It was the spring of 2006 that a group of around 40 individuals gathered at the Bell center social hall to form the Sun City Carvers. The club is still small, ranging from 50-60 members but three members from the original group are still with them today. They now have a club room at the Lakeview center and still charge the original $5 annual membership fee.

Wood carving can be basic whittling, using a knife, with one or two blades, to a complete set of knives and gouges of one to two dozen. There are several forms of wood carving, from basic free form or “in the round,” to caricature carving, relief and chip carving. Wood carving also involves power carving and wood burning.

Gourds are a canvas for many techniques and most media. The natural variations on each sculptural gourd provide opportunities for inspiration, for creative solutions and for some surprising outcomes. Gourds may be carved, painted, sanded, burned, dyed and polished, all of which can be done in the Lakeview club room 213.

Members gather 8 a.m.-noon Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Call 623-275-2393.