Glengarry Pioneer Museum welcomes wood artisans and experts

Raleen Goyer is seen among some of her carvings and birdhouses at her home on Concession 6 in North Glengarry. Submitted Photo/Glengarry Pioneer Museum

Raleen Goyer of Concession 6 in North Glengarry will be among 25 wood artisans and at least 20 wood suppliers, manufacturers, and environmental organizations at the Glengarry Pioneer Museum's first annual wood fair and wood auction.
"I have loved working in wood since I was a child. As I progressed in my craft, working with reclaimed wood material has become a special passion," Goyer said. "I'm especially keen on this unique wood fair because it is a chance to bring a variety of people interested in wood together."
She added the auction should give her the chance to find antique wood to use in her craft.
The wood fair is scheduled for Saturday, August 29, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Glengarry Pioneer Museum in Dunvegan.
Co-sponsored by the Museum and the SD&G Certified Forest Owners Association, this unique fair and auction is an opportunity for visitors to connect with both the past and present of Eastern Ontario's wood industry. Suppliers, wood lot owners, anyone with special pieces of wood will be encouraged to bring material for auction.
Goyer, one of those specialist wood artisans, has been producing wood carving for over 25 years, since her graduation with a Fine Arts Degree from the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Montreal.
She remembers her first job after graduating was serving as an apprentice carving Louis XVI arms for furniture.
Since that time wood working has been her major source of income as she has displayed her work at a variety of markets and festivals, including the Pioneer Museum's annual Fall Harvest Festival.
Goyer is just one of 25 artisans who have signed up so far.
Besides the demonstrations of wood crafts there will be opportunities to learn about the history of the wood industry in Eastern Ontario. The Pioneer Museum will be mounting displays featuring some of the more than 55 lumber and forestry related businesses existing at the beginning of the 20th century in Glengarry County alone. As part of the Wood Fair visitors can choose from a series of workshops and see exhibits by the Raisin River and South Nation Conservation Authorities, among others. Lee Valley Tools of Ottawa will be providing materials and gift certificates.
Those interested in selling wood during the auction can contact Jim Hendry at 613-933-7671. There will be a portable saw mill on site.
The Glengarry Pioneer Museum is located in Dunvegan on County Road 24.
For more information, contact Jennifer Black, Glengarry Pioneer Museum Curator, at 613- 527-5230 or Robin Flockton at 613-525-2483.