By Lori Ehde
The Blue Mound Woodcarvers are enjoying a resurgence of interest in wood carving.
Their membership has climbed to 36, and they're working with a group of 13 new students.
What's the point? To learn the art of wood carving, of course.
Accomplished wood carvers take pride in the unique form of artistry and the opportunities it presents.
"In every block of wood there's a figure or an animal or a design just waiting to come out," said Mark Wieneke, president of the Blue Mound Woodcarvers.
"Some of these guys have really done some great work."
The Blue Mound Woodcarvers Inc. is a chapter of the Minnesota Woodcarvers. The local chapter was founded on May 12, 1986.
The group meets at 7:30 p.m. every third Monday of the month in the basement of the Carnegie Cultural Center.
The club periodically hosts guest instructors to speak on specific wood carving methods, such as wood burning, chip carving and relief carving.
Classes are offered to the public in February and March.
The Blue Mound Wood Carvers are the sponsoring organization for Arts in the Park, a major highlight of Luverne's annual Buffalo Days celebration.
The Woodcarvers started the event 14 years ago with 27 crafters displaying their wares in booths. The second year attracted 80 vendors, and since then the event has become so popular, many are turned away, according to Jim Viland.
This year, he said, 130 vendors will be present, and so far, three-quarters of them have already signed up for the June celebration.