This weekend, the Western Pennsylvania Woodcarvers Association will celebrate their 10th… This weekend, the Western Pennsylvania Woodcarvers Association will celebrate their 10th annual woodcarving show, displaying intricate and creative wood models as an art form. The sole purpose of this association is to promote woodcarving. Carvers nationwide join to display their works, socialize and join in friendly competition.

Upon researching woodcarving, I found that there are specific wood products suitable for carving, such as Cyprus knees, Diamond willow and exotic wood. There are patterns to follow and catalogs used to create works of wood art. There are also woodcarving tools used by beginners and advanced carvers.

This event is sponsored by Mon Yough Woodcarvers from Elizabeth, Pa., Pittsburgh Woodcarvers and Beaver Valley Woodcarvers. Previous years’ shows attracted woodcarvers from the Pittsburgh area, Ohio, West Virginia, New York and Michigan.

Woodcarving is an old-world tradition; the event gathers carvers of all ages to join in social and artistic events. This year will once again feature carvers competing in 11 categories. Carvers will be evaluated on best carvings in wildlife, caricature, real life, waterfowl, birds, relief and chip carving. Demonstrations and techniques on fine woodcarving will also be part of the weekend festivities.

The event will include hand-carved door prizes, carving exhibitions and a carving contest with cash prizes and ribbons.

If interested in exhibiting a woodcarving work of your own, contact Pete Waslis at (412) 384-6867. For more information on woodcarving in general, visit the informative Web site www.woodcarving.org.

The Western Pennsylvania Woodcarvers Association 2003 Show will take place on Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Castle Shannon Volunteer Fire Department. Admission is $2. For more information, call (412) 469-2903.