Woodcarver is center’s artist of the month

Greg Young, an accomplished wood carver, is the Cedarburg Cultural Center’s November artist-in-residence.

Young picked up carving while serving as a pastor in Germantown.

“My wife always loved hand-carved Santas, so I took a carving class at a hardware store,” Young said. “I cut myself almost immediately — but something clicked for me, and I began carving my own designs.”

Over the years, his passion has evolved into an accomplished art practice. He is the author of “Carving Bottlestoppers” and contributed to “Fireplace and Mantle Ideas” by John Lehman. His work and tutorials have also been featured in Woodcarving Illustrated and Whittling magazines.

Woodcarving, Young said, is an important creative outlet in contrast to his work responding to crises and trauma. He is the chaplain, trainer and debriefer for the Germantown Police Department and a retired FBI chaplain. 

He is also a nationally recognized trainer in post-traumatic growth, cumulative stress and moral injury and has provided psychological support and debriefings following crises including the Sandy Hook, Sikh Temple and Azana Spa mass shootings.

Young will demonstrate his craft from noon to 5 p.m. Nov. 1, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22 at the center.

He will also teach two woodcarving classes.

“Wedged-In” will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Nov. 11 and 18. The course is a lighthearted project for beginners to carve a whimsical bear wedged in a log. The fee is $75 for center members and $89 for nonmembers. 

There is also a $10 fee for tools and supplies.

His carving class “It’s Santa!” will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Dec. 2 and 9.

For details and registration, call (262) 375-3676 or visit www.cedarburgculturalcenter.org and click on the Classes tab.

The center is at W62 N546 Washington Ave.