BEREA, KY – Every Wednesday morning at the Madison County Public Library, something remarkable happens: the quiet hum of a public library is joined by the soft scrape of carving knives, the gentle rasp of sandpaper, and the lively sound of a fiddle.
Welcome to Woodcarver Wednesday, a weekly gathering where talented woodcarvers from around the Berea area come together to demonstrate their craft—and where visitors are invited to pull up a chair, watch, ask questions, and enjoy the music.
A Living Craft Tradition
The Berea Woodcarvers meet every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon in the Fireplace Area of the library’s Berea location at 319 Chestnut Street. The group is a mix of seasoned carvers and those still learning the craft, united by a love of working with wood and a willingness to share their knowledge.
Woodcarving is one of Berea’s longstanding craft traditions, passed down through generations of Appalachian artisans. Some carvers learned from their fathers or grandfathers, picking up a knife as children and never putting it down. Others came to the craft later in life, drawn by the meditative rhythm of shaping wood and the satisfaction of creating something beautiful with their hands.
The carvers work on a variety of projects—whittled animals, walking sticks, intricate relief carvings, decorative bowls, and functional pieces. Some are works in progress that will take weeks or months to complete. Others are quick studies, carved and finished in a single morning.
Fiddle Music and Friendly Conversation
What sets Woodcarver Wednesday apart from other craft demonstrations is the live fiddle music that often accompanies the carving. A local fiddler joins the group, playing traditional Appalachian tunes that fill the library with the sounds of Kentucky’s musical heritage.
The combination of woodcarving and fiddle music is no accident. Both are deeply rooted in the region’s craft traditions, and both require patience, skill, and a deep respect for the materials—whether wood or strings.
The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. Carvers are happy to answer questions about their work, explain techniques, and share stories about how they learned their craft. It’s not uncommon for visitors to leave inspired to try carving themselves.
An Invitation to Watch and Learn
Woodcarver Wednesday is free and open to the public. No registration is required—just stop by the Fireplace Area of the Madison County Public Library’s Berea location any Wednesday morning between 10 a.m. and noon.
Whether you’re a longtime admirer of woodcarving, curious about traditional Appalachian crafts, or simply looking for a peaceful way to spend a Wednesday morning, the Berea Woodcarvers welcome you.
Bring your questions. Bring your curiosity. And if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a fiddle tune or two while you watch the wood take shape.
The Madison County Public Library is located at 319 Chestnut Street in downtown Berea. Parking is available on Chestnut Street and in nearby public lots.
For more information, contact the library at 859-986-7112 or visit madisonlibrary.org.