Caricature Carvers of America 2009 National Carving Competition

By Bob Travis

The 2009 CCA Annual Caricature Carving Competition, held in Converse, IN was our biggest ever. Over 180 phenomenal carvings competed for cash prizes along with the coveted "Best-of-Show" trophy.

The 2009 Best-of-Show award and trophy was awarded to Gary Cichy, for an absolutely incredible caricature fish scene entitled Stuffed to the Gills. Gary had a second entry in the competition, also a caricature fish scene, entitled Lure Collector. Both entries were in the same category, so while both were world-class carvings, only one could place first, ultimately winning Best-of-Show. Our organization was deeply saddened to learn that Gary died in a work-related accident several weeks after the competition. Several of our CCA members had the pleasure of meeting Gary during the past two years as he competed in carving competitions. Besides being a great carver, he was a genuinely nice guy, and his death is a tremendous loss to the carving community.

The CCA’s 2010 National Caricature Carving Competition will be judged on August 26, 2010. The application and complete rules are posted on our web site at www.cca-carvers.org . For additional information you may contact Vicki Bishop at bishop7333 AT sbcglobal DOT net .
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To visit a Photo Gallery of the winning carvings, click HERE