Welcome to Calvo Woodcarving School

Dear Wood Carving Enthusiast,

I am happy to announce that our wood carving school is open for the 2026 season. One of the highlights of my year is teaching you carving in all its varied forms. I enjoy it almost as much as you do and i look forward to seeing each of you this year.

So let me tell you a little about my school and what separates my workshops from others.

First, my wood carving training is very unique and formal in the traditional sense. I was trained by a german woodcarver, Frederik Brunner, who went through the european apprenticeship system and had migrated to the States. I was also trained by Archangelo Cascieri, who was a the student of famed Italian Sculptor Ernest Pelligrini as well as trained by the German wonderboy woodcarver Johannes Kirchmayer. So I have had pedigree training and I know what I am talking about when I am teaching. Second, I am very strong on teaching the fundamentals and reinforcing muscle memory through hand exercises. The basics of woodcarving can be demonstrated in the same way that a tennis coach's primary interest is in the hand - ball - racket coordination of his student. The tennis volley is key to the game of tennis. Wood carving hand technique, tool sharpness and body posture/mechanics are key to the skill of woodcarving. Tennis players are always trying to improve their tennis volley. The same is true in woodcarving technique for the woodcarver.

To quote a student:

"In the course of the carving class David slowly exposed us to complex theories of Art and Design, almost incidentally, leading me down the road to understanding with an easy deep flow like the Gloucester tides. We started each day with a "Camp Fire" where carving concepts were discussed. Concepts such as light and shadow contrasts, concave as opposed to convex forms, highs and lows in the carving, all in easy to digest plain language approach. Intricacies such as grain direction made understandable by the Grain Compass. Stance and tool control, arms position, use of both hands, and leg position to guide tools along the projected path were made simple to grasp by David's easy style."

Whether you are a beginner or intermediate student there are always challanges to bring you to a new level of learning and accomplishment. I try to address these challenges in the workshops that I have put together for you. Each year I make a conscious effort to make my workshops better and more fulfilling. I always look for new ways to say or demonstrate something that helps you move forward in woodcarving skills. In the end, truth is I really enjoy seeing the smile on your face as you start grasp the skill with the same enthusiasm I have had for years. Come join us. You will learn and have fun at the same time.

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to call. Tel. 978-283-0231

Warmest regards,

David Calvo