West Virginia Craftsman coming to Warwick Woodlander Gathering'

WARWICK—At the Woodlanders Gathering on Aug. 25-27, Rob “Stickman” Gorrell of West Virginia will be teaching several workshops on “Building Furniture from Brush.” The Woodlanders Gathering is a three-day event held at the Campgrounds of the Warwick Conference Center on Hoyt Rd. for people who are interested in natural materials, gardens and issues of sustainable living. They provide a forum for people to meet each other and learn new skills. There are over 30 workshops and demonstrations, as well as hikes and studio visits in the Warwick area. “It’s a chance to meet people from around the county, the region and even the country,” said organizer Daniel Mack. “As interest grows in ‘sustainable living,’ the skills and attitudes of Woodlanders become more and more important.” The Woodlander Gatherings began in 2000 in Maine and have been held in Wisconsin and Hunter, NY and now Warwick. This August Gathering in Warwick is the eleventh meeting. Rob “Stickman” Gorrel surprised the Gathering last year by arriving with a van of rustic materials he unloaded and just gave away. “Rob really understands the importance of us all getting together to talk, visit and share” said organizer Janet Fatta. 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,” said Gorrell. Beside Gorrell’s workshops, there are workshops in carving, building garden benches and trellises, flutemaking, basketmaking and many more. The Orange County Land Trust is also having a Day on the Farm Tour Saturday, August 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 to further build the community of people interested in the environmental and social issues of 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, August 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. The Gathering is for people of all skill levels. “What brings people is a simple love of nature,” says Janet Fatta. Those attending are invited to bring their musical instruments and samples of their own handiwork. Camping is available on-site at the Warwick Conference Center. The cost to attend the three-day event is $210, but registration is also available for one or two days. Some workshops include additional fees for materials. To register or for more information, call Janet Fatta at 986 5389 or visit www.woodlanders.com.