On October 24–25, 2024, Archbold, Ohio, hosted the 39th Annual Sauder Village Woodcarvers Show & Sale, the Midwest’s premier gathering of wood artisans. Held in Founder’s Hall, this juried exhibition showcased dozens of skilled woodcarvers, woodworkers, and woodturners presenting one-of-a-kind pieces—from intricate figurines and sculptures to wood-burned and turned works. Visitors had the opportunity to browse the exhibits and purchase directly from the artists.
This year’s show featured 34 exhibitors and vendors. The award winners were:
Best of Show:
- 1st: Babe Middleton – Gadwall Duck Decoy
- 2nd: Roger Strautman – Chip Carving Panel
- 3rd: Jim Brace – Male Bluebill Carving
Merit Awards:
- Woodcarving: Ron Vance
- Woodworking: Will Hinton
- Woodturning: Ted Fisher
Award of Excellence (Table Award):
- Ralph Cooper
- Jon Harwood
- Tom and Desiree Gilbert
Carver’s Choice:
- Darlene Morris
People’s Choice:
- Ron Vance
River Valley Woodcarver Ralph Cooper participated, exhibiting his hiking stick carvings inspired by Aesop’s Fables. The two-day event drew a strong crowd, with attendees admiring a wide range of beautiful carvings and turnings.
Attendees of the 2025 Ohio Valley Woodcarvers Show may recall that Ron Vance of Cincinnati, Ohio, earned Best of Show for his Bible Stick carving.
