Celebrate the carving craft at Wood Day

Jul 26, 2023

Derek Hennigar gives the craft his full concentration.

Photo via the Southern Highland Craft Guild

These makers are coming out of the woodwork and going against the grain (okay, we’ll stop) at this year’s Wood Day, hosted by the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Showcasing woodworking techniques and carving artistry, the free event will take place Saturday, Aug. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Folk Art Center.

Learn about woodcraft from the masters, get a little hands-on experience with basic techniques, and see how branches and bark are transformed during a day of demonstrations. From 1 to 3 p.m., woodcarvers will compete to be the fastest at carving a wooden bird.

Trees are one of Appalachia’s natural resources, so this annual event seeks to educate the community not just about the talent, precision, and training that goes into the art of woodworking but to preserve the culture and heritage surrounding the craft.