March 23, 2009: The Prairie Canada Carvers’ Association is pleased to announce that Harvey Welch of Saskatoon has received the Carver’s Award of Excellence for excellence and achievement in promoting and engendering the art of wildlife carving. Harvey received the prestigious award at the Association’s 23rd competition award’s banquet held March 21 at the Victoria Inn in Winnipeg.
“Harvey Welch’s service to the carving community in prairie Canada is exemplary and worthy of national recognition,” said Ted Muir, President of Prairie Canada Carvers’ Association. The one of a kind bronze sculpture presented to Harvey Welch was crafted by acclaimed wildlife artist Peter Sawatzky of Glenboro, Manitoba.
Harvey Welch has been active in the Saskatchewan carving for over 20 years. He taught carving at Red Deer College for five years and has introduced scores of carvers to the art form through mentoring sessions at his home workshop and running scores of classes in venues across the Prairie Provinces. Harvey was the driving force behind the recent formation of the Saskatchewan River Valley Art School and sits as its chairman. The school offers instruction in carving, photography and painting. It operates out of the Shekinah Retreat Centre which is located on the bank of the North Saskatchewan River, near Waldeheim.
Harvey is an accomplished competitor and has won numerous best of show awards in carving competitions throughout western Canada. He was instrumental in establishing the Saskatchewan Reflections of Nature Wildlife Art Competition Show and Sale which is now in its 19th year of operation. Reflections of Nature is western Canada’s largest wildlife art show and as one of its long time supporters Harvey has served the organization as show chairman, chief judge and fundraiser. Harvey’s commitment to community service is exemplified by the numerous carvings he donates each year to Ducks Unlimited Canada, the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation and an inner city program for disadvantaged children. Harvey has a hand in establishing the youth program. .
As noted by one of his fellow carvers “Harvey has touched and inspired more people than most of us could ever hope to. While many of us love to encourage and teach new carvers, none do with the generosity, compassion, humour and enthusiasm shown by Harvey Welch.”
One of a kind bronze sculpture presented to Harvey Welch by acclaimed wildlife artist Peter Sawatzky of Glenboro, Manitoba.
Harvey Welch can be reached at (306) 374-1184 or welchjh@shaw.ca