intermediate Wood Carving
TRACK

Duration: 6 sessions
(2 hours each)
Class Size: 8 people max
Price: $399 *
Ages: 16+

* Includes a 6-week membership at Maker Works

Dates and Times: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Sundays, March 22nd - April 26th.

Designed for carvers who have taken an introductory class or completed a few projects and want feedback, practice time, and guidance from an experienced instructor. Registration ends March 21st.

About the Instructor

Mike Kapetan, a former teacher at the University of Michigan School of Art and Design, brings decades of experience and draws from the spiritual, scientific, and historical roots of art and sculpture. Whether you're an aspiring carver or looking to deepen your skills, you’ll explore the art of wood carving in a rich, immersive environment under his guidance.

who this is for

Individuals with some carving experience (previous ‘Introduction to Wood Carving’ attendees are highly encouraged).

You should already own, and have some experience using and sharpening chisels or gouges, and are looking for input on how to improve your craft.

What You’ll Learn

You can either bring an existing project or goal that involves carving organic shapes, or be provided a project by Mike to advance your skills.

• If you have a project, you’ll receive guidance on how to improve and move forward to achieve your goal.

• If you don’t have a project, you will be provided a relief, or a 3 Dimensional ‘in the round’ project.

Possible learnings include:

• How to work from a clay model

• How to work from a drawing

• The right tool for the job

• Sharpening and keeping tools sharp

  • You should have experience with this already, but we’ll help hone that skill.

  • You will present a sharpened tool every week

• Safe, efficient body mechanics and carving form

• Developing depth, tone, and texture in your carving

• Traditional techniques and inspiration from historical woodcarvers

What’s Included

• A six-week membership, giving you access to the Maker Works shop beyond class so you can keep progressing between sessions. Be prepared: Mike gives homework!

• Six Sunday sessions with Mike, two hours each, and a small group of fellow carvers for two hours.

How the Series Works

Each session begins with a group check-in to discuss progress, challenges, and lessons learned.

If you have your own project: Mike will help you refine technique and plan next steps.

If you don’t have a project: Mike will offer a range of exercises and projects to help develop your skills.

Requirements

• Participants should bring:

  • their own carving tools

  • carving glove(s)

  • sharpening stones and strop

  This series is designed for carvers who already have their own tools and some basic experience using and sharpening them.

• If you have a project, you are encouraged to bring your own materials!

  • If choosing materials is one of your questions, we’ll help you figure that out during the first session.

• If you don’t have a project, we can provide selected materials at cost.

This series is ideal for carvers who have taken an introductory class or have already worked on some projects, and want feedback, practice time, and guidance on their own projects.

What have people said about similar tracks with Mike?

Optional but Recommended Reading

At any point before, during, or after the track, Mike recommends these books if you’re looking to go even further with wood carving:

• Sharpening Carving Tools for Beginners by Lora S. Irish

• Understanding Wood by R. Bruce Hoadley

• The Soul of a Tree by George Nakashima

• The White Bird John Berger

Register below!