On Friday, October 3, 2025, the University of Dayton Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (UDOLLI) invited River Valley Woodcarvers member Ralph Cooper to present a two-hour seminar on woodcarving, carving tools, and his walking sticks inspired by Aesop’s Fables.
UDOLLI is a noncredit continuing-education program for adults aged 50 and over. Its seminars cover a wide range of topics—history, literature, science, art, religion, health, current events, and more. Classes are informal, peer-led, and discussion-based. UDOLLI is highly member-driven: participants help plan and lead seminars, serve on committees, and volunteer in various roles.
Mr. Cooper’s seminar, titled “Carving Aesop – Crafting Wisdom: Walking Sticks Inspired by Aesop’s Fables,” focused on three main topics:
- Types of woodcarving
- Tools of woodcarving
- Walking sticks inspired by Aesop’s Fables
His primary goals were to:
- Introduce participants to woodcarving as an art form—and possibly a new hobby
- Explain the variety of tools used in woodcarving
- Describe the specific techniques used in his own carvings
- Explore the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a creative tool
Mr. Cooper brought 18 of his walking sticks and discussed in detail the creative process behind five of them. He also showcased other types of woodcarvings through slides and physical examples, including pieces from fellow River Valley Woodcarvers.
The seminar was well received, with participants actively engaged and asking numerous questions. Due to the positive response, UDOLLI has invited Mr. Cooper to return in Spring 2026 to present the seminar again.
