On
this weeks front
page
May
5, 2008
Local carver rakes in awards
Merv Robertson is pictured above with some of his carvings and
intarsia work which recently won a number of ribbons at competition.
By DARRYL HOLYK
Merv Robertson has a lot to be proud of. He recently entered seven pieces in the Wheat City Carvers Show and Competition and won ribbons for each of them, many receiving first place.
Merv began carving just last fall when he joined Wheat City Carvers and began attending weekly classes in Brandon throughout the winter. He decided to enter some of his work in the recent competition, but wasn’t expecting to win any major recognition. However, the judges were impressed at Merv’s detailed work and honoured the local craftsman with a number of ribbons and awards.
A combined horse head and arrowhead piece stole the show winning three first place ribbons in Best of Show, Best of Division and Best in Class for the Beginner’s category.
The piece is carved from Basswood and took Merv approximately three weeks of fairly steady carving to complete.
It competed against another of Merv’s entries, an Indian head which won second place. Other pieces that Merv entered included a carved figure of a horse which placed first in Category and Best in Division. A detailed miniature carving of a boot, completed with nails in the heel, stitching markings, and leather shoestrings earned Merv a first in category, first in division and second in Best of Show. A painted Blue Jay carving placed first in category and second in division. A painted mallard carving was recognized with a third place ribbon in its category. Merv also won first in category and Best in Division for an intarsia wall hanging of an eagle made from cedar.
Merv does not use patterns for his woodwork and creates most from nothing more than a picture. In addition to his new found talent of carving, Merv also enjoys doing fret work and intarsia. He plans to continue creating unique works of art in the three areas of woodworking. Merv will commence his carving classes in the fall with the Wheat City Carvers and encourages anyone else interested in carving to check out the club. Membership fees are reasonable and carving provides a great pastime in which unique works of art are created.
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Chad Robinson drafted into WHL
Last Thursday was an exciting day for fifteen-year-old Chad Robinson. The local minor Bombers player was chosen in the sixth round of the Western Hockey League Bantam Draft as 131st overall, to the Red Deere Rebels.
Chad has been playing hockey for nine years and is anticipating what the future may hold for him in hockey. As of last Friday morning, Chad’s mother Kim did not have many details about what would be next for her young hockey star son, but did indicate that he will most likely try out for the Yellowhead Chiefs next year.
Chad, who plays Centre, is not eligible to play with Red Deere until he is 16 years old. His 16th birthday is next February.
