Learn woodworking from a master carver Feb. 5
Aspiring woodworkers are invited to join fellow enthusiasts and master carver Rich Smoker to realize the art of decoy carving from Feb. 5-10 in Crisfield.
Through learning about tools, paint and the craft attendees will come together to create their own bird decoys from a simple block of wood, just like those housed at the famous Ward Museum in Salisbury.
The event is geared towards all skill levels and will provide individualized attention to each attendee. While there are no listening devices available, this event is open and welcome to anyone and will require minimal walking and standing.
The program, entitled “Woodworking: Decoy Carving like the Old Masters,” is ranked as easy on RoadScholar.org and has a five-star rating.
In small groups of 10-24 people, participants will learn about the history of the craft as well as modern techniques.
Attendees will have a chance to attend classes at J. Millar Tawes Historical Museum overlooking the Somers Cove Marina. Likewise, they can participate in discussions of antique and contemporary decoys with a heavy focus on the “legendary” Ward Brothers of Crisfield.
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Prices for the six-day event begin at $825 for the full experience, which includes five nights at Captain Tyler’s Motel, one expert-led lecture, seven hands-on experiences, aid and guidance from an experienced group leader, customary gratuities throughout the event and 14 meals.
Complementing their adventure on the Eastern Shore, participants will be eating high-end local seafood from the Watermen’s Inn Restaurant.
The price for the event also includes the Road Scholar Travel Protection Plan with 24-hour-a-day emergency assistance coverage, as well.
On the first day after check in, attendees will meet at the Tawes Museum between 4 and 6 p.m. for table set up and orientation information, followed by dinner at 6 p.m. at the Watermen’s Inn Restaurant.
Day two will include breakfast, lunch and dinner. Beginning with a discussion on the history of decoy carving, participants will soon move to begin hand-carving their decoy. After dinner, attendees may continue work or take advantage of their free time to do some exploring.
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Day three, three meals will be provided, as well, and attendees can continue carving their decoy. By the afternoon, the novice woodworkers will begin a more detailed carving of the head of their decoy.
On day four, the new woodworkers will finish the detailed carving of their decoy’s head and body and in the afternoon will complete the carving or visit the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, which hosts the renowned carvings of Lem and Steve Ward. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided today, too.
The last full day of the event, participants will set the eyes on their decoy and paint their decoys. Again, three meals will be provided at Watermen’s Inn Restaurant.
On day six, breakfast will be provided followed by the completion of attendee’s decoys and then destressing and an exhibit for participants and guests. Lunch will conclude the enlightening event.