As one of the first mediums in craft, the skill and mastery of wood has evolved into a celebrated material that members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild will showcase on Saturday, August 3rd. From 10 am to 4 pm, makers will demonstrate and share their working processes with visitors at the Folk Art Center. This free event not only educates the public on the rigors and talent that goes into woodworking, but serves the mission of the Guild in preserving a longtime culture and heritage.

The material of wood has multiple sources, such as branches, trunks, roots and even bark, that are used in both function and decoration. Its earliest forms were generated for basic living, as a means of shelter or protection. Pieces of Egyptian furniture from around 2500 BC survive as literal examples of man’s ability to create objects of beauty from wood. Being one of Appalachia’s indigenous resources, trees formed items for the early settlers of this region, such as tables, chairs, bowls, coopered barrels, as well as wagons and homes. Over time, woodwork transitioned into a leisure activity through whittling and carving.

Visitors will have the opportunity to learn multiple processes, such as carving, flute making, turning, and more.