South Peace Historical Society

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  • Table of Contents

    • Part 1: First Nations of the Peace River Region
    • Part 2: The Fur Trade Era
    • Part 3: Transportation and Communication
    • Part 4: Old Timers and the Price of Land
    • Part 5: Dawson Creek: The Story of the Community
    • Part 6: Mysteries, Adventures and Indian Legends
    • Part 7: Arts, Crafts and Recreation
    • Part 8: Agriculture
    • Part 9: Church Histories
    • Part 10: Schools
    • Part 11: Health Care
    • Part 12: Industries and Enterprises
    • Part 13: Policing the Peace
    • Part 14: Pouce Coupe, Rolla, and Other South Peace Communities
    • Part 15: Chetwynd and the Fort St. John Area
    • Part 16: The Alberta Peace
    • Part 17: Natural History of the Peace River Region
    • Part 18: Interviews with Old Timers
    • Part 19: Remembering Our Veterans

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BN12-41: Artisans Will Abound at Wood Forum

Recent History – 2000

Sept. 11, 2000, By Mark Nielsen, Daily News Staff

Appreciators of fine wood products will have plenty to enjoy when the Peace Wood Works 2000 Northern Wood Forum takes place this weekend in Dawson Creek.

Wood replicas of trucks and trains,hand-painted boxes for toys and bedding, rustic furniture, bowls and other kitchen utensils — all this and more will be on display at the Forum’s trade show.

And the high degree of workmanship will be very evident.

Vanderhoof-based craftsman Scott Weaver, for example, makes replicas of Caterpillar heavy equipment that feature 340-400 pieces for the track alone.

And his toy set, which won the people’s choice award at a wood forum held in Vanderhoof this summer, is complete down to the moving pistons on the wheels.

“He’s very detailed and intricate about everything,” said his wife, Candy, from Vanderhoof. Weaver’s work has become popular among those seeking gifts for employees about to retire or who have won safety awards.

Neil Wohlgemuth, who runs Fantasia Artworks out of Grande Prairie, dazzles people with his hand-painted boxes. Angels, roses, and birds are depicted on boxes for toys, clothing, and cards.

His larger items are made out of Peace country aspen while the smaller ones are made out of cherry and juniper woods found around the province.

Rustic furniture, made from birch, aspen, and so-called recycled wood is the specialty of Sandy Troudt and Meip Bergerjon, who operate Owl Hollow Willow Works in Fort St. John.

Willow comes into the name because that was the type of wood they were originally interested in working in. But they’ve since branched out so to speak.

What’s the appeal of rustic furniture? “I think partly because people are interested in natural products,” Troudt said. “The back-to-nature feel.”

Added to that is the natural appeal of wood. “Who cannot be affected by the beauty of wood?” Troudt said.

Masters of the lathe, Pat and Ilse Baker, who run Creative Woodworks out of Prince George, specialize in the kitchen Ñ spatulas, spoons, cutting boards, rolling bins, and especially bowls of all sizes.

Indeed, the Bakers have raised the commonplace into something of an art form Ñ two years ago they came away from the wood forum in Houston with a first and second prize in the home decor and value added categories.

But like the many who will take in the trade show, to be held in the curling rink from Thursday, Sept. 14 to Saturday, Sept. 16, those in the trade show themselves will be interested in seeing what else can be made from wood.

“People will be astounded at what can be done with wood,” Wohlgemuth said. “The craftsmanship will be something else.”

This article is taken from the Peace River Block Daily News, Dawson Creek, with the permission of the publisher. The Daily News retains all rights relating to this material. The information in this article is intended solely for research or general interest purposes.

« BN12-40: LP’s laminated veneer plant being built in Dawson Creek

BN12-42: Oil & Gas Rights Sale Nets Province $51.7 Million »

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