Woodcarvers Craft 37th Annual Show and Sale
The Oglebay Woodcarvers Guild of Wheeling will hold its 37th annual wood carving show and sale at Oglebay Park’s Pine Room from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and next Sunday.
This event is free and open to the general public. Visitors may stroll by 48 tables to scrutinize the wood sculptures and whittlings of many talented local and visiting carvers.
Show chairman Clark Adams said, “Upon entry, each visitor will receive a free raffle ticket for a chance to win a nice locally-produced carving.” Drawings will be once an hour during the show and the winner must be present to win.
“Talented carvers from many states will join the local carving group as they come together to showcase their artistic creations from various species of wood. All types of carvings from large to tiny and of all descriptions will be displayed with most offered for sale,” said Joe Hodorowski, longtime member from Bellaire and club corresponding secretary.
Member Bill Baker from Pittsburgh will present a table of his collection of colorful and finely detailed Santa’s figures. He and his wife, Theresa, travel Thursday mornings to the guild’s home in Stifel Fine Arts Center, 1330 National Road, Wheeling, to enjoy the friendship and to teach other carvers.
Local favorite carver Jim Showalter of Wheeling will again occupy the first table as he has done for many years to show his collection of top quality carvings, especially high-top shoes. An attractive array of completed and colored chainsaw hewed carvings by Jeff and Malinda Hankey from Latrobe, Pa., will be displayed and sold.
Many colorful caricature carvings can be found, especially those of Hodorowski who specializes in this type of carving. Most unusual carvings can be found by locating Richard Kent of Beaver Falls, Pa., and his display of face carvings on sewing spools and deer antlers. Displays by retired educator John Tomaszewski of New Martinsville range from caricatures to a rusty wood pump and a realistic watering can. Walt Thompson of Lake City, Pa., brings a collection of realistic ducks.
Also displayed are horses, flowers, relief carved pictures, carved golf balls, pumpkins, bark carvings, spoons, pyrography scenes, canes, walking sticks and Santa figures.
Vendors will be selling many carving-related tools and aids. Various species of carving wood will be sold by Jim Lukens of Knightstown, Ind. A vast display of carving supplies and tools will be sold by Bob Stadtlander of Mantua, Ohio. The local club will be selling used carving and woodworking magazines and some hardbound bird carving books.
Outside on the lawn, chainsaw carving artist Jeff Roscoe of Flushing can be found by the roar of his saw as he skillfully transforms tree logs into striking carved bears, cardinals, lighthouses or owls, which will be available for sale. With weather cooperation, a tent on the lawn will feature demonstrations of various carving skills and tool sharpening during show hours.
Food and drinks will be available from the Oglebay Park concession counter directly inside the Pine Room.
The local club will be selling raffle tickets with two top prizes. The first drawing will be for a carved and framed quilt pattern picture and the second drawing will be for one week’s lodging at a deluxe cabin in Oglebay Park. Then drawings will be held for two second prizes of $100 and three third prizes of $50 Oglebay gift cards. The drawings to be held at the conclusion of the show on Sunday; winners are not required to be present.
The Oglebay Woodcarvers Guild is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of the art of woodcarving through instruction, exhibitions and demonstrations. Membership is drawn from the tri-state region of West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania. The club meets twice weekly (Monday evening and Thursday morning) for carving sessions at Stifel Center.
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