Nelson and Cheryl Coupland’s Woodcarvers Rally 5
On Saturday and Sunday, August 30th and 31st, Nelson and Cheryl Coupland opened their home and studios for their fifth semi-annual, two day woodcarvers Rally. With Rally 6 already slated for May, 2026, Rally 5 drew approximately 24 people from across Saskatchewan, each submitting their personal creative art to display on the several tables that were set up. In addition to the friendship and comaraderie of the artists and craftsmen, there were also demonstrations on wood turning, dot painting and more.
Martensville bird carver, Cam Merkle has been woodcarving since he was six years old. With over 60 years of experience and expertise, Cam competes at the World Championship level, adding, “It’s like the Olympics of woodcarving.” Cam also has a “Razer Tip” business, “Maple & Bass,” featuring portable dust collecting units, smoke extraction units and wood burning equipment. Cam is proud that his products are manufactured in Martensville and sought worldwide.
Leo Belanger of the Regina Whittlers & Woodcarvers attended the Rally and was working on a carving of an owl. Leo was introduced to wood working on “the church steps,” in 2010 after a career in forestry and mining. For Leo this hobby led to carving the “Comfort Bird,” for the Saskatchewan Cancer Society. The lovely little carving comes complete with a message… “Hello, I am a comfort bird. I want to bring you joy, peace, and comfort when you are sad, anxious, or just need a friend. Hold me, rub me, feel my smoothness. I come to you as an expression of love and support from people who care about you. When finished with me, keep me in sight as a reminder, or pass me on to someone who might need a little comfort from you.”
Paul Perron of Grandora, is a member of the Regina Whittlers & Woodcarvers, Saskatchewan Wood Workers Guild and also teaches woodcarving through the recreation department in Martensville. Paul’s classes are open to the general public with ten sessions in both the fall and winter. Paul has been woodcarving for approximately 32 years having been introduced to woodcarving through a class in which he had carved a Father Christmas which Paul chuckles, “It cost $5 for the supplies and included all of the coffee and cookies you wanted.”
Patricia Oderkirk has been a soap stone sculptor for 34 years. During the Rally, Patricia taught a “dot” painting course. This self-taught dot painting artist first became interested in this expression of art approximately five years ago. Patricia shared, “I had lots of time. It was during COVID and my son was leaving home when I first saw a video.” Using repetition, consistency, controlled use of paint and pressure and an almost Zen like breathing, Patricia is able to produce not only gorgeous art for the eyes but also art that is incredible to the touch, as the series and depth of dots offers a second dimension to her work.
Cheryl Coupland provided a tour of their workshops and their home. With both Nelson’s and Cheryl’s woodcarvings on display, their beautiful home showcases their love of woodcarving and their talents as true artists. Both Cheryl and Nelson took their first woodcarving class back in 2000 with a “spirit of the wood” carving which was a half day class held in a backyard near Bruno, Sk. The Coupland’s would later become serious about woodcarving in 2010 while they were in Texas surrounded by three woodcarving clubs and the Texas Woodcarving Guild. They would spend the next seven winters in Texas, carving with the clubs and taking classes.
Cheryl states, “Carving is a restful craft.” Sharing an excerpt of a letter written by a hand crafter passed to her by her mother Cheryl continues, “We become focused on our work, we are calmer, for just those few moments or hours the world takes care of itself and the handwork we create brings calmness, happiness, quiet joy, mindfulness. In the end, what really matter is not how fast or slow, or by machine or by hand, but our intention and our love of the journey.”
From intricate formed and coloured flowers, to people, places, animals, Celtic symbols and patterns, religious carvings and more, each corner of the Coupland home provides something beautiful for the senses to enjoy. Many of their woodcarvings challenge the mind to believe that what the eye sees and the heart feels, was once just a piece of wood.
Article and photos credit to Paddy Meredith, printed in the Sept 8, 2025 issue of the Foam Lake Review, Published by A Squared Printing Company.
