Spring LPWE class event
20-24 May
CCA Carve-a-long East
25, 26, 27 May
Fall LPWE class event
18 - 28 September
The Lake Placid Woodcarving Experience
3 different class events in 2013
Will be held at the historic hotel Northwoods Inn 2520 Main Street, Lake Placid, NY 12946 Toll Free: (866) 294-7171. The Northwoods Inn is located in the heart of this Village which has been home to both the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. Take a look at this wonderful facility here.
The hotel is the tallest building in this picture 
What is this all about?
Welcome to woodcarving in Lake Placid - this will be the 4th year of the program at Northwoods Inn and this year we will be expanding once again with the addition to the Lake Placid Woodcarving Experience (LPWE) of a Spring LPWE event to our regular Fall LPWE event. In addition the CCA Carve-a-long East has moved here as well.
The Spring LPWE event which is new this year is to be held May 20 - 24, 2013 - see below for class details
Immediately following the Spring LPWE will be the CCA Carve-a-along East starting 25 May, recently moved here from RI - for class info, costs, schedules and all details visit it's web site at CCA Carve-a-along East
The Fall LPWE event will be 18 - 28 September. During the Fall LPWE we have 3 different session starting dates - see below for class details
During the Spring and Fall LPWE events there will be a mix of 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 day classes among the sessions so look closely at each class length. In all classes there should be time enough for most carvers to complete and paint or put a finish coat on the projects without feeling "rushed". Most classes are expected to have a low student to instructor ratio for maximum individual attention. Each class is priced differently and you pay the instructor directly for both instructional fees and blank fees. Some class may be appropriate for novice students where they can get very individualized attention, such classes will say that. If you are unsure - feel free to contact Jim O'Dea or the instructor to discuss the class.
The CCA_Carve-a-long East is a different type of event. You will spend one day with each instructor working on a different project with each instructor. You will pay the hotel for room, meals, and instruction - only blank fees are paid directly to the instructors. This is a fast paced carving class using hand tools only and is suitable for those with some experience using palm sized hand tools including knives, v-tools and gouges. This event has moved for 2013 to Lake Placid, NY under the sponsorship of the Northwoods Inn and is held immediately following the Spring LPWE on 25, 26, 27 May 2013. For class info, costs, schedules and all details visit it's web site at CCA Carve-a-along East
The Spring and Fall LPWE Program info:
Class planned for the Spring LPWE event with all classes starting 20 May include:
Class planned for the Fall LPWE event are still evolving but plans call for the following instructors and projects:
During the Spring and Fall LPWE events we offer several "Hotel Package" deals for accommodations and meals as well as the option to be a commuter (RV or from home) and have meals. These "Packages" include the cost of the facility usage for classes but not the class instructional fee (which are paid directly to the instructors).
We will start off each Spring and Fall LPWE events session the evening before with a reception at 7pm in the Hotel's lounge area. Meet and greet your instructors and fellow carvers, with very light snacks and beverages. Gary Smith, the hotel owner, will be on hand to welcome you and provide an overview of the Hotel's history and orient you to the Lake Placid area. There are many sights to be seen and your non-carving companion will have plenty to do and enjoy. See the many exciting things to do in Lake Placid here.
Classes start each morning at 8am to 4:30pm and winding down about 3pm on your last day for those heading home. A breakfast (7:30 to 8am) and Lunch (12:00 to 1pm) are provided on site for your convenience as part of a package plan for the classes. For dinner, you are free to explore the city with it's many fine restaurants within a few blocks walk or eat at the Northwoods Inn dining room.
Services and Supplies available
Don McHugh - 3 day Trout carving class including the base an mounting PLUS as an option 1 or 2 days of Trout fishing in the Ausable River
Charlie Pillips - Flower carving projects - 5 day class
Jim O'Dea- 3 day carving a caricature: Jimbo the "sailor" bear.
to see the details about the Spring LPWE Classes- click here
1st session starting Wednesday 18 September
Bruce Lepper - Blackburnian Warbler - 5 day class
Dennis & Susan Thornton - Carving and Painting "Cappy the Sea Captain" - 3 day class
Charlie Phillips - Flower relief -5 day classes
Chris Howard & Leah Goddard a combined project 4 day class - Native American woman bust with a realistic buffalo bust
Carl Borst - Mountain Man Relief - 3 day class
to see the details about the 1st session Fall LPWE Classes- click here
2nd session starting Saturday 21 September
Pete LeClair - Caricatures - 3 or 4 day class
Sylvain "Bazz" Bazinet - Chip Carving a Clock-2 day class
Mike Bloomquist - Pierce Carved Relief Plaques- 2 day class
to see the details about the 2nd session Fall LPWE Classes- click here
3rd session starting Monday 23 September
Al Jordan - American Kestrel - 6 day class
Sharon C.Bechtold - Woodburning Artistry - 3 day classes
Don McHugh - Sea Turtles - 3 day class
Eldon Humphreys - 4 day caricature "Fisherman" project
Leah Goddard - Realistic Animals -5 day class
Chris Howard - Wood Spirits in Cottonwood Bark - 2 day class
to see the details about the 3rd session Fall LPWE Classes- click here
Spring and Fall LPWE Hotel Accommodations Package Plan one price which includes room, reception, cookout breakfast and lunch each day is available. There is also an optional spouse/companion reception, cookout, and meal plan. Both Spring and Fall package plans are available on The Northwoods Inn web site -click here. Contact the Hotel directly to make your package plan reservation.
