2008 C.C.A. National Caricature Carving Competition

By Bob Travis & Randy Landen

Photography by Carl Saathoff

The 6th Annual Caricature Carvers of America’s National Caricature Carving Competition was held last September in Converse, Indiana. Some of the nation’s best caricature carvers entered one hundred and seventeen outstanding carvings. In what could only be described as an arduous task, the judges selected first through fifth place winners in each of 15 different categories, along with the Best-of-Show and two runners up to the Best-of-Show.

Best-of-Show winner was Wayne Shinlever of Knoxville, TN for his Sleepy Santa entry. Wayne received $300 and a custom carved Best-of-Show trophy by CCA member Peter Ortel.

Second Best-of-Show and $200 went to Ryan Olsen of Melba, ID for Do I Have a Volunteer. Ryan’s humorous scene was also first in class.

Robert Stadtlander of Wellsville, NY claimed Third Best-of-Show and $100 for his Civil War Drummer.

First place winners in the various categories included Don Mertz, Ryan Olsen, Wayne Shinlever, Robert Stadtlander, Jim DuPont, Tom Ellis, Bruce Futterer, Rusty Johnson, Sandy Smith, and Roger Stegall Sr.

Plans are well underway for the 2009 CCA National Caricature Carving Competition, which will be held in Converse, Indiana. It’s never too early to start planning your entries. Judging is scheduled for Thursday, August 27. Carvings must be received by August 26th, with walk-in entries accepted until 4:00 p.m. on August 26, 2009.

Just a reminder that there is no entry fee, and no limit to the number of carvings or categories a carver may enter.

For information on the competition categories, entry forms, competition rules or other questions:

• Visit the CCA’s website HERE
• Contact either Randy Landen at P.O. Box 565, Derby, KS 676037, phone (316) 788-0175, or e-mail: rlanden@prodigy.net - or
• Tom Brown, P.O. Box 221, Converse, IN 46919, phone (765) 395-3461, or e-mail suziq2848@sbcglobal.net

To visit the 2008 Winners Gallery Click HERE