Special Caricature Carvers Demonstration

Date: September 22, 2012 – one day only
Time: 1 to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free with regular Museum admission ($10 adults; $5 youths ages 6-17; free for children ages 5 and under)

Following the opening of the fanciful new "Whittle Stop: A Cast of Caricatures on a Wild West Train" exhibit at the California State Railroad Museum, a special, one-day-only caricature carvers demonstration will take place this Saturday afternoon in the Lobby Gallery. Museum guests will have the unique opportunity to watch skilled crafters demonstrate their expertise and talk about their specialized craft where they meticulously begin transforming a block of wood into a comical creation, delighting Museum visitors along the way! The fun and fanciful new exhibit is an intricately detailed set of wooden sculptures forming an 1880s era steam train from engine to caboose. In between are a handcar, water tower, train station depot, railroad crossing gate and a cadre of more than 40 humorous characters from all walks of life in the West. The display was whittled, sculpted and meticulously painted by a group of more than two dozen dedicated members of the Caricature Carvers of America who spent countless hours working on their labor of love. In addition to viewing the new exhibit and watching the carving demonstration, interested Museum visitors can purchase copies of a compelling book titled Carving an 1880s Western Train, Its Passenger & Crew that chronicles the special project and is available in the Museum store. Visitors may even want to get books signed by the carvers during the special visit. For more information about this exhibit, demonstration or other events, activities and exhibits at the Railroad Museum, please visit