Support Woodcarving

Donate to Woodcarving!

General Studio Support

Experience the rich history and artistry of woodcarving at the Folk School. For generations, students of all skill levels have flocked to Brasstown to learn relief, chip, in-the-round, and other carving techniques from our renowned program. We invite you to support this cherished craft by donating to our woodcarving program’s general operations and capital needs or providing a woodcarving scholarship.

Your contribution will help sustain the program’s general operations and meet capital requirements, ensuring a vibrant learning environment with modern tools and resources. By supporting us, you empower aspiring woodcarvers to develop their skills and preserve the tradition for years to come. Additionally, your generosity can provide a life-changing opportunity for talented individuals through a woodcarving scholarship, regardless of their financial circumstances. Let’s join hands in celebrating the art of woodcarving and fostering a community that values its craftsmanship. Donate today and make a lasting impact on the world of fine craft at the Folk School.

Items to purchase

Spindle/Disc Sander

Vices (8)

Funded

Not Yet Funded

Week or Weekend Scholarships

Our scholarship program helps those who would otherwise be unable to attend have joyous and enlivening learning experiences. Examples of recipients might be young people without deeper financial resources, people burdened by the weight of medical debt, or those challenged by a significant life event who need respite. Imagine helping a passionate, burgeoning creative who’s poised to become a professional artist.

Woodcarving Support Updates

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Support the Folk School During Our Spring Appeal

Spring is finally here, blanketing...

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Fall 2023 Appeal Goal Reached

A huge THANK YOU to everyone...

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Thank you for our new EV Charging Station!

Student and Archives Volunteer Steve...

Support Woodcarving

Home to the Brasstown Carvers, the Folk School has a long history with the fine craft of woodcarving. Students of all skill levels have been coming to Brasstown for generations to learn relief, chip, in-the-round, and other carving techniques. Please donate to support our woodcarving program’s general operations and capital needs or by providing a woodcarving scholarship.

Helen Gibson headshot

Resident Artist in Woodcarving

Helen Gibson

Helen is a Brasstown Carver in the famed local tradition. She studied with Jack Hall and is one of the few instructors who still carves and teaches the Brasstown Nativity figures she illustrates in her books, Carving the Nativity and The Animals of the Nativity. These, along with her books on carving Moses and St. Francis of Assisi, depict her highly detailed style of carving in the round. Helen teaches workshops throughout the Southeast.

Gabe Strand headshot

Woodcarving, Woodturning, and Woodworking Coordinator

Gabe Strand

Gabe is a furniture and cabinetmaker focused on green woodworking and chairmaking. He spent the last two decades living in Seattle, WA where he worked in cabinet shops, built custom homes, and was a whitewater rafting guide. He has been involved in old-time music and dance for many years as a square dance caller and musician. Now living in Brasstown, Gabe is immersing himself in the craft of Appalachian greenwood chairmaking as well as Appalachian music and dance. Look for Gabe leading impromptu lunchtime jams on the Folk School campus.