Go “Behind the Bark” at a Special Event This Week in La Grange

At the Historic Casino Hall, 254 N. Jefferson Street in La Grange, the International Wood Collectors Society will be hosting an event where unique and beautiful woodwork will be displayed. This nonprofit Society presents their free event, “Behind the Bark - Nature’s Artworks,” on Tuesday, November 1 from noon until 5 p.m. and Wednesday, November 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Highlighted will be several types of figured woods from across the globe.

But this event is only a part of what the IWCS has done for the community; since 1947, when the Society was founded, members have been learning about methods of recognizing and naming wood specimens. They also have focused on the collecting of wood species for academic purposes. However, more recently, the focus of the IWCS has shifted to the captivating beauty of the woods that they have gathered. Their creative minds have been able to create fascinating artwork out of a variety of woods. While the academic aspect of woodwork is the foundation of the Society, an emphasis on crafting has opened doors to new opportunities for members.

The IWCS Executive Committee are the people who have made all of these prospects possible. President Mark Duff, President-elect John Lyons, Vice President Stan Joehlin, Secretary and Treasurer Patti Dickherber, and Publications Chair Willem Hurkmans are passionate about wood and the special kind of art that can be created with it. Every one of these people and multiple other members engage in IWCS events and wood auctions. The buying and selling of wood have also become a vital part of what the Society does; woods from all around the world are auctioned off to interested buyers. Members often attend these events and others hosted by the Society.

However, the upcoming event is not only to be attended by members; anyone is welcome to stop by and appreciate the artwork that has been 

fashioned out of wood. Newer member, David Flicker, who is in charge of “Behind the Bark – Nature’s Artworks,” states that “The purpose of the exhibit is to showcase the beauty of wood as a form of natural art, just as mineral specimens are appreciated by people around the world. We are used to seeing objects made from figured wood but the emphasis is the design and workmanship with the material itself being secondary. We hope to show that exceptional pieces of wood can stand on [their] own as objects to be appreciated.” The IWCS anticipates that the event will increase interest in exceptional woods, specifically figured wood.

“Wood figure” often refers to shapes and patterns that the grain of the woods makes, and figured wood can be found on several types of timber. The fact that trees often don’t grow straight can cause wood to become figured. This occurrence can also be initiated by an injury to the wood, insects, fungi, and molds. People often desire this kind of wood for its unique look. Because of the interesting details on figured wood, it is often used for artwork, and the upcoming event at the Historic Casino Hall is no exception.

Anyone, even the casual reader, can appreciate the natural beauty found in all types of wood. All are welcome to stop by and view the artwork on display at “Behind the Bark – Nature’s Artworks.”