Featured Artists: Dwight and Jalene Vance
Dwight and Jalene Vance share their time between Dwight’s roots in Texas and Jalene’s childhood in Escalante. Indeed, during the summer months, you can find them just a stone’s throw from the ECAF tents, carving intricate wood pieces in Jalene’s childhood home.
Dwight was introduced to carving by Boulder resident Larry Davis in the summer of 2001. Dwight enjoyed it so much that he encouraged Jalene, and she began carving the following year. They found a club in Austin, Texas, to join, which holds weekly meetings and offers seminars throughout the year with a variety of teachers covering different subject matters in various locations. Each show includes one day for displays to be judged with ribbons and certificates as awards. The Vances have earned dozens of awards for their creations.
Dwight enjoys carving characters and birds. He is currently working on a snake cane and a Santa. Each year, he carves a new Santa for Jalene in time for Christmas. She now has a large collection.
Jalene prefers relief and wood burning. She has recently begun carving in the round and last summer carved several spoons. She is currently working on a Santa. They have each inundated friends and family with wooden gifts.
They attend the Woodcarvers Guild in Kerrville, Texas, the Coastal Bend Show in Arkansas Pass, Texas, and the Creed Rendezvous in Creed, Colorado.