The Caricature Carvers of America's 2002 National Caricature Carving Competition and Exhibit was held September 7 through October 26, 2002 at Silver Dollar City. in Branson, Missouri. This exciting new competition was one of the featured events at the Festival of American Music and Craftsmanship. The woodcarving event included the first national competition for caricature carvings, an exhibit of carvings by members of the CCA, daily woodcarving demonstrations, and a silent auction featuring 25 original carvings donated by the CCA to benefit the Silver Dollar City Foundation.
Labor Day weekend a team of judges including Harold Enlow, Randy Landen, Harley Schmitgen, and Steve Prescott judged over 150 entries. The top five carvings in each of ten categories received specially designed ribbons, as did the winners of the People's Choice Award, the CCA Merit Award, Best-of-Show, 2nd Best-of-Show, and 3rd Best-of-Show. Winners also received over $2,600.00 in cash awards, presented during the Award Reception held on October 26th. Best-of-Show winner James Fecteau was awarded a custom trophy made by Harley Schmitgen and Pete LeClair.
The Caricature Carvers of America donated twenty-five original woodcarvings to benefit the Silver Dollar City Foundation. The carvings were sold in a silent auction that culminated on the final day of the exhibit; the auction raised over $4,800.00 for the Foundation. The Silver Dollar City Foundation is a non-profit organization which provides services to children, individuals, and families in need.
On October 26th, approximately 300 guests attended
the Awards Reception at the Carousel Barn, which housed the exhibit.
The ceremony marked the end of the silent auction and voting for
the People's Choice Award.
The members of CCA extend sincere thanks go to the fantastic sponsors
for their generous support. Supporters for this first year's competition
included:
Silver Dollar City; Heinecke Wood Products (Dale & Marge Heinecke); The Woodcraft Shop (Larry & Carol Yudis); Valley Road Woodcarvers; Central Massachusetts Caricature Carvers; Woodcarving Rendezvous (Ed & Karole Zinger); Capital Woodcarvers; Rossiter's Ruff-Outs; John & Hazel Chaney; Phil & Vicki Bishop; Will & Kay Hayden; Tom & Suzi Brown; Dave Stetson & Michele Carville; Harley Schmitgen & Midge Johnson; Ozark Mountain Woodcarvers; Chip Chats Magazine; and Woodcarving Illustrated.
2002 Competition WinnersThe 2003 National Caricature Carving Competition will be held at Dollywood, located in beautiful Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Caricature carvers of every skill level are encouraged to participate. Entry is free to any interested caricature carver. Carvings must be received at Dollywood between Sept. 1 and Sept. 19, 2003.
For a brochure detailing the competition rules, categories, times, dates, and shipping instructions, please contact the CCA at:
Closed judging will take place on Sept. 24, 2003, with the exhibit opening to the public on Friday September 26, 2003. Members of the CCA will host an Awards Reception at Dollywood on Sept. 27th. You are cordially invited to attend.
Plans are also underway for a series of woodcarving seminars in conjunction with the opening of the exhibit at Dollywood. Details are still being finalized. Watch for more information here, in Chip Chats, and at the CCA website.