On May 2nd and 3rd the Corn Belt Carving Club of McLean County Illinois held the 9th annual Sculptures in Wood Carving Show and Sale at the Challenger Learning Center in Bloomington, Illinois. About 25 carvers gathered amid the vintage aircraft and NASA Learning Center to showcase their talents in woodcarving.

The Corn Belt Carving Club has been hosting the show to promote the art and beauty of woodcarving to the general public and other woodworkers. The club also teaches a beginners woodcarving class in association with the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department, as well as teaching woodcarving to scouts, school groups, and clubs.

Mike Hartlzler,far left, club president, chats with founding members Jim Ego and Bob Diebert at the show.

The Woodcraft Shop of Bettendorf, Iowa and Jim Hart of Turtle Lake Wisconsin were on hand to supply tools, books, wood and all the supplies needed by the carvers. They each enjoyed a busy weekend.
Snacks and coffee were supplied by the club and lunch was made available by the staff of the Challenger Learning Center.

A raffle was held to help offset the show expenses which included 8 items hand carved by the Corn Belt Carving Club members. Included were 2 sets of six Christmas ornaments, 2 nativity sets, Santa Claus, green wing teal decoy, realistic quail, and a wood turned bowl with a carved lid.

Click here for pictures of the raffle items...

A carving contest was held with the public serving as judges. Best of show was won by Greg Taylor with his Duck Hen,

 George Ginger was second best of show with a Humming Bird, Rich Young gathered third place with his Bull Rider,

 Jack Barger took fourth place with a dragon. In addition to ribbons a cash prize was awarded to the winners.

Other Winners were awarded to the following carvers:
First place in relief was won by Jack Barger with Sasquatch and second by Harold Olds with Old Man.

Abstract category was won by Harold Olds with a Walking Stick with Rich Young taking second with a Chocolate Pringle.

Chip carver Rich Young took first place with a chip carved vase.

Realistic Animal was won by Sylvia Banks with a Cheetah and Harold Olds Squirrel took second.

Caricature carvers were Rich Young with a Camel and Harold Olds with a Sea Captain.

Birds and Fish was won by Greg Taylor (above - Best of Show) with his duck Hen with Harold olds taking second with his Crappie.

Realistic Human was won by Rich Young with his carving of a girl carrying apples and Harold olds monk came in second.

Group carving featured a Bull Rider by Rich Young taking first (above - second best of show) and a mother bear  with her cub by Harold Olds taking second.

Mythical carving by Rich Young of a forest Fawn won first place with Dave Thomas Wood Spirit face winning second place.

The Miscellaneous category was won by Jack Barger with his ornate clock and Jay Blair took second place with his butterfly carving.