West Virginia craftsman offers workshop at Woodland Gathering

| 29 Sep 2011 | 09:12

    Warwick — At the Woodlanders Gathering Aug. 25 to 27, Rob Stickman Gorrell of West Virginia will be teaching several workshops on building furniture from brush. Gorrell has been making rustic furniture for many years and has been coming to many Woodlanders Gatherings both in Warwick and Hunter. “I really like meeting all those people and getting to share what I know,” Gorrell said. The Woodlanders Gathering is a three-day event for people who are interested in natural materials, gardens and issues of sustainable living. It provides a forum for people to meet each other and learn some new skills. There are over 30 workshops and demonstrations, including hikes and studio visits in the Warwick area. Beside Gorrell’s workshops, there are workshops in carving, building garden benches and trellises, flutemaking, basketmaking and many more. This year The Orange County Land Trust is having a Day on the Farm Tour Saturday, Aug. 25. Woodlanders are encouraged to sign-up to visit the six Warwick area farms. Also, a local amateur archeologist will take Woodlanders on a hike to Lenape Indian stone ruins in the Sugarloaf Mountain area. On Saturday afternoon, the Gathering has been invited to the Bruderhof Community in Chester for activities and discussions about the environment and sustainable living. The day ends at a pond with a sunset launching of small homemade boats each lit with a candle. The Gathering ends on Sunday, Aug. 27, at the studio of Daniel Mack in Warwick where he demonstrates the tools and techniques he uses to make rustic furniture and architectural elements. “It’s a chance to meet people from around the county, the region and even the country,” said organizer Daniel Mack. The Gathering is for people of all skill levels. People are invited to bring their musical instruments and samples of their own handiwork. “What brings people is a simple love of nature,” said Janet Fatta. The Woodlander Gathering will be held at the Campgrounds of the Warwick Conference Center on Hoyt Road. The cost to attend the three-day event is $210. To register or for more information, call Janet Fatta at 986-5389 or visit www.woodlanders.com.