Women Carvers Gathering Once Again! 2024

NWSSA is looking forward to offering another Hand Carving Event for women from June 7-9, 2024 at the Old Alcohol Plant (OAP) and Inn. This is the 6th year that OAP will be our venue for this popular event. “Popular” as evident by how quickly the response was to reserve a spot for the weekend! Within days the quota for what the venue can accommodate had been reached. THAT is a first! Presently, there is a waiting list to attend in case there are any cancellations.

The historic Old Alcohol Plant is located in Port Hadlock, WA, on the Salish Sea overlooking the Port Townsend Bay. The hotel features a restaurant with farm-to-table vegetables they grow on site. Carvers set up their work tables either under their canopies in the Inn’s beautiful gardens or on the adjacent covered patio of the OAP. The Inn’s staff are always most helpful in hauling and setting up the participants’ tables and canopies.

This carving weekend was initiated by Arliss Newcomb. In her honor, the group will contact her with a FaceTime talk during our Friday evening potluck dinner.
Earlier on Friday the participants will gather in an opening circle. Always a treat to see familiar faces as well as new ones! Friday afternoon Gudron Ongman will be offering an hour instructional session about sketching for carvers. She will follow up with a second session on Saturday, building on her first session’s ideas. More options for learning from other participants will be decided among the group.

Saturday, between 10 am – 4 pm the public is invited to visit with the carvers while they work. Also, the public can view an indoor gallery featuring a display of sculptures by the attendees. Portions of any art sold will benefit OAP’s mission (Bayside Housing & Services) to provide temporary housing to members of the community who are transitioning into permanent housing.
NWSSA members, family, and friends are encouraged to come and show their support!