Penn State Brandywine will host the 31st annual William Rush Woodcarving and Wildlife Art Show and Sale on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The event, which will be held in the Commons Building gymnasium, will feature hand-carved birds, animals, marine life, wildlife art and more for sale, all created by skilled artists. Door prizes will be awarded every hour, carving demonstrations will be held and books, tools and supplies will be offered for sale. The price of admission is a $4 donation benefiting the Penn State Brandywine Scholarship Fund. Children aged 12 and under are free with an adult.
Each year the chapter names a William Rush Carver of the Year. This year's winner is Brent Kresge, who became interested in wood carving when he was in elementary school. He went to a high school art show and saw the work of science teacher, Bob Demarest, who had a display full of chains carved from wood and other challenging items. A few years later, Kresge attended Demarest's science class, and the two reconnected. Demarest taught him new carving techniques and invited Kresge to join him at historical festivals and demonstrate at his workshop in Millbrook Village, N.J. Ever since graduating he tries to join him each year at the festival. After college, Kresge joined the Pocono Mountain Woodcarvers club for several years and the William Rush Woodcarvers club after moving to the Philadelphia region.
Kresge's favorite projects are whittled chains and balls in a cage pieces, which tie into other folk art projects he enjoys. When he has a chance to travel, he'll look for a carving class in a unique location. He's found classes in Maine and several outside of Seattle, where learning the northwestern Indian style of carving was especially rewarding for him.
This is Kresge's fourth year as president of the William Rush Woodcarvers and he's always pleased to share his knowledge and craft with others.
The William Rush Woodcarving Club was established in January 1977 by a small number of woodcarvers and people interested in wood carving. For more information about the club, please call Al Bailey at 610-675-7069.
