Carousel creators offer figure carving class (Feb. 11-22)

MEDIA RELEASE

Paradise Ponies, Inc., a non-profit corporation, intends to construct and operate a unique Hawaii-themed carousel, called the “Carousel of Aloha,” along the Volcano Heritage Corridor.

Paradise Ponies is offering a series of carousel-figure carving classes for those who want to be part of the community project. The first class was held last February.

Master carousel carver Ken Means of Coquille, Ore. taught the foundation of creating a carousel figure: starting from a drawing, to a pattern, and then creating the “blank.” A carousel blank is the block of wood made from laminated boards that become the palette for the carver.

Means is again traveling from Oregon to teach this second carving class, held from Feb. 11-22, 2013. The class cost is just $300. Special arrangements for instruction on a per day basis are available. This is a unique hands-on class where students will take mallet to chisel to begin the creation of a one of a kind carousel figure from a blank. Class size is limited to just 12 students; all levels from beginner to advanced.

“This second class in the series builds upon the skills we learned in the blank making class and begins the process of bringing the carousel figure to life,” said Paradise Ponies, Inc. President Katherine Patton. “Ultimately, the Carousel of Aloha will be the focal point of a bigger park and pavilion that will serve our community and bring everyone together,” she said.

The Carousel of Aloha will feature hand-carved Hawaii-themed menagerie figures like a monk seal, a green sea turtle, pa‘u style horses and a “nightingale,” (the coffee-bean toting donkeys once used on coffee plantations island-wide).

It will also feature seating benches, scenic panels, mirrors and other colorful carousel amenities carved and painted by volunteers throughout Hawaii. An expansive pavilion will house the carousel, gift shop and other indoor spaces available to the community for art and cultural activities, recreation and entertainment.

An adjacent park will add outdoor space for cultural events, and activities for families, residents and visitors to the east side of Hawaii Island.

Volunteers, donations, corporate sponsors and major benefactors are needed.

For further information, call Katherine Patton at 808-315-1093 or visit www.CarouselOfAloha.org

An informational display, including carousel figures in progress, is shown 8 a.m.-1 p.m. each Saturday at the Hilo Coffee Mill in Mountain View.

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