Woodworker's Journal 2009-33-4, страница 14

Model covered-wagon lamp, made in 1943 from scraps found in Tule Lake Internment Camp by members of the Masugi family.

"Woodworks"

At left, a hand-carved, finished leg

from a rosewood concert grand piano, c. 1860. At right, a relief-carved walking stick used in

the early 20th century in Auburn, Washington.

This summer's exhibit at the White River Valley Museum in Auburn, Washington, puts a bit of a twist on the standard "trot out the same artifacts again" shows so common at regional history museums. Instead, "Woodworks: Things of Use and Beauty" focuses on carving, joinery and cabinetry in the European,Japanese and Coast Salish Native American traditions.

While these groups, says guest curator Greg Watson, a wood-carver and art teacher, are the major communities of the area that the White River Valley Museum serves, the exhibit has borrowed items from other venues to investigate how these woodworking objects of "material culture" can help interpret history.

For one thing, Greg said, the tools used by the Native Americans in the area shifted quickly from stone to steel or iron blades following first contacts with Europeans — he compared it to today's woodworkers looking for the latest in tools, seeking to increase efficiency with, for example, carbide, rather than steel saw blades.

Greg's favorite part of the exhibit is the tools: "As a person who works wood myself, I see a tool with history to it, and it makes me think of the people who used the tool in the past. When I look at an old tool that's well-used, it makes me want to honor the person or people who've used this tool."

Years ago, Greg pointed out, people had a much more direct

connection to those who manufactured their objects — whether it was the tools or furniture they used, the food they ate or the entertainment they enjoyed, they would have known the people who created and provided these items.

It's that connection to the groups of the White River Valley that the exhibit, which runs through July 26, hopes to capitalize on. Archive information from the exhibit will also remain on the museum's website after the exhibit closes. For more info, visit www.wrvmuseum.org.

Shop Talk continues on page 24 ...

Puget Sound Salish halibut fishing hook, handmade hemp twine, commercial string, wood and nail, c. 1890.