The Idaho Woodcarvers Guild, Inc. is a nonprofit organization established in 1980 under the laws of the State of Idaho. The Guild exists to encourage and promote the art of woodcarving and related skills in pyrography (wood burning) and other forms of artistry in wood.
Since the beginning the Guild has grown not only in membership but activities and events in which it participates and sponsors. Through its monthly meetings, weekly open carving sessions, public demonstrations and exhibits, workshops and competitions, the organization seeks to attract potential artists and craftsmen to this art form and help them develop their skills.
For may years the Guild sponsored carving shows beginning at the Karcher Mall in Nampa, and expanding into an annual exhibition and competition held at the Idaho Historical Museum and the Boise Centre on the Grove. In 2009, the competition was restructured with the collaboration of other local wood art clubs. This consortium, the Idaho Artistry in Wood Association, now sponsors an annual exhibition. The 2018 Idaho Artistry in Wood Show will take place March 17 and 18 in Boise's new premier exhibition hall at JUMP (Jack's Urban Meeting Place).
Other charitable and fund raising activities the club has participated in include contributions to the Festival of Trees, the "Wishing Star Foundation" and donation of carved canes to disabled veterans. The Guild continues to support educational programs through library displays and voluntary instruction in schools.
Meetings are held at 6:00 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at Woodcraft, 7005 W. Overland Rd, Boise, Idaho. Weekly open carving sessions are held on Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. at Woodcraft. Visitors are welcome at our meetings and activities.
Membership in the Idaho Woodcarvers Guild is open to people of all ages and skill levels. Benefits include: free carving instruction and projects at monthly meetings; information on tools, supplies and carving woods; access to the IWG library of carving instruction books; information on carving classes, competitions and shows; association with other carvers of all skill levels. The annual cost of membership is $20. A membership application form is available on this site.
The Guild’s Hall of Fame includes some of the country’s outstanding woodcarving artists, including four past or present members of the elite Caricature Carvers of America and winners at the Ward World Wildfowl Carving Championship.