The 3rd annual Ohio Valley Woodcarving Expo, hosted by the River Valley Wood Carvers, took place on October 5th and 6th at the Elks Lodge of Cold Spring, KY. Building upon the resounding success of the previous year, this year’s expo welcomed 23 talented exhibitors and vendors, each eager to share their passion for woodcarving with attendees.
The expo showcased the work of artists from local carving clubs, including the Cincinnati Carvers Guild, Miami Valley Woodcarvers, and the host club, River Valley Wood Carvers. Additionally, several independent artisans displayed their unique creations, adding to the diverse and inspiring atmosphere of the event.
A highlight of the expo was the highly competitive judging event. Last year’s Best of Show winner, Gary Denzler, assisted by Ralph Cooper, served as the esteemed judge, evaluating over 80 entries across 12 categories. Teressa Balsbaugh’s exquisite butterfly wood-burning masterpiece was ultimately crowned the Best of Show, captivating the judge and attendees alike.
Another crowd-pleaser was the “Christmas Whistle” contest, where participants showcased their creativity and skill in crafting unique whistles. Rick Eskins from West Virginia emerged victorious, and all entries were generously donated to the “Ornaments for Kids” program, spreading holiday cheer to children in need.
One of the most heartwarming moments of the expo was the participation of 11-year-old Jackson Rawe. With a passion for giving back, Jackson set up a table to support the Campbell County Special Olympics, a cause close to his heart. His dedication and entrepreneurial spirit were inspiring, as he successfully raised nearly $1,500 for his sister’s charity.
The Ohio Valley Woodcarving Expo was not only a celebration of artistic talent but also a testament to the strong sense of community within the woodcarving world. It brought together individuals of all ages and backgrounds, fostering friendships and inspiring future generations of woodcarvers.
Competition winners included:
A – Realistic
1st: Teresa Balsbaugh
2nd: Peter Alderucci
3rd: Teresa Balsbaugh
B – Bird Realistic
1st: Gwen Provins
2nd: Teresa Balsbaugh
3rd: Gwen Provins
C – Aquatic Realistic
1st: Candy Lytle
2nd: Dick Belcher
D – Chip Carving
1st: Jim Calvert
2nd: Jim Calvert
3rd: Elaine Schimmel
E – Caricatures
1st: Teresa Balsbaugh
2nd: Bill Pauly
3rd: Paul Kremer
F – Mythical/Santa
1st: Bill Schneider
2nd: Robin Hahn
3rd: Jim Provins
G – Relief Carving
1st: Jim Provins
2nd: John Schneider
3rd: John Broughton
H – Ornamental & Christmas Ornament
1st: Rick Eskins
2nd: Rick Eskins
3rd: Robin Hahn
I – Stylized/Abstract
1st: John Broughton
2nd: Jackson Rawe
3rd: Candy Lytle
J – Open
1st: Robin Hahn
2nd: Rick Eskins
3rd: Teresa Balsbaugh
K – Wood Burning
1st: Teresa Balsbaugh
2nd: Gwen Provins
3rd: Dick Belcher
L – Youth
1st: Jackson Rawe
We would also like to thank this year’s sponsors who supported us financially and with prizes for our raffles:
POWER CARVER SPONSOR
Schrudde and Zimmerman, Inc. – General Contractors
HAND CARVER SPONSORS
Advantage Group Engineers – Structural Engineers
EMBOSS – Design that Makes a Mark
Crapsey & Gilles Contractors
Home Depot – Cold Spring, KY
Rockler Woodworking and Hardware – Cincinnati, OH
Plasti-Fab, Lebanon, OH
WHITTLER SPONSORS
Architect II
Eckert Welding and Erectors, Inc.
Model Group
To See all the Photos from The Ohio Valley WoodCarving Expo 2024 click the link HERE.
