We stand on the shoulders of the greater leaders that came before us…
Neil McGuire, one of the Charlotte Woodcarvers Lifetime members, a past president, the editor of the newsletter, our webmaster and a very active member of the Charlotte Show Committee passed away on October 8th, 2026. There is not enough room in this newsletter to truly share all of Neil’s contributions to our Club. I only knew Neil as a carver, but his life was much bigger.
Our club has been built by those leaders that have come before us. Each leader has puts their own personal touch on our club. Neil was no different. One of my most memorable Neil stories is sitting in a show committee meeting when he asked to move to an all, online registration process for our show and then shifting our advertising budget from print to digital. At the time, our club was not that willing to change and was certainly not willing to part with the paper forms, but Neil did not give up. Each year he would challenge the committee to move into the 21st century and shift to a more digital presence. He never gave up and each year he would continue to move the needle a little further.
Now we are not completely digital, but I know that Neil was very happy with the amazing digital improvements at our 2026 show. Between the online carver and vendor registration, show scoring on iPads to the QR codes to identify the carver – Neil was so proud of the progress we have been able to make and the legacy that he was able to leave behind.
We stand on the shoulders of the great leaders that came before us and Neil McGuire was certainly a great leader.
Caricature Face Study Stick
This article was orginally written by CCA member Pat Coffey. Pat also performed a class at the Charlotte Wood Carvers Club in 2026 where this was also recorded on video. The One Way to Carve a Study Stick Video complements this tutorial.A 12-Step Exercise in Building a Caricature Face
A wood carving face study stick is a physical teaching and reference tool that demonstrates the sequential development of a carved face. Each step isolates a particular carving skill while allowing the student to see exactly how the face develops from simple cuts into finished features.
This study stick is made from a 1½” × 1½” × 12” block of wood.
The stick is divided into 12 sections. Pick one corner as your starting point. The first eight steps are carved on one side of the stick; the remaining steps continue on the opposite side.
How the Study Stick Works
The important thing to understand is that each step builds on everything that came before it. When you move to the next section, you repeat the previous techniques and then add the new step.
In other words, Step 12 isn’t just Step 12. Step 12 is Steps 1–12 working together. This gives you a handy little piece of wood that demonstrates the entire progression from a few basic cuts to a completed caricature face. Think of it as a carving cheat sheet that fits in your hand.
I was at the Parks and Recreation facility near my home and saw a club advertisement on the bulletin board. I checked them out and have been a member ever since.
A friend in the neighborhood invited me to a meeting. Now Tuesdays don't quite feel right if I miss a meeting.
I attended a Showcase where someone at the membership table encouraged me to join. A member since 2015
After attending the showcase several times and nearing retirement, I joined the club. My first show yielded several ribbons!
A former member invited me 20+ years ago, and I joined. Life got in the way and carving was put aside, but my interest has sparked again recently.