All Inclusive* 2-night Program Starting At:
$495/person - Double Occupancy
$645/person - Single Occupancy
* Includes lodging, meals, program activities and access to optional daily activities and recreational equipment. Learn More about the Great Camp Sagamore experience.
Program Overview
Discover the timeless craft of woodcarving in the heart of the Adirondacks with master carvers Rick and Ellen Bütz. Together, they bring over 40 years of experience and have co-authored and photographed seven woodcarving books.
Rick, known nationally for his long-running PBS series on woodcarving, offers decades of expertise, clear instruction, and a deep love for the traditional handicraft. Ellen wrote the scripts and served as production coordinator for six seasons of the Public Television show Woodcarving with Rick Bütz. She is also one of Great Camp Sagamore’s historical tour guides, adding rich context about Sagamore’s history and Adirondack culture and connecting your carving experience to the broader story of the region’s artisans, guides, and makers. Rick and Ellen co-instruct the course, providing personalized guidance to help both new and experienced carvers complete their projects.
Over the course of this immersive workshop, participants will learn foundational carving techniques and safe tool handling while creating a handheld miniature loon to take home. All tools and materials needed for the project are provided.
Between carving sessions, you’ll have time to enjoy Great Camp Sagamore’s historic setting and natural beauty—walk the grounds, join a guided tour, relax by the lake, or explore nearby trails. This program includes additional studio time on Sunday after checkout to finish your project, as well as a buffet lunch before departure.
Program Activities
Instruction from nationally recognized woodcarvers Rick and Ellen Bütz
Learn to carve and paint a realistic miniature Loon, symbol of the Adirondack Wilderness.
Learn carving fundamentals, tool use, and safe techniques
Create your own carved miniature loon from start to finish
All materials and tools provided
For beginning and intermediate woodcarvers aged 16 to adult.
Optional historic site tours and free time to enjoy Sagamore’s amenities
Additional studio time and buffet lunch are included before departure on Sunday
Program Instructors
Rick & Ellen Bütz
Rick: After 25 years in a successful woodcarving business, Richard chose a lateral transition into a new career. He gained acceptance into Albany Medical College and became a Physician Assistant. He had the pleasure of serving our Veterans medical needs for many years, retiring in 2016 to return to woodcarving. It has been a valuable and rewarding experience.
Ellen: As a full-time woodcarver Ellen co-authored and photographed 7 instructional books on carving. She wrote the scripts and acted as production coordinator for six seasons of the Public Television show Woodcarving with Rick Bütz. In 1997 she became Executive Director of the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts. In 2006 she accepted the position of Executive Director of the Lower Adirondack Region Arts Council in Glens Falls. In this role she increased funding for regional arts programs, and partnered with government and business leaders to promote community economic development through the arts. She retired in 2016 to return to the life of a working artist.
Photo Gallery
