260804 Whittling Class Tuesdays 11am-2pm August 2026

August 4th, 11th, 18th, & 25th

In this 4-week course, Mauricio Luciano will guide students through the fundamentals of whittling. Whittling is a wood carving technique characterized by its intimate nature; a practice done sitting down with only the use of knives and small handheld chisels or gauges. This class is wonderful for beginners, as Mauricio works with each student individually to help them create a small-scale wood sculpture out of a 2"x3"x7" cedar block. 

While very beginner friendly, we highly recommend coming to the first class with a design in mind within the dimensions above. 

This course teaches the basics of whittling, including:

• How to handle each tool to ensure safe and proficient carving.

• How to conceptualize a three-dimensional image into a block of wood before learning the carving technique to arrive at the image.

• Planning and designing

• Roughing out

• Detailed carving and how to create clean cuts to reach a smooth surface

Week one: Students will learn different cuts and ways of holding tools while practicing on scrap wood. They will map out their designs on the block of wood and will be individually instructed in bringing their vision to life.

Week two and three: Carving away!

Week four: Learning about sanding and finishing. Students will be shown examples of the different types of finishes to make their piece feel complete. The instructor will also demonstrate the process of painting wooden sculpture, for those interested.

Mauricio Luciano is an artist from Puerto Rico, where he learned at a very early age the folk tradition of cedar saint carving. Mauricio has trained in both wood and stone carving as well as painting and printmaking, all of which he still enjoys engaging with both professionally and personally.

Tools are included for class use.

CLASS meets Tuesdays, 11am-2pm