Spring and Fall RV and Commuter Plans We have a RV and Commuter package plan which includes the hotel facility costs plus the Reception, cookout, and Lunches only for 2, 3,4, 5 and 6 day classes. Spring and Fall RV and Commuter Plans click here. Contact the Hotel directly to make your package plan reservation.
How to make Spring and Fall LPWE Woodcarving Class reservations: email Jim O'Dea at jeodea@aol.com and let Jim know what class you want. We don't expect large classes, but if there is a problem with max class size, Jim will contact you and work out an alternative or ensure you get a full Hotel Package refund. No deposit is required for class reservations. Class costs vary with specific classes so be sure to read the descriptions carefully noting any additional blank or roughout costs. Contact Jim O'Dea or the instructor with questions on the class content, the hotel staff will NOT have any info about any class. Age Requirement: Students should be at least 18 years of age. No one under the age of 18 is permitted to participate in a class unless their parent is also enrolled in the same class and under their supervision. Please note that Jim is currently traveling and will have intermittent internet access with periods of up to a week without such access so please be patient in expecting a response. There is plenty of spaces available in all classes as we just started advertising for 2013. You will be assigned a spot based upon the date/time stamp of your email to Jim so go ahead and send in your request and he will respond as soon as possible
The Spring and Fall LPWE Schedule for a look at the tentative schedule for this event click here.
The Weather at Lake Placid - while always great, the details and a 10 day forecast are available by clicking here.
Pictures of the 2011 LPWE click here
News articles about the 2011 event: for 2011 event click here.
Non-Carving Companion Classes during the Spring and Fall LPWE:
Classes days and times will be determined by participants while you are there such that you get in as many activities as you desire based on weather and interest. Classes are not expected to run concurrently so you may take all if you wish. Reservation for these classes are made by emailing Jim O'Dea jeodea@aol.com who will let instructor know so enough kits are available.
2013 classes to be offered are yet to be planned. If you would like to teach a class please contact Jim O'Dea at jeodea@aol.com
Non-Carving Companion Activities: Chris O'Dea has volunteered to coordinate tours and site seeing for the non-carving companions whom wish to go as a group. Let us know at the reception if you have someone coming that would be interested.
Lake Placid is an upscale sight seeing destination for your non-carving companions as well as providing a great carving experience for you. Most Carving events are held in locations where there is not much to do for non-carving companions - this will be the exception!! Most carving events are in facilities with minimal room sizes and minimal dinning experiences - this will be the exception! The rooms at the Northwoods are large, suite size rooms,VERY comfortable mattresses and the meals are fine dinning quality.
Lake Placid is located in the Adirondack Region of Northern New York State. This region is unlike any other area of the Northeastern United States, larger than many neighboring states, the Adirondack Region is a blend of quaint, friendly villages that are surrounded by millions of acres of forests. The forests are filled with hundreds of pristine lakes and ponds, endless miles of rivers and streams, and the famous Adirondack Mountains. We are known for our picturesque hiking and walking trails, wilderness paddling opportunities, unparalleled winter recreation where the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics were held, and year-round Adirondack hospitality. Just a short, easy drive from any east coast metropolitan center, we are closer than you think, and further from anything you can imagine! We encourage you to explore The Adirondack Region web site and our region, and plan your trip.
There is so much to see and do in Lake Placid and throughout Adirondacks Region, with so many different areas to visit, plan to come a few days early or stay a few days after, The Hotel will be glad to extend your stay at the same low room rate, just ask for the "extended woodcarver" rate.
For a "virtual tour" by boat of Lake Placid click here.
For a real boat tour try the Lake Placid Marina 518-523-9704 - Cruise pristine waters on a pontoon boat. Highlights of the $15 (adults) one-hour narrated tour which travels 16 miles and includes good views of the former summer residences of the singer Kate Smith, Victor Herbert and Johnny Weissmuller. The tours are available several time a day, May to Oct. Call for current schedule and pricing (518) 523-9704.
For a nature walk try "High Falls Gorge", an eight mile drive from Lake Placid seen here.
Links to other Woodcarving Class Events - click here
Links to Woodcarving Clubs
Links to Woodcarving Shows
