Scandinavian Flat Plane Figure Carving
with Charles Banks
Experience Level: Beginner, no prior experience needed
Saturday November 2 – November 16, 10am-4pm (3 sessions)

Ages 18+ (Please contact us at dsegerstrom@paramountarts.org if you have a younger student interested in participating) 

Join instructor Charles Banks for a “Flat Plane” character carving experience.  In this course, students will use just a knife to carve a Nordic-inspired character in this introduction to the simplified world of “Flat Plane” carving. This experience is open to new carvers as well as carvers with more experience.  Students will be introduced to the history, past and present carvers, a multitude of figure carving options, necessary cuts and finishing techniques all culminating in a finished carving or two. This class does require a modest amount of dexterity and hand strength.

Required Tools: 

Flat/ straight edged carving knife 1 ¾ to 2 inch works well 

Cut resistant glove

Optional Tools:  Carvers are welcome to bring whatever tools they own. 

Blanks are available for purchase from the instructor $10 and up.

Note from Instructor:  This class is modeled after our flat plane mentor Harley Refsal.  We honor his teaching and experiences that will continue to be shared.

Biography
Emerging artist/ woodcarver Charles Banks is a Minnesota-based carver with a passion for the Nordic arts. His area of study for the past twenty years has been Scandinavian Flat Plane figure carving.  A current art educator and lifelong learner, Charles gives his students  hands-on experience including history, influential individuals, a study of individual characters, and character design all culminating in the creation of his student’s own hand-carved characters.  Charles teaches at the John C. Campbell Folk School, The Vesterheim Folk School, Northhouse Folk School the American Swedish Institute and the Milan Village Arts School. His personal message to all students taking classes is,“Thank you for investing in yourself”, “Sloyd time versus screen time” and “Welcome to the Flat Plane Family”!

Studio Practices- What to Expect While You Are Creating with Us!

The Paramount Center for the Arts welcomes all people to the Studios with the expectation of inclusion and respect towards all, including yourself, fellow students, instructors, staff and volunteers.

Instructor Prep Time: Please allow your instructor time to prepare your classroom; if you arrive more than 15 minutes earlier than the class start time, please explore one of our onsite exhibition spaces or wait in the Lobby in the Visual Arts Department.

Cleaning: Please help keep the Studios a welcoming space by cleaning up your area before departing the building.

Weather Closures:  In the event of severe weather, the Visual Arts Department will update the phone messages on the Information Desk (320) 257-3125, announce closures on the Paramount website homepage, and will communicate via email to any students whose class meeting time is impacted by the closure