I cannot remember a time when woodcarving and art were not central factors in my life, or did not permeate every house I  lived in. I have always been heavily involved with woodcarving and have never worked in any other field than art. I grew up deep in the Boston Mountain Range of the Ozarks, as the second daughter of the Denton family of woodcarvers, not intending to be a woodcarver, or indeed an artist in any field.  In those days, I still thought there was a job description for raising horses.  However, as I grew up,  I began to understand the value and originality of woodcarving as an art form, and to appreciate the unique direction from which my family approached this form of sculpture.   I hope that my style clearly reflects my upbringing in the woods and close to nature, and combines it with a love of classical art.

I have been carving professionally for forty eight years, and have been teaching woodcarving and sculpture since 1986.  In 1994 I opened my own school of wood sculpture.  The Ozark Mountain School of Sculpture is currently housed in a log cabin on the family property, where the quiet, undisturbed atmosphere and close proximity to nature foster creativity. Students at all levels of sculpture are welcome in the classes. 

Over the years, I have been recognized by my peers and others for my work in carving.  The following list includes some of these awards.  

~Recognized by the state of Arkansas as a Master Artisan, and included in their apprenticeship program for the heritage 
  arts.

~Twice a nominee for Arkansas' Living Treasure Award.

~Featured in magazines, newspapers, and television.

~Judged many woodcarving shows, including the International Woodcarvers' Congress. 

~Won hundreds of ribbons and awards.

~Featured with my family in venues such as National Geographic Magazine, television documentaries, and other shows.



 
 

Gallery

     Gallery of  carvings.  

Sequoia

     My own personal Hitty

Seminars

     List of classes. 

Dolls

     The latest carved art form. 

Blanks and Roughouts

     Blanks and roughouts for sale. 

Contact

     Contact information to purchase carvings, dolls, and blanks or to schedule a class. 

Updates

      Anything new or interesting.

Hat Roy

     The story of one small doll.

Picture
Janet Cordell    
307 N Cato Springs Rd.
Fayetteville, AR 72701
479-790-1872
Hitty Aux Arc 2018 FAQS
Since many of you are asking the same questions concerning important goings on at the Hitty Aux Arc Event, we’re posting a few things concerning those questions.
DRIVE OR FLY?
Many have asked about which airport is the best for flying into the area. Here’s what we have learned.
Branson has a small and well kept airport, which is used by businessmen and travelers alike. We think it also has a rental car service. We don’t know if the local hotels provide shuttles to the hotels.
Springfield has a nice airport, larger than the one at Branson. However, the Springfield airport is about 50 miles north of Branson. It would be surprising if hotels in Branson had shuttles from Springfield, but you should call them and ask. It would be a long taxi trip, but there may be limo services.
Branson is a smallish, easy to navigate town. It is designed for driving around in. It would be a good idea if you are flying to find a couple more Hitty friends who are coming and rent a car together, which would be cheaper than using Uber or other taxis all week. Or maybe you have a friend who is driving, and you could join up and all share gas costs.
If some of you who are coming in your own cars are willing to be helpful to others, please let us know, and although we’re not providing a link up service, maybe we can make recommendations.
WHATS THE BEST HOTEL?
We are making a list to post, and will probably have it out soon. The chamber of commerce in Branson is asking for rates for us, if there are any. They have far more clout than we do, and are paid to do that job and know how to do it better. There are three hotels that are close and have good local reputations.
OUR FAVORITES based on location and trolley service:
Best Western
403 W Main St, Branson, MO 65616
The Branson Hotel
214 West Rd, Branson, MO 65616
Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing 3 Branson Landing Blvd, Branson, Mo
417-334-6464 417-544-9814 417-336-5500
Aside from these, there are many other very nice hotels, motels, bed and breakfast hotels, chain hotels, etc., in the town. An online or google map search is enlightening. If you have a rewards program for a certain hotel chain, it probably has something here.

IS THERE EDIBLE FOOD?
Yes. It’s Branson. People come to eat too much and be entertained. There is good food, bad food, food for kids, healthy food, trendy food, etc. We’re waiting for maps with restaurants and coupons. There will be STUFF in your welcome packet. And your hotel will be helpful.
THE TROLLEY
The trolley is indeed fun, and free, and comes around every 25 minutes. However, it doesn’t start until 9 a.m. and stops at 6 p.m. It goes by the three close hotels that we mentioned above, and has a stop right at Englers. There is still some walking involved. We have a plan to go up and practice riding the trolley, just to get a feel for it. And because we’ve never grown up. You can look it up online. Just search Branson Free Trolley.
https://www.ridesparky.com
IS THE SEMINAR/EVENT ROOM REALLY UPSTAIRS?
In a word, yes. It’s up one longish flight of stairs. We will help get your “stuff” upstairs. We all have to have our stuff, right? There are bathrooms and we’ll have coffee, water, and a few snacks upstairs. But, a lunch trip up and down them may also be necessary for you. We don’t care if you bring a lunch in the morning and just stay there over the lunch break, but we will all take a break from carving. Our brains need it.
An information packet and a schedule, will be sent out as soon as we get a list of attendees, after registration starts on April 2.

I had a question from someone this morning about the event sign up. If you’re coming for the event, you may be bringing someone to Branson with you who is actually not registering for the event itself. If that person is coming to the final night reception, or other activities we may plan later, we can let you know later what those charges will be. Don’t worry about sending money for the extra charges for them now. The April 2nd deadline is for your Hitty Aux Arc Event Registration only.
Send questions if you have them.
Janet

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