes 95% of carvers say they benefit from face-to-face instruction/coaching. 85% of carvers are interested in learning new styles of woodcarving. 98% of attendees say they would take another class from their G.O.W. instructor. Areas of Instruction Reali...

07/29/2025

🎉🪵 Attention Wood Carvers! 🪵🎉
We’re excited to announce the official hotel for the Gathering of Wood Carvers 2025!
Book your stay at Best Western Oswego and enjoy a special group rate of $109.00 + tax per night.
🛏️ Comfortable rooms
🍳 Free hot breakfast
🚗 Free parking
📍 Just minutes from the event venue!

🗓️ Dates: October 9–12, 2025
📌 Book Now: https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.14226.html?groupId=C93PD0H7
⏳ Deadline to Book: September 1, 2025

Let’s make this year’s event unforgettable! 🎨✨

Book your stay at the The Best Western Oswego Inn in Oswego IL. Enjoy spacious guest rooms, free Wi-Fi and free breakfast. Low Rate Guarantee

07/19/2025

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07/03/2025

BREAKING NEWS: GOW 2025 will welcome Instructor and Carving Tool & Supplies vendor, Chris Whillock to our festival. Chris will teach a class on Carving Faces in Cottonwood Bark. Chris' name has been added to the registration form (availabel on the website) but his class page is yet to be published; awaiting details from Chris.