Introduction to Wood Carving: A Walking Stick Workshop with Leo Hein (Saturday, Dec 12 | 12:30 to 4:30 PM)

1-day workshop

Saturday, Dec 12| 12:30 to 4:30 PM

Location: *Norman Sunshine Center, 11 Green Hill Road, Washington, CT

*Parking is available behind the building.

Create a one-of-a-kind walking stick while learning the timeless craft of woodcarving with master carver Leo Hein. Whether you’re planning autumn hikes, winter walks, or simply want to create a functional piece of handcrafted art, this workshop offers a unique introduction to carving with wood.

Under Leo’s expert guidance, you’ll shape and carve your own sturdy walking stick and learn techniques you can continue to explore long after the workshop ends. By the end of the session, you’ll take home a finished walking stick of your own creation—and the foundational skills to make more.

All sticks and use of a shaving horse will be provided by the instructor.

About the Instructor

Leo Hein is a master woodcarver and former president of the Connecticut Woodcarvers Association. He began carving at the age of four, learning the craft from his mother and creating his own toys as a child, including birds, ducks, and bows and arrows.

After high school, Leo served in the military and went on to work in house restoration, engineering, and sign making. His restoration experience also included work with the Carousel Museum and Bushnell Park Museum. Leo has exhibited his work internationally and recently participated in the Big Ink Print Festival at Five Points Arts. Throughout his life and career, his passion for carving has remained a constant, and he continues to share his knowledge and enthusiasm for the craft with others.

About the Instructor

Leo Hein is a master woodcarver and past president of the CT Woodcarvers Association. He began woodcarving at age four, learning the craft from his mother. As a child, he would carve his own toys including birds, bow and arrows, and ducks. Leo joined the military following high school graduation and later worked in house restoration, engineering, and sign making. He continued to work in restoration for the Carousel Museum & Bushnell Park Museum. Leo has exhibited his work internationally and recently participated in the Big Ink Print Festival at Five Points Arts.

Cancellation Policy

Participants who withdraw from a class must request a refund or credit more than 14 days prior to the start of the class in order to receive a full refund or credit (minus a $20 cancellation fee or 10% for one-day workshops). Participants who cancel a registration between 8 and 14 days prior to the start of the class may receive a 50% refund or credit. Participants who cancel a registration less than 7 days prior to the start of the class will not receive a refund or credit.

Washington Art Association does not offer prorating for classes, and there are no make-ups, credits or refunds if a student misses a class.

Membership fees are non-refundable.

Workshops may be cancelled due to low enrollment if a minimum number of participants are not met. Registrants will be notified in advance and a refund or credit will be arranged.